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Discussion Topic:
35 PU - new chassis or rebuild?
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35Matt |
09-01-2015 @ 4:48 PM
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Member
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Joined: Sep 2015
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I'm new here. Just picked up my first vintage 35 flat bed, in 5000 pieces from a seller who was collecting for several years while he restored a 38. My initial question: is it better to rebuild/ modify the current frame or go aftermarket (fatman or obsolete ford parts)? I intend to keep the flat head with a newer automatic trans (what will bolt up to a flat head, I have no clue yet) and drive this truck as much as I can when its finished. I know keeping the current frame will require modification for a newer trans, new rear end with gears, and suspension upgrade at a minimum. I have seen in the catalogs that a new frame with rear end, disc brakes, ready to accept newer trans, upgraded suspension, and steering is an option. Is is worth it?
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TomO |
09-02-2015 @ 7:46 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7253
Joined: Oct 2009
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IMHO driving the vehicle as Henry made it is the best part of owning an old Ford. Only you can decide if it is worth it to go to a new frame. If you want all of the new goodies, a new frame will make it easier to install them. A new frame and the goodies that you want to install will affect the market value of the truck. Many people like the original driving experience. Tom
This message was edited by TomO on 9-2-15 @ 7:48 AM
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CharlieStephens |
09-02-2015 @ 11:39 AM
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Senior
Posts: 888
Joined: Oct 2009
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Be sure to talk to your local motor vehicle department since the new frame will come without a serial number. Charlie Stephens
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35Matt |
09-02-2015 @ 9:14 PM
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Joined: Sep 2015
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I understand the serial/ vin issue, I had to go see a judge to get a court order to issue me a title as mine only came with a BOS. As far as new vs old frame, I can understand originality, however I know that no amount of retrofit to an aged frame will make it ride like a newer one. Riding in my 96 Cobra with upgraded suspension comes nowhere near to my wife's stock 14 Mustang. What I'm trying to figure out is that if is cost effective to go aftermarket or redo original to match aftermarket? The current frame is rust free, but does have a crack where the flat bed was, the rear cross beam is bent, and one of the cross beams with the circles in it from the side rail to the "X" has a chunk missing out of it. I also considered boxing it in if I were to restore the original frame. Has anyone here done an aftermarket or newer frame?
This message was edited by 35Matt on 9-2-15 @ 11:39 PM
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trjford8 |
09-03-2015 @ 7:14 AM
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Senior
Posts: 4215
Joined: Oct 2009
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Matt, when you say flatbed are you talking about a flatbed pickup or a larger flatbed?
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35Matt |
09-03-2015 @ 8:08 AM
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I would assume a regular flat bed. Single axle. I do not intend to keep it a flat bed, however if it came to that I would have a set of rear fenders that came with it put on and do a flat bed between the fenders, sort of a narrow flat bed. I have the stake bed sides as well but am not using those either.
This message was edited by 35Matt on 9-3-15 @ 8:10 AM
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trjford8 |
09-03-2015 @ 1:42 PM
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Senior
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Joined: Oct 2009
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Thanks for the reply and photo. You have the flatbed pickup which uses the passenger car chassis. If your existing frame is good and solid I would use it and buy the aftermarket suspension pieces. The critical area to check is the area where the crossmembers enter the frame at the rear just before the "kickup". If it is rusty or weak in this area the frame will not lend itself to the aftermarket parallel leaf spring kits. The front brackets bolt into this area. You indicated some problems with the frame. Do you have photos of those areas? I've done several of these type projects using the original frame and will soon be assisting a young guy with an automatic to a flathead in a '40 pickup with an original frame. I've also put an automatic behind a flathead in '40 coupe. I hope I can be some help.
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35Matt |
09-03-2015 @ 7:25 PM
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Thanks for your help. Here are more pics of the damage I'm aware of. Rear beam.
This message was edited by 35Matt on 9-3-15 @ 7:28 PM
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35Matt |
09-03-2015 @ 7:27 PM
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Passenger side, bed area, in front of rear tire area.
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35Matt |
09-03-2015 @ 7:28 PM
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Member
Posts: 10
Joined: Sep 2015
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Passenger side.
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