46 frame swop questions

stokes.greg

stokes.greg

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