Help !!!

I purchase a 56 F100 that looks in better shape that it really was. Here's the issue's that I need help with;

The previous owner added a front clip from "I don't know what" which gave him a 429-C6 & 9" power train and also gave him an IFS from again I don't know what, but I'm assuming this would come from a +/- 73 Torino.

After taking all of this apart the previous owner did a very poor job at the front clip part, so what I'm looking for is what would be the best doner for a new chassis rail ?

Now I have a steering colum problem since the previous guy added the steering from his front clip; what would be the best doner on that issue for a good colum & power steering hardware.

So I'm really looking at buying some sort of doner for my project,
ANY HELP !

 

I was a supporter of sub frames or clips before... now I have a Mustang II crossmember unit in my truck.. the first clip was a volare unit and I had interference problems, so I cut it out and replaced it.

Is yours truly a clip where the whole front frame was cut off the original and the torino ? unit added ?? or was something grafted under the original frame rails ?? it could make a difference in what your choices are...

if you have lost your front rails completely you only have a couple of choices. You can find a donor truck and use it's front rails to patch yours or you can buy an aftermarket reproduction front end and weld it on..

If the frame is only grafted and you still have some rails there, you can remove whatever was added and repair the original rails... that's what I did...

either way is a lot of work requiring qualified welder skills and some adaquate reinforcement in and around the weld area. If you're not impressed with the quality of the work, I'd also look at adjacent areas for signs of stress and cracking from the sub frameing and the 427 engine weight..

a third choice is a complete frame from a donor truck or an aftermarket unit.. the later isn't cheap... but it's complete with suspension usually.. don't know your budget or skills so it's hard to make a recommendation.

If you want to stay with IFS... I'd recommend a Mustang II unit of some type... although Volare and others give just a good a ride.. the rebuild cost and installation cost will nearly get you up to the MII initial cost anyway... none of this is going to be real cheap

my one recommendation is to have someone with some knowledge of this type work look it over and give you an idea of what will be involved.. it might cost a few bucks, but it will be money well spent if what you do to fix it only makes it worse.

just my opinion and experience and take it for what it cost

hope it helps..

john

 

I forgot the steering column...

you can probably adapt the existing column with hardware from Borgensen... ujoints and shafts, etc .. Mid 80's GM columns are generally the right length and will also require some ujoint and adapters to connect to whatever your steering will eventually be..

I used a Mid 80 Caddy column. there are several aftermarket units available also... Ididit, Flaming River, etc

john

 

Where are you located?
Ive a couple of nice frames available.
Im in NH.

 

I'm right next to you, in Montreal,Quebec !!

Show me...tell me what you have.

 

If you can afford this route, here's my 2 cents. Have some hideous patches welded on so your truck is safe. Then go see Carl and get a good frame. Take your time and do it up right. Meanwhile you are driving your truck instead of parking it for two years. Trust me, that's hard on a guy.

Your second option (a distant second) would be to have the same type clip installed again so your drivetrain bolts in easy if that's your pleasure. I agree with John that it isn't a job for a novice welder. I would rule out MII, Volare and Aerostar on your current frame if it has had a "cut her off flush with the firewall IFS" as I suspect it has.

'fenders

 

If you decide to go with another frame check out garage night on Mannyp site in the FTE user gallery. I will start installing my own Aerostar crossmeber in a couple of week. Or if you are thinking Mustang 2 there is a Canadian a manufactuer out here in Alberta so you can use our 60 cent dollars. Check them out at www.macgyvers.com
Good luck!

 

I was in Montreal last week for a few days! Its a 5hr drive from here.

The best frame is a 55, unmolested. Just surface rust from sitting outside a few years. No pitting or rot.
Not in a good place for pictures but I'll try some tomorrow and E Mail you.
Another is also a 55 but has been modified for a 351C and 67 Ford power steering. Otherwise very nice.
A 3rd 55 is nice from firewall foreward but the rear is bent. Also has a very poor cab that looks like a tree fell on it! But its a rolling chassis. I can cut the cab off with a Sawzall in a few minutes.