The Ford Barn

stokes.greg · 12-01-2015, 08:47 PM

I've always had mustangs or truck until last year when I got my 56 wagon. Today I got 46 sedan coupe. Main question is has any one done a frame and drivetrain swop with a later model. My buddy has a 45 Chevy on a s10 frame. Didn't know if I could set my body on a ranger or something. And don't worry I'll have plenty more crazy questions.

JSeery · 12-01-2015, 09:07 PM

Your best bet might be to try asking that question on the HAMB and even there might be touch and go, they are mainly per mid-60s. Might also try a Street Rod site. The Barn is mainly flathead engines and a little Hot Rod, but not much Street Rod.

stokes.greg · 12-01-2015, 09:16 PM

Ok thanks.

fordor41 · 12-02-2015, 12:13 AM

Frank Addo , in his book, described using 60's Chevelle frames under 41-48 Fords. Perimeter frame had to be modified(too wide) but wheel base matched pretty close.

waldo · 12-02-2015, 10:13 AM

Some guy in Peoria used a 1954 Ford frame. looked good to me.

TJ · 12-02-2015, 10:20 AM

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If the 46 frame is in good condition use it. Frame swaps generally result in unfinished projects that you can't give away. The stock frame is plenty strong for any modifications . There are plenty of good parts on the market to modify the original frame. With the original frame all your sheetmetal will fit correctly without any extra work. Frame swaps or oddball front end clips are tons of work and generally result in a "sale proof"car when you go to sell it.

sidevalve8ba · 12-02-2015, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJ

If the 46 frame is in good condition use it. Frame swaps generally result in unfinished projects that you can't give away. The stock frame is plenty strong for any modifications . There are plenty of good parts on the market to modify the original frame. With the original frame all your sheetmetal will fit correctly without any extra work. Frame swaps or oddball front end clips are tons of work and generally result in a "sale proof"car when you go to sell it.

I could not have said it better myself. '46-'48 Fords were/are good riding, decent handling automobiles.

TomT/Williamsburg · 12-02-2015, 10:44 AM

I agree with TJ as well and if your frame is trash, there are plenty of that vintage to be had fairly cheap. With the right boxing plates and strengthening here and there, you can throw in any big block engine you would like and burn the hides right off the car no problem .....

39topless · 12-02-2015, 11:29 AM

Great advice. Take the body off of your frame and then build that frame to suit your needs. Why make this harder than you need to?

stokes.greg · 12-02-2015, 09:48 PM

Thanks guys. I was just worried about the ride. But if it rides good and is strong no need to reinvent the wheel.

Corn Fed · 12-03-2015, 08:33 AM

There are many manufacturers that make a multitude of different chassis components for early Fords. Many are bolt on, which would be way easier than trying to swap a frame. I recommend Chassis Engineering in West Branch Iowa. They make a superior product that is manufactured right here in the USA.

12-01-2015, 08:47 PM	#1
stokes.greg Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Marion, Ar Posts: 58	46 frame swop questions I've always had mustangs or truck until last year when I got my 56 wagon. Today I got 46 sedan coupe. Main question is has any one done a frame and drivetrain swop with a later model. My buddy has a 45 Chevy on a s10 frame. Didn't know if I could set my body on a ranger or something. And don't worry I'll have plenty more crazy questions. __________________ 1941 Super Deluxe 4.6 police interceptor, IFS, 8.8 rearend, hydro boost brake and more. 1946 Sedan Coupe All stock and needs restored

12-01-2015, 09:07 PM	#2
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: 46 frame swop questions Your best bet might be to try asking that question on the HAMB and even there might be touch and go, they are mainly per mid-60s. Might also try a Street Rod site. The Barn is mainly flathead engines and a little Hot Rod, but not much Street Rod.

12-01-2015, 09:16 PM	#3
stokes.greg Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Marion, Ar Posts: 58	Re: 46 frame swop questions Ok thanks. __________________ 1941 Super Deluxe 4.6 police interceptor, IFS, 8.8 rearend, hydro boost brake and more. 1946 Sedan Coupe All stock and needs restored

12-02-2015, 12:13 AM	#4
fordor41 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: elmira,ny Posts: 1,568	Re: 46 frame swop questions Frank Addo , in his book, described using 60's Chevelle frames under 41-48 Fords. Perimeter frame had to be modified(too wide) but wheel base matched pretty close.

12-02-2015, 10:13 AM	#5
waldo Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: DeWitt, IL Posts: 53	Re: 46 frame swop questions Some guy in Peoria used a 1954 Ford frame. looked good to me.

12-02-2015, 10:20 AM	#6
TJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Napa,California Posts: 6,562	Re: 46 frame swop questions Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) If the 46 frame is in good condition use it. Frame swaps generally result in unfinished projects that you can't give away. The stock frame is plenty strong for any modifications . There are plenty of good parts on the market to modify the original frame. With the original frame all your sheetmetal will fit correctly without any extra work. Frame swaps or oddball front end clips are tons of work and generally result in a "sale proof"car when you go to sell it.

12-02-2015, 10:44 AM	#8
TomT/Williamsburg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Williamsburg, Virginia Posts: 2,714	Re: 46 frame swop questions I agree with TJ as well and if your frame is trash, there are plenty of that vintage to be had fairly cheap. With the right boxing plates and strengthening here and there, you can throw in any big block engine you would like and burn the hides right off the car no problem .....

12-02-2015, 11:29 AM	#9
39topless Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 1,027	Re: 46 frame swop questions Great advice. Take the body off of your frame and then build that frame to suit your needs. Why make this harder than you need to?

12-02-2015, 09:48 PM	#10
stokes.greg Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Marion, Ar Posts: 58	Re: 46 frame swop questions Thanks guys. I was just worried about the ride. But if it rides good and is strong no need to reinvent the wheel. __________________ 1941 Super Deluxe 4.6 police interceptor, IFS, 8.8 rearend, hydro boost brake and more. 1946 Sedan Coupe All stock and needs restored

12-03-2015, 08:33 AM	#11
Corn Fed Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: State Center IA Posts: 167	Re: 46 frame swop questions There are many manufacturers that make a multitude of different chassis components for early Fords. Many are bolt on, which would be way easier than trying to swap a frame. I recommend Chassis Engineering in West Branch Iowa. They make a superior product that is manufactured right here in the USA.