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‘48-‘60 Chassis Interchange

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Old Jan 22, 2020 | 10:54 AM
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‘48-‘60 Chassis Interchange

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.)
 
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Old Jan 22, 2020 | 11:04 AM
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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.
 
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Old Jan 22, 2020 | 11:11 AM
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Originally Posted by CharlieLed
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.
 
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Old Jan 22, 2020 | 11:16 AM
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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..
 
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Old Jan 22, 2020 | 11:35 AM
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Originally Posted by 56panelford
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.
 
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Old Jan 22, 2020 | 11:52 AM
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Hey, AtomiCapricorn. Welcome to FTE!

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.
 
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Old Jan 22, 2020 | 11:57 AM
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Awesome, thanks so much!!
 
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Old Jan 22, 2020 | 12:28 PM
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Originally Posted by AtomiCapricorn
Awesome, thanks so much!!
where are you located? I have a couple in Akron Ohio
 
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Old Jan 22, 2020 | 02:33 PM
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I found one in Oregon, and it should be here in mid-February. Thanks for the offer, though!!
 
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Old Jan 22, 2020 | 03:12 PM
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Originally Posted by EffieTrucker
Hey, AtomiCapricorn. Welcome to FTE! Here are the overall dimensions on the three frames: .
You Sir are a gentleman and my hero of the day, ... nice thing you did there !

Atom: This is one frame that you can not have:


 
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Old Jan 22, 2020 | 03:33 PM
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Nice to see another panel truck/money pit. 😄 What are you running in it?
 
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Old Jan 22, 2020 | 04:40 PM
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Originally Posted by AtomiCapricorn
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? .

 
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Old Jan 22, 2020 | 06:38 PM
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I have the extensions from my panels frame seeing as I didn't need them when I did the frame swap but you can buy the extensions anyways..
 
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Old Jan 23, 2020 | 06:30 AM
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Thanks, guys. I found another one that’s a bit more local to me, it’s about 50 miles away. If I can get this on, then I’ll cancel the one in Oregon.

Yep, I knew about the extensions. If I can, I’ll reuse the ones on my butchered frame. If not, Mid-Fifty will get more of my money.
 
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Old Mar 12, 2020 | 12:11 PM
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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.
 
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