[gunnulf]

Hello,
I've just finished acquiring my 35 ford coupe. This car isn't a fiberglass or remake, i've surprisingly found a real vintage one(in pretty bad shape) I don't doubt my metal skills on fabricating and repairing all the body and chassis. I've been asked a good question by my father tho. ''Should i keep the original frame or get a frame from a mustang?''

Doubting the frame can handle a 350 engine i would need greatly modifying it. changing the brakes as it has its old brake system and everything.

What would you do in my particular case?


Now if i do decide on getting a mustang frame.. what do i do with all the real 35 ford coupe parts.. don't know if they are rare or not or if anyone is really looking for those parts. original brake system, got spoke wheels also from a model A that i'm for sure not keeping.

Sorry if some of these questions are stupid as i am quite new at playing around in cars. I've planned out a lot of what i want to do though i didn't do a schedule since i don't know what shape the car is exactly before stripping it.

thank you

david

[gcrmcc]

Originally Posted by gunnulf

Hello,
I've just finished acquiring my 35 ford coupe. This car isn't a fiberglass or remake, i've surprisingly found a real vintage one(in pretty bad shape) I don't doubt my metal skills on fabricating and repairing all the body and chassis. I've been asked a good question by my father tho. ''Should i keep the original frame or get a frame from a mustang?''




thank you

david

I believe all the mustangs are unitized bodies, so there is no frame. But a lot of people use the mustang 11 front cross member and suspension by welding the cross member to your existing frame with some modifications. You would need some knowledge of suspension as this not and easy thing to set up right unless you know what you are doing. Hope this helps.
gcrmcc

[302 Z28]

Personally I think a hatchet job front end from a Mustang looks just like a hatchet job. The 35 frame can be strengthened to handle the HP, if it is fairly good shape to start with. It can be fully boxed and heavier cross members can be welded in. Most of the current early Ford street rods have new manufactured frames built along the lines of the original frame with added beef where needed. As far as scavenging a front end from a Mustang II, well it's up to you but I think they look like %$#%. I would spring for a tubular A arm front end from either Heidts, or Fatman. They look soooo much better than a junk yard front end from a Mustang II.

Just my 2
Vince

[gunnulf]

Thanks for your fast reply,
The car is completely in great shape apart from surface rust. the frame itself is basicly the piece of the car that needs the least work(rust wise) thank you for the ideas.

Any ideas on what to do with the old brake system and things like that?
maybe a site where people really Restore the cars as they where?

David

[302 Z28]

As far as brakes, you will use whatever front end you decide to put on it. My 34 has a Heidts IFS with Ford 11" disc's with Willwood calipers. The rear is a Ford 9" with the same 11" rotors and Willwood calipers. I have a 67 Corvette master cylinder designed for 4 wheel manual disc brakes.


Vince

[dinger]

I have a 36 Ford 5w, check out my journal for some pics of the frame. Stock frame, boxed, Mustang II rack and pinion. All the pieces came from Street Rod Engineering. Good luck. Dan

[35WINDOW]

Gunnulf,

Nice to meet another '35 lover (I'm not sure how many of them there really are! ). You know, the '35-40 Frames are generally robust, and if your Frame is in good condition I would use it!

There are a lot of Front ends made (Heidt's, Fat Man come to mind), and you can put rear leaves, 4 bar, 4 link, triangulated 4 link, etc. under them, with kits made especially to fit your car-lots of choices out there.

I used an original Frame, with a Heidt's Superide II under the front, a Pete and Jakes 4 bar under the back and 4 wheel Wilwood Disc brakes. There are a lot less and more expensive ways to do it. Plan out what your want (really low, consider "C"ing the rear frame, wider tires, narrowing the rear, etc.).

Good luck and have fun with your project!

Craig

[302 Z28]

Good suggestion from 35Window. The ugly Mustang II front ends I am referring to are the ones that still retain the stamped steel lower control arms and use the strut rod. I have seen absolutely stunning street rods with this hideously ugly front end under them.

Vince