1936 versus 1937 Ford Frames

[Chuck Kuntz]

Are there any significant differences between 1936 and 1937 Ford frames. I am considering putting a 1936 coupe body on a 1937 frame.

[oldandtired]

The center crossmembers are a bit different due to the differences between the cable brakes on the 37 and the brake rods on the 36. The frame on the 37 also has holes on the side toward the rear that are absent from the 36 frame. The 37 frame will not have the brackets on the rear for mounting the rear bumber.The 36 type rear shock will not mount to the 37 frame. There may be other differences in terms of the location of the holes tapped for mounting the body.

[Gary Tosel]

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I have used the 37 Ford frame on my 36 Ford Coupe, but besides the differences already mentioned, there are some additional things that need to be done.

1. The steering box bracket is different and I used a 37 Ford steering box which does cause the steering box to be at a different angle than the 36, but it does work.

2. You will need the 36 Ford headlight stands and braces.

3. The shock difference I solved with tube shock conversion.

4. The brake differences were solved using 39 hydraulic brakes.

5. The transmission mount for the 37 has rubber mounts the same as front motor mounts. The 36 ford mount has a rubber isolator that was used with the rubber mounts. Height is then the same.

6. Additional holes need to be drilled along the front of the frame to mount the fenders, but can easily be done.

7. Body bolts align the same and use the 36 Ford mounting kit.

8. The emergency brake system as well as the rod type brakes for the 36 Ford would need to be used, unless you change to hydraulic brakes. This change requires a custom built cross shaft to allow the emergency brake cable to be attached to the stock 36 Ford emergency brake handle.

I hope this helps.