The Ford Barn

rlhinit · 09-03-2018, 12:56 PM

Here's a question - how much of a difference is there between truck frame ( '47 pick-up) and a car frame ( '39 ) ? I'm thinking of building a '47 pick-up and I have a very good '39 frame available for which I'd install a pick-up body on . What are your thoughts ?

ford38v8 · 09-03-2018, 01:05 PM

It can certainly be done, but if your thought is to save money because you have that frame, consider the conversions of drive train and suspension.

Karl Wescott · 09-03-2018, 01:15 PM

1. 1947: 114" wb vs 1935-40 (41PU&SD) 112".
2. 1947: 3" wider track width vs 1935-40.
3. Parallel leaf springs on 1947 vs transverse 1935-40.
4. "ladder" frame on 1947 vs shaped frame with x member on 1935-40.

Using the 1939 frame, mounting the pickup body, and converting to 1940-41 front sheetmetal (or fiberglass... hint, hint) and grill is very reasonable (the 47 bed will need to be narrowed 3"). Trying to use the 47 sheetmetal on a 39 frame will be a nightmare, as would trying to use the 40-41 sheetmetal on a 1947 frame.

Mart · 09-03-2018, 02:19 PM

More or less what Karl said. The 39 frame would be a good candidate as a replacement for a 40/41 pickup but not for the 42-47.

Mart.

Charlie Stephens · 09-03-2018, 03:04 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by rlhinit

Here's a question - how much of a difference is there between truck frame ( '47 pick-up) and a car frame ( '39 ) ? I'm thinking of building a '47 pick-up and I have a very good '39 frame available for which I'd install a pick-up body on . What are your thoughts ?

Get the paperwork straight first. The DMV may want to register you truck by the year the frame was made.

Charlie Stephens

09-03-2018, 12:56 PM	#1
rlhinit Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Central Wisc Posts: 50	Truck v/s passenger frames Here's a question - how much of a difference is there between truck frame ( '47 pick-up) and a car frame ( '39 ) ? I'm thinking of building a '47 pick-up and I have a very good '39 frame available for which I'd install a pick-up body on . What are your thoughts ?

09-03-2018, 01:05 PM	#2
ford38v8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 7,285	Re: Truck v/s passenger frames It can certainly be done, but if your thought is to save money because you have that frame, consider the conversions of drive train and suspension. __________________ Alan

09-03-2018, 01:15 PM	#3
Karl Wescott Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,538	Re: Truck v/s passenger frames 1. 1947: 114" wb vs 1935-40 (41PU&SD) 112". 2. 1947: 3" wider track width vs 1935-40. 3. Parallel leaf springs on 1947 vs transverse 1935-40. 4. "ladder" frame on 1947 vs shaped frame with x member on 1935-40. Using the 1939 frame, mounting the pickup body, and converting to 1940-41 front sheetmetal (or fiberglass... hint, hint) and grill is very reasonable (the 47 bed will need to be narrowed 3"). Trying to use the 47 sheetmetal on a 39 frame will be a nightmare, as would trying to use the 40-41 sheetmetal on a 1947 frame.

09-03-2018, 02:19 PM	#4
Mart Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Solihull, England. Posts: 9,088	Re: Truck v/s passenger frames More or less what Karl said. The 39 frame would be a good candidate as a replacement for a 40/41 pickup but not for the 42-47. Mart.