1955 panel on a 66 chassis
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 306
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From: Berthoud, Colorado
1955 panel on a 66 chassis
I have a friend who has a 55 panel and he wants me to put it on a 66 f-100 short bed chassis. Has anyone done this, and if so how hard. Fabricating and welding aren't a problem for me just wondering how much work is ahead of me.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2008
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I've researched a bit on what it would take to frame swap my truck, haven't done it yet so keep that in mind, lol.
From what I've seen it is some work, but not too bad, least for what I consider too bad, lol. Being a panel might make it a little harder in that you're not relocating the cab, then front clip then bed, but the whole thing then then front clip. Which if nothing else will need a smart way to move it.
There are a couple people on here that could give better insight.
However I do have a question, why does he want to swap out the chassis? Especially to a '66? Not a whole lot of gains for that unless you wanted it 4x4, and even then it's easier keeping the same frame if you can. To be honest I really don't seem much point, especially for that amount of work.
From what I've seen it is some work, but not too bad, least for what I consider too bad, lol. Being a panel might make it a little harder in that you're not relocating the cab, then front clip then bed, but the whole thing then then front clip. Which if nothing else will need a smart way to move it.
There are a couple people on here that could give better insight.
However I do have a question, why does he want to swap out the chassis? Especially to a '66? Not a whole lot of gains for that unless you wanted it 4x4, and even then it's easier keeping the same frame if you can. To be honest I really don't seem much point, especially for that amount of work.
FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283,683
Likes: 8,269
From: northwestern Ontario
I'm not sure as to what the 66 ford frame looks like but don't imagine that much different, but here is a picture of the 72 chevy c10 frame I'm using for my 56 panel, because I had to replace the floor due to rot out I raised the floor 3 inches to allow for the kickup on the back section of the frame. When I set everything up I still had the front clip bolted to the body for centering the wheels in the openings, and lowered it on the frame, marked where front cab mounts and running board brackets went and bolted them on. I modified the rad cross member from a spare f100 frame to fit.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
better ride???? TIB NOT one of Ford's better ideas IMHO. Frame transplant on our trucks are a LOT of work, just ask anyone who has actually finished one (if you can find that one person). I believe the track width is too wide which is even more an issue with a panel than a pickup since the rear fenders are fixed. Why not just put an IFS (preferably an Art Morrison or Heidts, or a Jag if he wants to use an OEM unit, rather than an MII.) under the stock frame if he wants a different suspension? A WHOLE lot easier, cheaper and better than doing a frame transplant unless you work for free (in which case how about becoming my friend too?). Kinda bassackwards way to solve a problem (?), like buying a different truck because you don't like the wheels on the one you've got.
BTW my beam axle in my panel rides really sweet. If his doesn't it needs rebuilding or slipper springs or properly matched shocks. Panel's ride much better than pickups since they have better weight distribution. Put a Toyota power steering on the beam and he'll have a pleasant driving/riding truck for a couple hundred dollars and a day's work.
BTW my beam axle in my panel rides really sweet. If his doesn't it needs rebuilding or slipper springs or properly matched shocks. Panel's ride much better than pickups since they have better weight distribution. Put a Toyota power steering on the beam and he'll have a pleasant driving/riding truck for a couple hundred dollars and a day's work.
