My 67 swb project... YES its finally started. Sub frame swap

[GT-Racer]

Contrary to many beliefs I have finally started working on my truck. We got the body pulled off last week and I have been grinding sanding and primering the frame to play. Unfortunately my dig camera got dropped by my 1 year old, so no pics yet. I will get some sort of camera before I start my controversial front sub frame work. Those of you who have been around a while remember that can of worms I stirred up, the rest will have to wait in suspense. I promise to take plenty of pics measurements and notes for anyone who wishes to follow my skewed method for a budget IFS. So far I have $100 in parts and hope to gain some of that back in sales of what I don't need.

Luckily the frame is in beautiful shape except for the front cab supports. For those of you that have offered me some thanks, but I think I can used these with a little repair. I'm going to save that money for sand blasting of the frame once the mods are done. I was shocked at how good the frame really was. Even the rear spring mounts are solid after scraping out all the mud and debris. I expected rust there for sure.

I will keep you all posted on the progress. I plan to start the measuring and calculating part Sunday or Monday, and the cutting will be soon to follow.

[customcrewcab]

keep us posted

[Big D's 69]

Can't wait to see some pics.

[GT-Racer]

update. Frame measurements are looking good so far. Just sent in for income tax return, so I will be getting a new camera (digital) soon and start posting pics.
My fabrication guru is coming by one night this week to help with the beginning stages of the cut off. Should be rolling before you know it.

[GT-Racer]

ok donor frame has been cut in half, OH How I love port-a-bands. Cut through the frame like butter. Sorry still dont have a camera yet but I will try to get pics as I go.

[layedout72]

You are using the T-bird clip right? Why not just run all new rails? I think you explained before, but just wondering.

[GT-Racer]

OK let the bashing begin, .
No layedout, I am using a 82 chebbie truck frame and splicing it to my frame. I mentioned this before and opened up a hole can of worms. It cost me $100. and I gain disc brakes and IFS all at once. I cant afford a mustang 2 set up. This is working out very nicely actually. The frames are identical just behind the front cab mounts. Both are 6 1/4 inches tall, and 34 inches apart. So its just as simple as measuring out the length on each and cutting them. Butt them togother and weld it back up. I will of course be fabricating some brackets for the core support and motor mounts. But there isnt anything you cant do with a torch, welder, and a BFH.

But this set up will allow me to use drop spindles, lower coils, air bags...etc the options are endless. I will be buying some sort of locker for the rear and when I do I will buy after market (stronger) rear axles with the same bolt pattern 5X4.5 to allow for more wheel selection as well.

[layedout72]

You just answered my question about what front clip to run wooohooooooo so its a good track width and all? How will the wheels line up in the fenders? Are they "narrower" or the same? I may not have to build a frame now

[FORDification]

OK, you HAVE to shop working on this project until you get a camera!! We need some before pics....the shots taken after you're completely done won't do us any good!

[wt4speed#2]

Keith
Do you still have Chris's photobucket there are good pics of his there

Tony B

[layedout72]

what all did you get for 100 bucks? steering/discs/wheels/tires/frame section?

[GT-Racer]

I bought an entire chebbie rolling chassis for $100. I'll use the front half and I already have the rear end sold for around $75. Then I can sell the wheels and tires for another $75 or so and I am making money on this swap. Not to mention I have the entire ford front end I can part out as well. So I have about 25 dollars in it right now. I got lucky though, the previous owner had already purchased polyurethyne bushings and threw them in as well.

Keith I still have my dig video camera. I will shoot some footage tomorrow on what I have done so far and pull some stills out of it. Thats how I posted parts for sale before I got the regular dig camera. All I have done so far is marked everything out and cut up the chevy frame. I needed to get one cut because it has been down around -3 to 5 degrees at night and the ole work truck didnt want to start sitting outside. I had to make room to get it back in the garage at night.

Gotta say it felt dang good to cut a chebbie up in pieces I got a sick kinda pleasure outta that.

So after three or four and a lot of I should be in no time flat.

[ICEMAN6166]

now i see why you were not telling me about this in the post where you were asking about the axle location measurement and made your comment about bashing.
bet there were lots of worms in that can.

[GT-Racer]

bet there were lots of worms in that can.

were there ever, but shhh we wont bring that up.

[GT-Racer]

OK here are some pictures that some of you have been anxiuosly awaiting.