After reading a ton of posts on the aerostar-installed 53-60 fords, I was wondering if it's possible to cut the aerostar crossmember and remove 2" (or is it 4") to make up for the 48's 2" narrower frame? Would the rack and pinion be too wide then? Would there still be a need for wheel backspacing? I just got the truck and it's in many, many pieces with most of the front suspension missing. But it's free!

 

Most likely the rack would be the problem. The alternitive rack would most likely be a Mustang Two for the width, it would have to be measured out. Cutting two inches out would not be a big task, and you would still need the off spaced wheels. Have you measured? is the frame two inches narrower than a 53-56? I've done mine and I love the way it rides and drives. If you can temp install the finders and measure the width and see what you come up with and start there. Need help let me know I'll do all I can.
Scott

 

I wish I would have narrowed mine 2" looking back to when I started. This was the first thing I did to my truck after I took it apart. If it was narrowed more than 3" you would not be able to use the stock aerostar mounting bolts because they will not clear the frame on an F-1. I notched my frame 2" and used 2x3 tubing to make up the difference in height. Then used 1/4 x 4" strap to tie in the upper control arms using the stock aerostar upper shims as a template to drill them. If you have acess to a QUALITY bandsaw, I see no reason not to go this route. good luck on the project.
Later...Randy

 

The critical thing here is that you'll need to narrow the center portion of the rack the same amount so the pivot of the end sections matches the pivot of the A frames, otherwise you'll get some strange steering reactions when you hit a bump. DON'T try to narrow it by chopping down the end sections!!!!

 

well first of all, I appreciate the replies. I have an 88 T-bird that I'll measure the rack on. Haven't gone to the junkyard yet to look for an aerostar, been too hot. I also run a quality bandsaw at work...a new 2005 Amada ha400w +/-.005" is as close as it gets, so the cuts will be straight. I'd rather find an R&P that already fits rather than cut the aerostar one down. All and all, I'm trying to get some ideas on how to do it before spending the money on an aerostar. I also wonder if narrowing the aerostar crossmember, if a small block ford will then be too wide?

 

Not sure what affect narrowing the crossmember would have on the width of the engine? AFAIK The crossmember should be in front of the engine, and there is plenty of width between the frame rails for most any engine.

 

If you haven't completely made up your mind about the Aerostar, you might consider a Chrysler T-bar from a mid-80s 5th Avenue. I put one under my 48 and it fits well with no narrowing necessary. You have to make a few more mods than on the 53-56 because of the two inch narrower frame but they are minor.

Vern

 

Havi, I went with a remote oil filter(just no room) and plan on useing an electric fuel pump. These units are stamped steel and about a foot wide where they contact the frame. I designed my motor mounts to be welded to the crossmember.
Later...Randy

 

Well, I have read about the volare ifs and that might be plan B. I'd really like to airbag it though, since the roads around here get pretty bad thanks to MN winters and frost. Aired up while on the road and dropped at the parking lot, that's what I'd like to be able to do. Scott Hurley, did you end up boxing your frame after installing the aerostar?

 

Where do you live in MN?

 

Havi,
No, my motor mounts are in the area. If you check out my gallery you can see I filled in the gap on the outside of the frame. This did the same thing and gave me a little more room to work with. Just right click on my name at the top of this post and you can access the gallery, I have a few pic's of the install.