front clip options
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: saskatoon, SK
front clip options
i was hoping to pick your brains on what options i had for a front clip to fit my newly aquired 48 f47. Id like to do an economical build so mixing brands doesnt bother me much. I was leaning towards the early 80s gm clips but i am unsure about frame width etc. any suggestions would be welcome
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Daytona Beach, FL
I have a early Chevy Nova front clip on a 51 F1. The width is slightly wider than the stock frame, maybe an inch on each side. The ride height however is something to check.
Trucks sit higher on their original suspension. Independent front suspension sits lower. You will have to be careful in how you mount the body back on.
Trucks sit higher on their original suspension. Independent front suspension sits lower. You will have to be careful in how you mount the body back on.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
If expense were not an issue, I'd go with one of the Mustang II suspensions, but for an economical build you can't beat the Volare. I haven't done the Jag install but that would be my next choice and I'd go with the GM clip last. 
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My vote is to go with the 2003-2007 Crown Vic/Grand Marquis/Town Car front clip. Take a look at Romak's build (or mine). Swap the rear axle and use late-model rims & tires. You can get take-offs from any of the above cars or even some Dodge/Chrysler products for less than the cost of a set of tires. 4 wheel disc brakes and a PS/PB/modern front end all for less than the cost of a M2 kit!
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Postmaster
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From: saskatoon, SK
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crown vic IFS is by far the most easy install and the cheapest. you will have to make alot of measurements thow cause alot of people are turned off by how wide it is, and you will have to run late model offset wheels. not sure if its been done yet on a truck that old but on the 57 and up they go in very very easy.
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
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Out of curiosity, what is the spread on the front framerails, outside to outside on the early trucks? Also, if you can measure from the framerail to the inside of the fender lip. I'm wondering how far off it is. Not disputing your input, just morbid curiosity.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: manitoba
don`t remember how wide the newer crown vics are but when i did my swap to the 89 cv front end i went to the local cop shop and did a bunch of measuring i believe it was 71 center to center, anyway it was way too wide for my 55.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Durham NC
The 53-56 frame is 34" front to rear. The F1 frame is pinched in an inch or two each side until the firewall then widens to 34" on back. It's not just the frame on the F1 that is narrow, they are a rather small truck. Using reverse offset wheels is a poor bandaid since they screw up the steering geometry rather badly resulting in poor handling and tire wear.
The Jag install is practically a bolt in on the F-1, and has superior geometry to any other option.
The Jag install is practically a bolt in on the F-1, and has superior geometry to any other option.
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Using reverse offset wheels is a poor bandaid since they screw up the steering geometry rather badly resulting in poor handling and tire wear.
im not saying that this would be the best choice or a choice at all because i dont know the deminsions of the early trucks frames and fender widths, i was just saying that it may be worth measuring for yourself like i did. i read alot saying that this front end was to wide for my truck but its in and rides, handles, and looks great.