Chassis Swap
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Chassis Swap
I have a stock 1959 F100 Custom Cab step-side which was cosmetically restored in 1992. I want to keep the appearance stock, but would like to convert the truck into a modern vehicle. A friend suggested that the easiest and least costly option was to buy a late model pick-up that has been in a rollover or otherwise totalled and "simply" bolt the body from my truck to the chassis of the donor truck. Has anyone out there done this? If so, what year donor truck did you use? Any suggestions and/or cautions? Thanks, Paul
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
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From: Riverside, So Cal
Paul - Welcome to our forum!!! 
You'll get a lot of information here...some of it is accurate. 
"...Simply bolt the body from my truck to the chassis of the donor truck" is a gross understatement of the job's complexity. It takes great planning and skill to accomplish the task. Some here have done it successfully, but until they did it, the idea was pretty much discounted as way too difficult. 51 Dueller and Huntsman are two that have done it. Check out their galleries for pics and an explanation.
51 dueller also did a great tech article about it. Here's the link: http://www.old-fords.com/frameswap/frame1.htm
Enjoy.
You'll get a lot of information here...some of it is accurate. "...Simply bolt the body from my truck to the chassis of the donor truck" is a gross understatement of the job's complexity. It takes great planning and skill to accomplish the task. Some here have done it successfully, but until they did it, the idea was pretty much discounted as way too difficult. 51 Dueller and Huntsman are two that have done it. Check out their galleries for pics and an explanation.
51 dueller also did a great tech article about it. Here's the link: http://www.old-fords.com/frameswap/frame1.htm
Enjoy.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 97,442
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From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Welcome to FTE Paul. If you go to the search feature in the second header bar you will find tons of info.
Also someone will jump, most likely to say that it isn`t easy to swap frames as nothing will be even close to fitting. It certainly won`t be ["simply" bolt the body from my truck to the chassis of the donor truck.], not even close to that.
Afew have tried and without alot of skill in fabricating, extensive tools, equipment it maybe a diaster.
Also someone will jump, most likely to say that it isn`t easy to swap frames as nothing will be even close to fitting. It certainly won`t be ["simply" bolt the body from my truck to the chassis of the donor truck.], not even close to that.
Afew have tried and without alot of skill in fabricating, extensive tools, equipment it maybe a diaster.
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"Simply"
I appreciate the responses. I put "simply" in quotes because I knew it wouldn't be a simple task. Keep the replies coming! I am particulary interested in hearing from anyone with first hand experience with a 57-60 vintage truck. Thanks, Paul
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Near Fresno, California
Welcome aboard - we need more 57-60 owners!
"to convert the truck into a modern vehicle." Let me point out that the new big trucks still use the same spring/axle combination as yours - just bigger. To say it is not modern is not correct, unless you want to compare it to a car.
I like the original suspension under the trucks, but many have added car-type suspensions and seem to like them.
You can add disk brakes and power steering to your original set up - how modern do you want to be?
"to convert the truck into a modern vehicle." Let me point out that the new big trucks still use the same spring/axle combination as yours - just bigger. To say it is not modern is not correct, unless you want to compare it to a car.
I like the original suspension under the trucks, but many have added car-type suspensions and seem to like them.
You can add disk brakes and power steering to your original set up - how modern do you want to be?
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New User
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How modern...
My goal is to have a truck that has a bigger, more efficient engine than the 292; power steering and brakes; air conditioning; more car-like ride and handling; and, possibly, an automatic transmission.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 652
From: Brentwood, TN
The 54 F100 that I am building has an early 9 inch rear end with a 4-link triangulated suspension and airbags. The front end is off a C4 Corvette...large disc brakes, Shockwave airbags, and a power rack and pinion steering. Engine/trans is an early 302 with a C4.
Frame is stock...$0.00
Frontend cost...$350
Rearend upgrades...$800
Engine and trans...$0.00 (came with the $500 project truck)
Pride and accomplishment is doing it MY way....PRICELESS!
Frame is stock...$0.00
Frontend cost...$350
Rearend upgrades...$800
Engine and trans...$0.00 (came with the $500 project truck)
Pride and accomplishment is doing it MY way....PRICELESS!
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,495
Likes: 2
From: Northwest Fl
51 dueller did a great job writing up his swap, mine was done a couple of years earlier when there was much less interest, even resentment that one would be considered realizing the more tried and true alternatives available. Most concluded there were cheaper and less time consuming options out there that offered 'all' of the desired upgrades, primarily brakes, steering, suspension and lower ride height.
If you're considering a full frame swap, three things should be realized up front. One is it will require much more time and secondly much more space. Oh and third...if you want it on the ground then better options are really out there. Expenses either way will be about the same. The benefits are that the upgrades such as power brakes and steering are done for you. Steering and suspension geometry is done for you by (in my case) ford engineers.
Mine is not finished but close. I have driven it short distances around the house and it tracts straight and true, brakes great and steers with a finger. Can't wait until it's finished. Is it for everyone? Absolutely not, it is a lot of work and creates a lot of problems that have to be figured out, but if you enjoy shop time as much as driving then do it. If you can't wait to get it finished and drive it, do it another way.
If you're considering a full frame swap, three things should be realized up front. One is it will require much more time and secondly much more space. Oh and third...if you want it on the ground then better options are really out there. Expenses either way will be about the same. The benefits are that the upgrades such as power brakes and steering are done for you. Steering and suspension geometry is done for you by (in my case) ford engineers.
Mine is not finished but close. I have driven it short distances around the house and it tracts straight and true, brakes great and steers with a finger. Can't wait until it's finished. Is it for everyone? Absolutely not, it is a lot of work and creates a lot of problems that have to be figured out, but if you enjoy shop time as much as driving then do it. If you can't wait to get it finished and drive it, do it another way.
Last edited by Huntsman; Sep 24, 2006 at 09:18 PM.
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 124
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From: Washougal, Washington
I'm deep into putting a '56 body/cab on a '78 F-150 4x4. Having a chop shop do the work, it's way more $$$ and work than I ever dreamed. Plus, as mentioned in the website previously, you're going to have the box up higher than you want without a lot more work.
In my situation I'm fairly happy because it's coming out looking pretty close to a '56 Marmon Herrington 4x4. The good news is I have a much sturdier frame, all the modern IFS, and the stock '56 4x4 look is pretty much preserved.
But I would not recommend a frame swap to anyone wanting a stock looking or lowered unit.
--van
In my situation I'm fairly happy because it's coming out looking pretty close to a '56 Marmon Herrington 4x4. The good news is I have a much sturdier frame, all the modern IFS, and the stock '56 4x4 look is pretty much preserved.
But I would not recommend a frame swap to anyone wanting a stock looking or lowered unit.
--van
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,575
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From: Greenville, SC
Welcome to the Forum,
It depends on what you want. We have restored the stock axles and suspension on our 60. Installed power disc brakes and power steering. Completely rebuilt the 292, adding larger heads, modern 4 bbl carb, dual exhaust and it drives like a dream. Power, we got lots of power.....lays rubber in every gear. Son is saving his nickles and dime to buy a "Perfect Fit AC, but we don't have it yet. We also do not have an automatic trany.
If you really want a bigger modern engine, auto trany and suspension, there are lots of IFS kits you can get to put on the front and lots of motor mounts that are available for engine swap. Most common I have seen is a bow tie 350. Careful when you put that bow tie in your Ford, it may start prefering an alternative life style.
IMHO the most common problems I have seen with the complete frame swap is the wheels never seem to be in the right place in the fenders, too far forward, too far back....personal preference.
It depends on what you want. We have restored the stock axles and suspension on our 60. Installed power disc brakes and power steering. Completely rebuilt the 292, adding larger heads, modern 4 bbl carb, dual exhaust and it drives like a dream. Power, we got lots of power.....lays rubber in every gear. Son is saving his nickles and dime to buy a "Perfect Fit AC, but we don't have it yet. We also do not have an automatic trany.
If you really want a bigger modern engine, auto trany and suspension, there are lots of IFS kits you can get to put on the front and lots of motor mounts that are available for engine swap. Most common I have seen is a bow tie 350. Careful when you put that bow tie in your Ford, it may start prefering an alternative life style.
IMHO the most common problems I have seen with the complete frame swap is the wheels never seem to be in the right place in the fenders, too far forward, too far back....personal preference.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,495
Likes: 2
From: Northwest Fl
Originally Posted by Walston
IMHO the most common problems I have seen with the complete frame swap is the wheels never seem to be in the right place in the fenders, too far forward, too far back....personal preference.