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51 ford frame swap

6K views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  ilboriqua03 
#1 ·
I know yall are tired of these kind of questions, but I searched old threads to find some info, I didn't find what I was looking for. I'm looking for a rolling chassis to put my 51 F1 Ford frame on. I keep hearing an S-10 may work. If so, what year or do you know a better option? Not too comfortable cutting and installing a clip. :drunk: What problems should I expect with a frame swap? I would be greatful for any help. Thanks in advance:thumbup: Feel free to make any suggestion, I'm still trying to decide which way to go with this truck.
 
#2 ·
when you swap your frame you have to worry about wheelbase, track width and then fabbing new body mounts for everything. including new engine and tranny mounts.

what condition is your frame in now? why do you want a new frame? if it's for IFS and disc brakes i'd be tempted to subframe, it'll be a lot easier than trying to transplant the whole truck onto a different frame.

just my $.02.

JB
 
#4 ·
I never done anything like that (installing a subframe).:pain: Scared I wouldn't get it square. I want power brakes, power steering and a better suspension. The hardest mod I've done is installing sucide doors and I'm not through with that. Looking for a cheap and easy way to replace the front end. Do you know a site that could walk me through it, step by step.:welcome: Preferably, with a 51 f1 ford, so I would know I doing it right.:cool: As you can see it needs alot of work.
 

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#5 ·
Sure does, your rear fenders are in better shape than mine were...........



If you are not comfortable with the subframe idea, go with an S10 or something that fits. There will still be quite a bit of welding involved.
 
#6 ·
either way it looks like you've got a lot of work ahead of you. do you know anybody that can help you do your welding? if your frame is solid you could always put a MustangII crossmember on there that would give you everything you want and would be easier than changing the whole front end.

JB
 
#8 ·
Measure, measure, measure and measure again. I cut my frame in the pattern of the Nova clip, clamped it together, the Ford frame on top of the dropped section of the clip.

Another area of concern, is how to attach the front rad support. I cut off the frame rails and built my own . Hard to see in this picture.
 
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