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Am I correct in assuming that ‘48-‘60 chassis are nearly, if not completely, identical? I’m having a hard time finding a ‘53-‘56 short box frame locally, so I thought maybe I’d look and see if ‘48-‘52 or ‘57-‘60 would work, but can’t find a definitive answer. Any help is appreciated. (I have a ‘56 panel truck, but the frame has been butchered with a Camaro clip up front and a ridiculously huge C-notch in the rear.)
They are not identical, early F1 frames are narrower and later F100s have a wider stance. You may want to consider an aftermarket chassis, lots of manufacturers on the West Coast.
They are not identical, early F1 frames are narrower and later F100s have a wider stance. You may want to consider an aftermarket chassis, lots of manufacturers on the West Coast.
Thanks, Charlie. No aftermarket chassis in my future. Way too expensive. I’ll just keep looking for an original.
48- 52 are 2 inches narrower from the firewall forward, cab mounts are completely different. 53-56 are the same throughout but the rear springs are longer on the 55-56. 57-60 I can't really speak for but there is bound to be changes seeing as it went to the square body..
48- 52 are 2 inches narrower from the firewall forward, cab mounts are completely different. 53-56 are the same throughout but the rear springs are longer on the 55-56. 57-60 I can't really speak for but there is bound to be changes seeing as it went to the square body..
Thanks!! Either I find a proper frame, or I repair this one. Not really looking forward to the latter.
Here are the overall dimensions on the three frames: 48-52 Frame
53-56 Frame (there is a difference in the rear springs in 56)
This does not show the cab mounts, but there are a set of "wings" similar to the front mounts on the 48-52 above.
57-? Frame
Sorry there are not more dimensions in these drawings. But they give you the general idea.
Nice to see another panel truck/money pit. 😄 What are you running in it?
Snow ! It's the next project in waiting, buying parts a bit. I have a 5.0l HO for it.
In regards to the frame, the I think the Panel frame is longer, it has some extensions built on to the pick up fame.
If you still end up needing one there was a bare pick up frame just across the border in British Columbia for sale.
I thought about getting it as a spare but the guy was being difficult, I see that the listing is gone now, but probably still there? .
I ended up getting the frame that was more local to me. Unfortunately, I had to buy not only the frame, but the cab, doors, and hood that were on it. If anyone needs a ‘53-‘55 cab, doors, or hood let me know.
I’m currently replacing the firewall and cowls in my truck.
