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I have a 56 F100 that was built 30 yrs ago. Still looks and drives nice, but I would like to change it up some. When they build the truck, they clipped the front with a Camaro clip. In doing that they also moved the fender opening 6 inches forward to center the wheels, so now the wheelbase in 116 inches. I'm not much on suspension clipping so I'm considering doing a frame conversion. I have a very low mileage 1989 Lincoln town car complete with a wheelbase of 117 inches. Think I might be able to fudge 1/2 inch on both ends. My concern is I'm not sure of the track width. I've looked all over the web trying to find track dimensions with no luck. Has anyone done a swap like this who can give me advice?
The reason why I'm considering on doing this is because I plan on using engine, transmission, rear end, steering, brake, fuel, and electrical systems.
Thanks.
Chopped top to boot. You say it drives nice. I would have a professional check out the Camaro Clip job and if it is structurally sound, I would work with what you have, but maybe watch the speed bumps. With enough time, money, equipment and skills I am sure you could pull off the frame swap, but man what a lot of work.
Frame swaps are never as easy as one might think. There are many of these for sale out there in various states of disrepair. Abandoning the project seems to be the norm. Here is a thread on this forum that just got started on the subject: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...can-do-it.html
You might be better off finding an unmolested F1 or F2 and swap the powertrain components. There are lots of aftermarket suspension parts available for these very tough, sturdy and well made frames that will make the truck stop, handle and be a much better driver.
I've done builds, Frame off 1956 F100, 1958 Nash Metropolitan and now doing a 1959 Nash Metropolitan Convertible. All in which involved suspension swap & welding, wiring, brake and fuel system routing.
I'm thinking a frame swap may be a little easier and less time consuming I hope. Main reason for the swap is for the matched fuel injected 302, AOD transmission, rear end and a better ride. Not to mention the 351 Cleveland sucks gas (12 MPG) where friends of mine have injected 302's with AOD in their F1's and getting 21 MPG.
Another reason is because the Camaro front is a little off center, meaning, the left wheel is about 1 inch to towards the outside.
The green 56 was a frame off with Volare front with added Rack & Pinion, narrowed New Yorker rear end, 383 Plymouth and 737 trans. So I'm thinking a frame swap won't be that bad.
I just wanted to know if anyone has used a 1989 Lincoln Town Car Frame. Like I mentioned in my first post, I've looked all over the web for frame dimensions and have not found any so I know what I'm getting into before I tare the truck apart.
Why would you want to put a truck on a car platform, if you've done all this builds why not swap the motor and transmission into what you have. How does the truck handle as it is now..If ride height is a concern does it have drop spindles on it ..I don't see a green truck either...?? I am pretty sure the track width of that car is 64 inches wide though..
Why would you want to put a truck on a car platform, if you've done all this builds why not swap the motor and transmission into what you have. How does the truck handle as it is now..If ride height is a concern does it have drop spindles on it ..I don't see a green truck either...?? I am pretty sure the track width of that car is 64 inches wide though..
My '53 F100 has a '89 Lincoln front frame clip under it. If you look at the car frame, just behind the engine compartment the frame flares out almost to the door sills, this would put it out under the running boards of the truck. Also the frame does a major kick-up at the rear for the coil spring/ 4 bar suspension, this would mean raising the bed floor a considerable amount. My truck has the rear-end from the same Lincoln sitting on '88 Ranger springs, rides and drives like a dream.
My '53 F100 has a '89 Lincoln front frame clip under it. If you look at the car frame, just behind the engine compartment the frame flares out almost to the door sills, this would put it out under the running boards of the truck. Also the frame does a major kick-up at the rear for the coil spring/ 4 bar suspension, this would mean raising the bed floor a considerable amount. My truck has the rear-end from the same Lincoln sitting on '88 Ranger springs, rides and drives like a dream.
Do you have pics of the front end whit wheels on it. I'm wondering how far out the wheels come out. Thanks
Very nice. So what happened to it? Who did the work?
I traded the truck for a 32 Vicky. (fiberglass car). Owned the Vicky 4 yrs. Then I traded it for the chopped 56 F100.
I did the build on the green 56. Frame off. Only work I didn't do was the windshield install and back glass. A friend of mine did the door panels and seat. From what I'm reading on this post about the Lincoln frame being too wide, looks like I just may stick with what I got and just change the engine & trans.
I would find another factory frame and upgrade the suspension. Frame swaps can be done, I have done them and am in the middle of another one now, but really I have found no real time savings over upgrading the factory frame. I am currently putting a 60 F100 on a 2007 CV police car chassis, but the only reason I did it was the whole bottom of the 60 was rotted away so it was considered junk and I needed to use the CV floor and firewall. It takes major cutting to put a pickup on a car chassis, not a big deal with a rust bucket, but something with a solid body I would start with an original frame. IMO the 56 on a car chassis will be worth a fraction of one with an upgraded original frame. Just my opinion.
Frame Swap
