swapping chasis
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,060
Likes: 7
From: Glendale Arizona
It is able to be done but requires fabrication of new front mounts and rework of the dash and firewall to accept the later 65 column. The wheelbase is within and inch. and all new holes will be needed to attache the body to the frame.
Also you might want to check with DMV as to the swap, as they may require you to title it as the 65 and not the 61. I know we are a little free here with things but if you ever want to sell it it makes a difference. Also DPS frowns when doing MVS and finds out the vin and registration dont match.
Vin numbers are stamped in the the frame and are what rules.
you can upgrade the front suspension to a Dakota from Steve down at IC in Phoenix or a Crown Vic aluminum unit from a late model.
Garbz
Garbz
Also you might want to check with DMV as to the swap, as they may require you to title it as the 65 and not the 61. I know we are a little free here with things but if you ever want to sell it it makes a difference. Also DPS frowns when doing MVS and finds out the vin and registration dont match.
Vin numbers are stamped in the the frame and are what rules.
you can upgrade the front suspension to a Dakota from Steve down at IC in Phoenix or a Crown Vic aluminum unit from a late model.
Garbz
Garbz
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 2
From: Prairieville, La
Off the top of my head... Hard.
The steering goes at different angles thru the cab from 61 to 64. Fabrication is needed in the dashboard with a section from the 65 dash for the column to mount properly. I think you also need the pedal assembly from the 65 after relocating the column. The mounts are also in different locations for the body to frame. I think the rear axle would also need to be moved forward to fit the uni wheel well.
Anything can be done, it just depends on what you find hard to do. Every person has different skill levels so without knowing your skill level, I would say hard to tackle for now.
The steering goes at different angles thru the cab from 61 to 64. Fabrication is needed in the dashboard with a section from the 65 dash for the column to mount properly. I think you also need the pedal assembly from the 65 after relocating the column. The mounts are also in different locations for the body to frame. I think the rear axle would also need to be moved forward to fit the uni wheel well.
Anything can be done, it just depends on what you find hard to do. Every person has different skill levels so without knowing your skill level, I would say hard to tackle for now.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,060
Likes: 7
From: Glendale Arizona
Actually i do the dash and steering conversions on all the trucks i build.
This is in a 63 uni. Used a 65 F250 four speed column. Modified the 63 brackets to accommodate the column mount. 65 66 pedal mounts are a different pattern and are a bear to fit.
Here is the modified bracket.
Garbz
This is in a 63 uni. Used a 65 F250 four speed column. Modified the 63 brackets to accommodate the column mount. 65 66 pedal mounts are a different pattern and are a bear to fit.
Here is the modified bracket.
Garbz
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 2
From: Prairieville, La
Really nice. Is the column welded to the floor in your truck? I did not know there was a 4 speed column shift. I only know of the 3 on the tree. Learn something knew all the time.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,060
Likes: 7
From: Glendale Arizona
LOL... The column is from a four speed... On the floor. It has the blank collar no shifter.
I use a short sleeve with a hidden allen set to hold the bottom of the column. The allen head is accessed through a hole in the cowl lip.
Good Eye Bill! yes the uni is set up to use a hydraulic clutch master and a slave at the trans to work the clutch arm. Lot simpler than making up custom bell cranks and rods.
Garbz
I use a short sleeve with a hidden allen set to hold the bottom of the column. The allen head is accessed through a hole in the cowl lip.
Good Eye Bill! yes the uni is set up to use a hydraulic clutch master and a slave at the trans to work the clutch arm. Lot simpler than making up custom bell cranks and rods.
Garbz
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Joined: May 2008
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It is able to be done but requires fabrication of new front mounts and rework of the dash and firewall to accept the later 65 column. The wheelbase is within and inch. and all new holes will be needed to attache the body to the frame.
Also you might want to check with DMV as to the swap, as they may require you to title it as the 65 and not the 61. I know we are a little free here with things but if you ever want to sell it it makes a difference. Also DPS frowns when doing MVS and finds out the vin and registration dont match.
Vin numbers are stamped in the the frame and are what rules.
you can upgrade the front suspension to a Dakota from Steve down at IC in Phoenix or a Crown Vic aluminum unit from a late model.
Garbz
Garbz
Also you might want to check with DMV as to the swap, as they may require you to title it as the 65 and not the 61. I know we are a little free here with things but if you ever want to sell it it makes a difference. Also DPS frowns when doing MVS and finds out the vin and registration dont match.
Vin numbers are stamped in the the frame and are what rules.
you can upgrade the front suspension to a Dakota from Steve down at IC in Phoenix or a Crown Vic aluminum unit from a late model.
Garbz
Garbz
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,060
Likes: 7
From: Glendale Arizona
The Dakota keeps your wheel track the same and also allows the weight rating of the truck to be kept and you do not cut your original frame.
A Dakota can be installed in fairly easy but it is weld in and requires some fabrication of new lower column mounts and attaching steering components.
If you have the tools and are prepped it can be accomplished in a good weekend of work.
Garbz
A Dakota can be installed in fairly easy but it is weld in and requires some fabrication of new lower column mounts and attaching steering components.
If you have the tools and are prepped it can be accomplished in a good weekend of work.
Garbz
