Thread: 51 ford sedan frame- pic

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Please take a look at this picture of a 51 Ford. The trunk floor has been cut out and is being modified to accomodate the lowered body. That is not the stock 51 Ford frame, correct? I really don't have any idea what the stock frame would look like. If not the stocker, is this common to have a fabbed frame in the rear? Does it look like a hack job? The rearend is supposedly out of a Ford Maverick. Any other comments?

The frame has been Z'd. Do you have another pic from the side showing the control arms?

Unfortunately I don't have another pic right now, I can try and get one.

Can you explain what that means when you say the frame has been 'Z'd? So that is actually the 51 Ford frame?

Having owned a 49 in my past life, I can definitely that not one portion of the frame visible in your picture is stock 51 Ford. And as Tech stated what is there has been either stepped or Z-ed.

Looks like someone was fabbing up their own frame, at least as I said from what is visible.

http://www.hotrodscustomstuff.com/SRchassis01.html
here ya go 2 or 3 pixs down "but it wouldn't hurt for you to read the whole thing "
Hope that explains what your asking ........

Oh and welcome to CHR
T L

Thanks for the replies everyone. I talked to the guy again, he said the frame was c-notched. He explained what that meant. Treekiller, I read that link you sent (nice site), but still couldn't find the definition of Zing a frame. Did I overlook it, or could you just give me a brief description?

The frame is made out of 2"x4" tubing so it's a fabricated frame.

This is not a bad thing if made right. Check the frame for squareness,plum & wheelbase.

If you can send us a picture of the front suspension....it's probably a Must II we can give you more info.

We will guide you thru any mods that should be made.

Don

Thanks for your reply Don. The front suspension is still stock, although the guy said he would put in a Mustang II front suspension (needs new pads and rotors). He said he would charge me $650 for the subframe, and $600 labor to install it. He runs his own rod shop and I trust that he is a quality craftsman. Is this a fair price for this?

Z ing a frame means to cut out the center section of the frame between the wheels and re weld it so that the top of the center section is attached to the bottom of the front and rear sections, thus lowering the center section of the frame. In this manner you can lower the body without changing the suspension system. It was a lot cheaper than dropped spindles, cut coil springs, and reversed eye springs. When done correctly, it could also strengthen a frame. It was also called "Stepping" a frame.

Originally posted by fusion_ta66
Please take a look at this picture of a 51 Ford. The trunk floor has been cut out and is being modified to accomodate the lowered body. That is not the stock 51 Ford frame, correct? I really don't have any idea what the stock frame would look like. If not the stocker, is this common to have a fabbed frame in the rear? Does it look like a hack job? The rearend is supposedly out of a Ford Maverick. Any other comments?

No, not the stock frame.
As was said earlier, plumb a nd squareness is important here.
Also have you had the body on it and does it sit right ?
If he puts a M-II suspension on it will it sit right ?