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new to the forum. I was lucky enough to work with a guy had too many projects and handed this one off to me. Its one complete modified frame and 2 that were in accidents. Theres what used to be i think a ‘53 cab with short bed and a ‘56 cab.
im excited to start this thing but with 3 kids the financial portion will mean it will be an extremely slow process. My goal at the moment is to assemble the pieces i do have and create a shopping lost of things i need.
ill attach some pictures of whats been done so far by the previous owner (dodge aspen fsi and ford 9” rear). Im curious if swapping to the crown vic fsi makes more sense for space requirements and what i think is a cleaner look. My experience welding/fabricating is minimal at best but i like to think i can manage.
i just wanted to introduce myself and the build and hope i can use you experts as a good resource.
my main starting questions are if its worth swapping the fsi to a crown vic and is it worth getting the complete floor pan assembly vs the individual parts
thanks and happy to meet every Cabs are mostly solid from 4” up. Corners and floors are gone Ford 9” rear Dodge aspen/volera front end
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Welcome to the forum! Looking at the pile of stuff you have there, I'm not sure if your work mate is a friend or enemy, or if you're lucky or not. There could be more misery than project. Let's get the first big question out of the way. Did any of this stuff come with paperwork and titles? I'm not sure how sticky the law is where you live about vehicle titles, but if you need one and don't have one, I wouldn't recommend investing one dollar into your parts pile until you can figure out the legal stuff first. If you can't title and license it when you're done, you're just throwing money away into a pile of scrap
That being said, the frame with the mopar front end doesn't look too bad. If it's been put together properly, it's as good a starting place as any. While it's not the first choice of builders today, once upon a time it was the 'go to' and there's a lot of them out there driving comfortably and successfully. If you really don't want to use it, sell it as is and put the cash towards something else. I certainly wouldn't cut it up to scab something else in it's place. Start with a fresh frame if you want a different suspension.
My other best advice regarding the cabs would be to look for a better one and not waste time and money on anything that is missing the entire bottom half. Without reference points and trying to graft ill fitting aftermarket parts into nothing, it will be nearly impossible to get it straight and square and have it sitting on the frame with the doors closing and fitting correctly, especially for a body work novice. The money you'll spend on patch panels will buy a good cab, and save you a ton of head scratching and cursing.
All that said, good luck with your decisions. I hope this was helpful as it is intended more than discouraging, but you've come here for the straight scoop, and this is my best advice based on 50 years of messing with this old junk.
Yup its a bit of a doozy. There is paperwork and my state is easy enough to get it titled, at least compared to other states
The cab is definitely rough but im hoping to save it, prices for cabs in my area is a little nuts so im hoping to invest in saving this piece rather than letting it go to the scrap yard (time may change my mind).
The bed is actually pretty solid, so between that and the frame im counting myself lucky for now
im glad to hear the mopar fsi is decent enough and i appreciate the input
Your first challenge will be titling your truck. Most states go by the frame stamping. Two damaged frames = 2 NoGos for titling. Hopefully the modified frame didn't cut into the vin. Look for the stamping on the passenger side frame rail either near the firewall or on the radiator frame mount. If you're screwed on Vin numbers you'll have to go with a builders VIN which most States come out inspect the vehicle and assign one. Usually calling it the year of the inspection. You really need to check with DMV or Highway Patrol for help.
Good luck on your project. Working on a budget is challenging but not impossible. Happy building!
Your first challenge will be titling your truck. Most states go by the frame stamping. Two damaged frames = 2 NoGos for titling. Hopefully the modified frame didn't cut into the vin. Look for the stamping on the passenger side frame rail either near the firewall or on the radiator frame mount. If you're screwed on Vin numbers you'll have to go with a builders VIN which most States come out inspect the vehicle and assign one. Usually calling it the year of the inspection. You really need to check with DMV or Highway Patrol for help.
Good luck on your project. Working on a budget is challenging but not impossible. Happy building!
Ill look for the VIN, but im also in VA and its not as bad getting a ground-up build titled either. Either have someone come out to evaluate or I think I might be able to send in pictures for inspection, ill double check with DMV for sure.
I had an old motorcycle I restored and had to deal with similar issues but it wasnt too bad
there is nothing more fun than starting a new project.
As stated above I would do some shopping for a different cab. I saw some really nice rust damage free ones at swap meets this summer for like $1,200. You will spend more than that in patch panels, grinding wheels and welding wire not to mention time and tearing into a really rusty cab can be demoralizing
I would go with the volare front suspension if it appears to be well installed, those work well.
I say, give it a go, especially if you are not in a hurry. You'll learn a lot as you go, and the folks on this forum will help you with tons of information, suggestions, and most importantly, encouragement.
Good luck with your project.
