i just went and picked up the freebie 93 thunderchicken sport . the guy i got it from even left the running 5.0 in it as he decided it was too much trouble to drop it out after he figured out it came out the bottom . { never mind the ugly kid in the pic it's my cuz bob } . anyway ever since seeing mytbgtrk's thunderbird suspension install in his bonus built i've been getting " itchy " shall we say to experiment . someone please talk me outta attempting this with my 53 before i do something insane !!!!!!!!!!!!! i just like to tinker and change things and can't leave well enough alone and now i got an extra 53 frame here , the one the truck is on as it's tweaked , and my mind is going nuts !!!!!!! thunderchicken suspended flatty anyone ......................Attachment 18052

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Seeing those rocker panels rusted clean thru brings a tear to my eyes... brings back memories of my youth in the midwest... Ziebart, it's us or rust!

 

Since you have an extra frame and the bird suspension (how's the track width tho?) why not go for it. If it comes out well, just transplant the sheetmetal and sell the original frame. If it doesn't, scrap or sell the modified frame and finish the truck on the original one. All you've lost is some time and you'll have gained valuable experience.

 

YEAH! JUST GO FOR IT! DO IT! (and let us know if it works).

 

ross my 95 doesn't have a spot of rust on it , just dents ! this poor thing is gone ! i'm suprized we did'nt pull it in two pieces putting it on the trailer .ax and julie yer gonna get me into something here ... im looking to be talked out of it and yer pushing me into it ! LOL ! i think i'm gonna make some measurements . the rear track is fine and from just looking it appears that i need to cut the rear frame rails of the 53 frame from the bottom up to the contour of the birds sub and it should weld right in after everything is verified to be in the correct spot . the front appears to be right on to but we shall see . the front cradle can be dropped with the suspension attached , and all you have to do is make the top " towers " for the struts and a arm . oh and some front mounts for the bottom a arm strut rods . the cradle should from again just glancing at the two birds , be able to sit up there mark your spots and either weld or bolt it in . i already got the lists of the parts needed for converting these to 4 wheel disc with all new parts for about 550 at oreilly's and the parts list to swap the hubs out for a 5 x 4 1/2 bolt pattern for the wheels . welp here we go again . i think i better hurry and get the new frame done with all the leaf spring parts done and it together so it's driveable then work on the zaniness on the oe frame seeing as it does need to be pulled . i gotta go find a tape measure now and a extra set of hands that doesnt belong to my wife , she'll shoot me ...........................