Thread: modern frame under old iron

Tweet

New to your forums and looks like there is a tremendous amount of knowledge so....I just bought a 37 Chevy p/up without the original frame under it and would like to know what might be the easiest modern frame to graft it to. I would like to end up with a ride that has power disc brakes, p-steering, etc. It looks as if an Astro Van is close, but would an S-10 or something else be better? The cab is mounted on an FJ-60 toyota frame currently, but it was a poor attempt at best. Any help is greatly appreciated. RI.

I've seen a 40 ford P/u on a S10 chassis, looked like a good fit. I just put a 51 Merc on a 83 Olds frame for a friends stepson, and that turned out to be fairly easy. I've also heard of using a ford ranger chassis, but I don't like the front suspension. The van frame might be a good fit, but check out the steering box mounting, might cause problems. Hank

Centering the wheels in the wheel openings is the biggest problem I see with any frame swap. Members have posted pictures on here of some horrible examples where the builder just plopped the body on the donor frame, and the tires were not centered in the openings. Even an inch or two makes it look odd.

I guess they are trying to get away without having to shorten or lengthen the new frame, but it will be very hard to find one that just happens to fit perfectly.

Another issue is the distance the new frame may need in front of the front axle. Early cars pretty much used steering boxes mounted behind the front axle, but most newer ones put it in front, so there is more length required to do that.

I am sure one of our members will be able to come forward with a frame that will be a good fit for you, but if not, hit the junkyard with a drawing of your cab with front and rear fenders installed, and start measuring trucks (and maybe cars) to find one that is close. Track width is another issue, as the early cars were kind of narrow, so maybe one of the midsized S-10's or Rangers would be best.

Final thought. It also would not be a huge job to build one out of 2 X 3 or probably 2 x 4 mild tubing. You could use a Mustang II or similar front end, parallel rear springs on the rear, and have a frame made right for your car.

maeagain is exactly right..... centering is a real problem.

Plus, older vehicles had the engine installed behind the front axle while the S10 and other late model vehicles had the engine installed over or much closer to the front axle...... This puts the radiator way too far forward to look right. If you eyeball an older Ford, the radiator is approximately over the front axle....

like meagain says, perhaps it is easier to build a rectangular tube frame...... it certainly will look "righter"

Thanks for the information! I am just getting started on this project and this is the stuff that eats up a lot of time and maybe some foolish money. I am on the junkyard search and if nothing fits just right I will fire up the Miller. Again thank you for the response. RI.