frame
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 520
Likes: 0
From: Wellington, CO
I think "easily" is in the eye of the beholder. I've yet to have the urge to do a frame swap. I'm not much of a fabber and I think any frame swap would require a high skill level. Even if the wheelbase is pretty close, there's still a lot to be done.
Ron
Ron
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
my options are to rebuild my frame, which is pretty hacked. When I bought the truck it had a 351 cleveland in it but someone did a nasty job of cutting the crossmember and buildin a new one with what appears to be pieces of an old leaf spring. The trans crossmember must have been in the way of the exhaust so they cut the heck out of it to make the "hillbilly" dual exhaust fit. Then they mounted a ford 9" in it and welded (pretty nasty welds to) the leaf spring perches in. The entire frame needs to be redone. So I was thinking of doing a camaro subframe swap or just swap the entire frame. Swapping out the frames seems to me to be less welding and fabbing.But is the frame from a Ranger Longbed about the "same" as the original?
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
Dyce -
NO. There have been many threads here regarding frame swaps over many months. The topic comes up regularly because it sounds so logical. The problem is, the differences between frames and the Effie body/bed make the mods to fit a new frame prohibitive compared to redoing a stocker.
No member has done this and recommended the process.
Look for another frame or fix the one you've got. That's the concensus.
NO. There have been many threads here regarding frame swaps over many months. The topic comes up regularly because it sounds so logical. The problem is, the differences between frames and the Effie body/bed make the mods to fit a new frame prohibitive compared to redoing a stocker.
No member has done this and recommended the process.
Look for another frame or fix the one you've got. That's the concensus.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
Are you looking to customizing it? Or just keeping it stock? It would be cheaper and faster to find another 1951 donor parts truck and swap for another 51 F-1 frame. One that hasn't been "hillbilly engineered".
My 2 cents worth........It's your truck, do what you wish, but I am against customizing unless the truck cannot be brought back to stock condition.
My 2 cents worth........It's your truck, do what you wish, but I am against customizing unless the truck cannot be brought back to stock condition.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
Go for it!. If we get enough people working on the "SWAP", then we can maybe have a clean, efficient way to do it someday. Be prepared for the pain and aggrevation. Also, it will be pricey. The first people to think about cutting in a Volare IFS were probably incouraged to forget it also. Now today, they are very common and almost run-of-the-mill. Good luck, and take lots of pix. John
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,005
Likes: 2
From: Santa Clarita
Why don't you box in the frame? A lot of rod builders box the frame anyways just to make it stronger. Once the body is off, it's not that difficult.
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 2
From: Seattle WA.
I have seen quite a few 51 frames listed on the net. If you advertise and keep your eyes open I'm sure you won't have to much trouble locating one
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old and in the way
Joined: Jul 1997
Posts: 5,923
Likes: 1,052
From: Lovely Hueytown Alabama
Dyce ?
where are you located...
this might help you out
free f-1 stuff
contact Paul if you need a frame and you're in driving distance
john
where are you located...
this might help you out
free f-1 stuff
contact Paul if you need a frame and you're in driving distance
john
