Hey guys. Im looking at buying a 53 frame for my 56 f100 truck project.

The po said it had a 9in in the rear and a nova clip up front.

I like the 9 inch but i do not want a nova clip. I want a mustang 2 front. (i want the truck to be all ford and i am also puttinga 531 stroker in it.)


Please help me understand what would be involved in sqaping over from the nova to a mustang 2.

Also any problems i could have with it being a 53 and not a 56. ( ithink this is not a problem but just checking.)

Thanks

 

I assume that having the nova front clip, the original frame from about the front of the cab on forward, is gone. that means, to me, don't buy it if ya want a mustang II susp. cause you need an all original frame to add the mII ...that nova kinda messes up the mII idea...

Guys and Gals am I missing something here?

 

need a new frame

 

Plus, you won't know if the Nova clip was done right. What's the reason that he's selling it?

I wouldn't buy it. Like Jeff said, you'll need a complete stock frame as the MKII set up is different than the GM set up.

 

That 53 frame is junk to you if you don't want the nova clip. The frame is cut in half and the front portion thrown away to do that modification. There's no easy way to return it back to original and then put a MII crossmember in place, which is what would need to be done. Do yourself a favor and find a different frame. BTW, what's wrong with your existing, '56 frame?

 

Hello,
You're profile doesn't say where you're at and you're post doesn't say how far OR wide you're looking? Frames are out there but how far are you willing to go to get one?

Jim

 

^ what jim said...

and I would add that what everyone has said is probbly true. HOWEVER, understanding that the frame is just c channel it would be fairly easy to cut the offending clip off the front of the frame and fab in new front frame rails. Course, this depends on how you feel about metal fab and whether you're comfortable with it or not.

You could always use a frame reff chart to get the length right or you ask one of us to make some reff measurements. I have a painted 53 f100 frame propped up inside the garage along the side wall that I plan to use for some reference points on the frame I am working with now.

All that said, whats wrong with the clip thats on it? Going from a clip to a mustang based crossmember is lot of work to go through for no real gain. I wouldn't be affraid of a clipped frame but I would be sure to tripple check all the diamentions before you go any further with the build. Remember, its only metal and thats pretty darn easy to fix if its not right.

 

Hi again,

I've never been a big fan of cutting a frame in half and then sticking something else on the front. That's my opinion and it's worth what you're paying for it. I have seen subframe jobs that looked great, but I have seen twice as many that looked like or a chicken in socks, (pig in a tutu?!?)

On the other hand if you go Mustang II crossmember, remember that it's based on the Pinto (yea, they rarely tell you that, Mustang sounds cooler). An Effie cab, bed and a V8 seems like a lot more weight. The ball joints and control arms would be the weak link. I guess it would also depend on what you plan to use the truck for... Mine have always been daily drivers, not weekend only show cars.

Either way you should find the most talented (read professional) welder you can afford. Your life, the lives of others and your classic truck are riding on it (Literally !)

Jim


ps: For a novel approach find a late 60's, early 70's twin I-beam. Bolt it to your frame through the rivet holes. It'll give you power steering, big disc brakes, it'd be all Ford and they're truck parts. I've checked the factory frame diagrams and it'd work. It'll drop the front end a bunch just in stock form and still have ground clearance.

pps: I have a factory assembly manual with frame diagrams.

 

hey guys. Thanks for the input on the nova frame. I am going to pass on the frame and see if i can get some sheet metal from him. I need a full front clip and he has that so hopefully he will part with that seperately. I am looking to stay all ford so the nova is no go.

Quote:52 merc

I am in northern delaware and am willing to go about 100 miles maybe more for the perfect frame and if there are other parts too.

my 56 frame is a long bed and i want a short bed. I know about the "z" cut but i want a clean, nonchopped up frame.


Quote thx1138:

I am interested in your opinion on front assemblies. The reason i was leaning towards the m2 was because it seems like it will give a better ride, offers power steering, and will be able to corner better (anti-roll upgrade down the road)

I will be daily driving this and doing some towing when needed but not often.

What are your thoughts?



Thanks everyone,

also can you send me those factory assembly manual with frame diagrams.

 

Actually, a Mustang II with a V-8 and air conditioning weighs about the same, if not more, than an effie. They'll weigh out at over 3600 pounds at the curb. (I've got a weight slip from an F-1 and it's only 3000lbs.) Weight distribution is similar, as well, with the bulk of the weight ahead of the front axle centerline. So from a design standpoint, it's plenty capable of working in our trucks. Also know it's a tried and tested modification that's been used very successfully for over 25 years.

Now, taking all this into consideration, the aftermarket kits have expanded on the strength of the design and made a stronger crossmember, and stronger control arms, joints and hardware. They are so far superior to what Ford built, the only similarity is the basic, compact design. These kits are engineered for our application. There is no issue with strength, durability, or practicality.

 

Hi All,

Sofob0909, I know you said you wanted "all Ford", but have you looked at the Dodge Dakota IFS. A guy near me is putting one under a '57 Chevy P/U, and he made that decision after thinking long and hard about the M2.

52 Merc, I respect your opinion, but, I disagree with it.

Just because something can be 'made to fit' doesn't quite fit my definition of 'engineered'. Except for some aftermarket control arms, nearly all the parts used in the M2's are the same as Ford made them. That's the big sell point - over the counter parts.

I wouldn't have a problem with an M2 for an occasional cruiser, but not a daily driver or work truck and not to tow much over a pop-up camper.

Always remember opinions are worth every penny you pay for them

Jim