Frame measurements
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Frame measurements
Fellows, I need some help from some of you old time Ford gurus. Here's the problem ------ My '65 F100's frame has deteriorated and rusted through in the areas where the cab mounts to the frame. The holes that the bushings set in on the frame are now about 4" across, when they should be only about and inch or so. This is true for the radiator support holes, too. Can someone tell me the true size of the holes when they're not rusted compretely through? Also, can you give me a set of dimensions detailing where the holes should be in the frame? With my frame's holes destroyed, I have no way of telling where to redrill them with a hole saw after I weld in new plates. There is a half inch hole in the frame rails about 7 1/4 inch from the radiator support holes that should be a good reference point. Hopefully, some of you can help on this question and save me a trip to the bone yard. Many thanks!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,565
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From: Sun River St. George
I agree with John (as usual), your frame is likley to have more rust weakened areas that you have not discovered. Replacing it with one from a 73-79 is a good, cost effective solution and has the benifits of 31 spline rear axles, fuel tank in the rear and disc brakes. If you shop carefully you can get a frame with a power steering gear attached as well. My latest score is a F250 crew cab frame with tilt steering column, power steering pump and a good PS steering gear. Cost was 100 bucks. Happy hunting!
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Hello, John and William! Your courtesy in replying to my question is appreciated! To answer you both, I will carefully consider the use of a '65 to '72 frame as a replacement. I really like the idea of the frame mounted gas tank if I use a '73 to '79 frame, but I really worry about the bed of the '66 looking strange sitting on a chassis that is wider than the one it was designed for. Would the wider rear end make the tires stick out from under the '66 bed? Have you done this swap and, if so, how did the bed fit look? Also, just to be sure I understand, are you saying the cab and front clip on the '66 are a bolt-on fit for the '73 to '79 frame? Please understand, I'm an old head who trys to do quality work on my projects and things that others might not worry about sometimes really bug me. Thanks again for your help!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Yes, The cab & front clip is a bolt hole swap on chassis 65-79. In 73 Ford made changes to the chassis behind the cab. While I have not used a 73-79 chassis, others here have, and say it is fairly easy to deal with. It is on what I refer to as the dumb end of the truck. As long as you are not going with huge offset wheels I doubt that you will see much of a difference there.
John
John
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