Frame Swap Ideas.
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From: Duff, Tn.
Frame Swap Ideas.
For the past few days I've been thinking about building a 2nd truck. Going through all the posibilities i've come up with a few ideas, but I need help on figuring this out. I'm gonna buy another '52 f-6 that's in fairly good shape, but want something a little different. What about using a frame from an International truck? I found an international "low Profile" frame with 19.5 wheels, 4 Wheel disc brakes, Complete front and rear axle. How hard would this swap be? I'm gonna go back this coming week to see if we can work out a price. Any Ideas? Thanks in advance. JOE
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Midland, Texas
Hey Joe...
Your question is pretty interesting and you'll get some stock answers to the how hard it will be, or how unnecessary. A few guys here have done frame swaps, but I've not heard of an F-anything mounted on an International frame. Then again, what do I know?
I've not done any frame swaps but encourage the idea when ever it pops up. Much good info is to be had for Chevies on S-10 frames... you can find it on the HAMB. Our own Nathan has done a great swap and chronicled it in great detail. Look him up.
One of our members is struggling with steering wheel location problems... others have the opinion that such a project is labor and cost extensive... and generally not worth it.
Me, I like to see different things. Your project sounds different... and I wish you luck and much success.
Best, himmelberg
Your question is pretty interesting and you'll get some stock answers to the how hard it will be, or how unnecessary. A few guys here have done frame swaps, but I've not heard of an F-anything mounted on an International frame. Then again, what do I know?
I've not done any frame swaps but encourage the idea when ever it pops up. Much good info is to be had for Chevies on S-10 frames... you can find it on the HAMB. Our own Nathan has done a great swap and chronicled it in great detail. Look him up.
One of our members is struggling with steering wheel location problems... others have the opinion that such a project is labor and cost extensive... and generally not worth it.
Me, I like to see different things. Your project sounds different... and I wish you luck and much success.
Best, himmelberg
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From: Duff, Tn.
Thanks Himmelberg. What I'm looking for is a truck I can run around in, pick up parts, tow trailers, etc, but have 4 wheel disc brakes a decent runnin' gear. Something i can take on the interstate and be able to run 70+ and not be turning 3500 rpm's. Thanks for the reply. JOE By the way nice lookin' '54 
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: House Springs, MO
I bought my 52 F6 for that very same reason. Although I haven't figured out what to put under it, I do know I want a diesel and some of the niceties of a modern drivetrain like AC and PS. I haven't totally given up on the F6 frame either. If I came drop in a new powerplant and axles then so be it. I'm interested to see how you make out.
Craig
Craig
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From: Duff, Tn.
Do you know if ford makes any low profile type frame? I'm not sure if they do, but it would be nice to have an older truck with 4 wheel disc brakes, 19.5 "tubeless" rims, p/s, a/c, etc. I already have a '52 f-6 that I'm gonna keep pretty much stock, so it's time to take another and modify it up a little. Thanks for the reply JOE
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From: Erie, pa
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Durham NC
Good luck and post pictures if you ever do get it done.
(the eternal pessimist about Ford frame swaps)
(the eternal pessimist about Ford frame swaps)
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From: Northshore, MN
in re Abe's post; looking at that pristine yellow F8 with the IH driveline sure gets the wheels turning, don't it? (no pun intended) What kind of IH are we looking at? At work, we had an early 80's IH1600 (iirc?) with a 16' flatbed (again iirc) big diesel and 5 speed manual tranny(low 1st, and low 2nd) and that thing rocked. Unfortunately the boss sold it. it was not a cabover, and I'd be willing to bet, an F6 could be made to fit. But sure would be alot of work. Good luck.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: springfield il
i don't see it being any more difficult than any other . all of us have run into our fair share of " issues " but that one might be easier as all of our work trucks are ih straight trucks and every one of them has a nice flat frame very much like our old fords' . the only issue i can really see as long as you gaet a complete truck for all the neccesary bits would be track width . the last contractor i was working for had me in a 8100 ih of the vintage of 2000 and it had a 3410 kitty kat and a nine speed with 3:50 gears and she would just go right on down the road and wouldv'e looked a lot cooler disguised as one of our ol fords'!!!
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Saskatoon SK Canada
You may luck out if it is built using S.A.E frame specs then it would have a 34" frame width in the rear and possibly in the front also. I don't what steering setup it has but that is the main hurdle in completing a frame swap. I wrote a huge frame swap tech article about my swap. You can find the link in my signature. Hopefully it may answer some questions or give some ideas for your project.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
I think you may be in uncharted territory with that fame swap but if the International frame is also from the 50s it should be workable. However, finding parts for that frame may be difficult... 
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From: Duff, Tn.
Thanks guys for the feedback. This is a link to a truck similar to what i'm thinking about using. I have to make a decision soon on whether or not to do this. i guess I'll be doing frame measurements to see what i some up with between the 2. I'm kinda worried about the width of the front wheels. What would be the best way to measure them? Hub to hub? Any Ideas? Thanks Joe.
http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/d...886D6FBAF188FF
http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/d...886D6FBAF188FF
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Saskatoon SK Canada
For measuring the wheels I would go with outside to outside of the tire. Hub to hub measurements is the best way on a front DRW axle since the tire is inboard. The tire method is better since there isn't normally different wheel offsets with duals.