S-10 Frame Swaping who's done it and on what?

[asillymick]

I have a 1946 Ford long door sedan that I am wanting to build it is on a rolling chassis now but i am wondering if anyone here has had the experience of swaping this body over to a different frame. I have been reading a ton lately about using the S-10 frame? Maybe some of you guys have a better idea then an S-10.

Let me here from everyone on this and also some photos would be nice just so I can get a clue. Thanks

[TimBob]

SoWhat wrote the book on this swap with early 50's GM trucks - check the Tech-O-Matic.

Specific to your car, fordnutz has a project on the go:

fordnutz's fat ford S10 swap (http://groups.msn.com/goldenoldiesvintagetin/ournewestproject.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=186 )

Good luck

[Ayers Garage]

I'm working every day on my S-10 frame under 50 Chevy truck swap.

[Chopped50Ford]

I have put an s-10 frame stub on a shoebox. It is also a correct width for a 54 Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth...(spndle to spndle/front end)

The plus is you can get a dropped spindles, lowered lower control arms, custom (pre-fabbed on the shelf) upper a-arms...disk kits...on an on and on.

[asillymick]

So I guess that nobody ever took any photos when they did something like this?

[Mass Butcher]

Here is the tech article referred to in one of the previous responses. Lots of pictures pics (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB4&Number=281852&page=2& view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1)

[ponchobilly]

silly- Click on the Main Index. Then go into the Tech O'matic section of the board. Search the lower part of page one for the s-10 frame swap tech by SoWhat.
Bil

[zgears]

yes, please more post on how to destroy classic cars. 80's gold chainer style. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[porknbeaner]

[ QUOTE ]
yes, please more post on how to destroy classic cars. 80's gold chainer style. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

Uh the high zoot guys weren't using the S-10 chassis in the 80s.
We're talkin' full fender cars here. I guess its better to put a Mustang II under there right?

Here's the real upside to it, you get a narrow chassis that adds up to wide/deep wheels front and back. A major slam with big tires on all 4 corners and turning the wheels lock to lock without hitting anything.

Cheap, cheap cheap chassis. They're a dime a dozen.

Or I guess if you really want to be up to date you can buy an aftermarket chassis or get box tubeing and make a chassis from scratch. That would be perfectly acceptable.

I got an S truck chassis under my '53 F 100. I've probably got pictures of the build somewhere. But you don't really need the pics.

Start by measureing your wheel base. Then measure the wheel base of the chassis you want to use. are they the same?
Set the chassis on blocks and get it level. Now set the body on the chassis and jockey it back and forth until the wheels land in the fender wells they way you want them. Roll under neath and figure out where you want the body mounts to be and start fabricateing.

its an adventure.

Done deal.

[zgears]

ok, maybe i was harsh. my s-10 was a big peice of junk, i just though if im going to have junk drivetrain its original junk for me.

[porknbeaner]

Aw its OK Zgears.
Besides if you're gonna swap the chassis you ought to swap out the drivetrain also.

Lest see 9" narrowed (31 spline strange axles locker)on a 4 link (the real one not one of those whimpy street rod things they sell). Ultra zot whatever you want to squeeze in between the horns, bullet proof tranny. if its gonna look fast it ought to be fast right?

Not a thing in the world wrong with the chassis. Tough as nails.

[asillymick]

That is kind of what I was thinking, It isn't like I was asking about a chassis swap out of a BMW or Lexus. I just thought that the S-10 would be a nice way to get that slammed action and still have a reliable car. Hell my 54 is still stock on the frame.

[Slide]

[ QUOTE ]
It is also a correct width for a 54 Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth...(spndle to spndle/front end)

The plus is you can get a dropped spindles, lowered lower control arms, custom (pre-fabbed on the shelf) upper a-arms...disk kits...on an on and on.

[/ QUOTE ]

My dad put the front clip off an S10 frome on his 51 Plymouth...like it was made to fit. He even used the rear end and leaf springs on the rear of the Plym. That was almost a bolt-in! After seeing how that went, if I was building an early 50's mopar, I'd be all over the S10 idea.

We've done plenty of pick ups on the S-10 frame. No cars yet. I did measure up a 46 Plymouth sedan to do the swap and it would have fit like a glove. It would have needed two notches in the floor under the back seat cause the S-10 fram started to kick up a little sooner than the stock. otherwise the trunk floor needed to be moved up a little. No problem on this car the trunk floor needed replaced.

Check the wheelbase on a shortbed S-10. Also measure where the kick up starts on the frame. That will be your most critical measurement. the rear can be moved easily but the kick up can't.

Let us know how you make out
Clark

[Gracie]

What's wrong with leaving it alone? If you want a new car ride... buy a new car.

I just will never understand the "have to be comfortable, better ride, better handling" guys...

I like my old cars to drive like old cars...

[46stude]

[ QUOTE ]
What's wrong with leaving it alone?

[/ QUOTE ]

That goes against everything hot rodding stands for. Why swap frames? Why hop up the motor? Why swap rear ends? Why chop the top? Why not?

[Gracie]

Because its gay that's why. AND you are mixing apples and oranges to make your point. I'm talking about swapping for comfort and ease being silly... not swapping for performance.

[OGNC]

A lot of times it is impossible to get a car with a stock chassis low enough. I like my vehicles to be low. Not just a couple of inches here, we're talking body panels/running boards on the ground. So to complete the look I have in my head, a chassis swap usually has to be done. Plus I love being able to make u-turns and add anti-sway bars. And I am also fond of the looks on people's faces when they see one of my vehicles parked somewhere and wonder how it got there because it is a good 6-inches lower than any other vehicle there. For me that makes an S-10 chassis swap well worth the effort.

[36-3window]

at the risk of getting beat up , i'm gonna tell my opinion on S-10 frame swaps..REMEMBER THIS IS ONLY MY OPInION....plenty of people have done it succcesfully, but i wouldn't advise it to any one new...it sounds simple to do when you tell yourself "we'll just put a whole new chassis under this old car and have an instant hot rod"

the best frame for a 1946 ford is a 1946 ford frame!! there are plenty of parts available for a modest price to upgrade your present chassis.....like a Chassis Engineering rear parellel spring kit..... front mustang II kits are avialable from many sources , are cheap, and not too hard to put in for a beginer...motor mount kits make the installation of the motor of your choice a breeze


some problems to contend with with a frame swap are differences in wheel base and thread width ... you also have to fab new body mounts and figure out a way to hang the front sheetmetal and radiator , since on a `46 ford that is all bolted to the original frame

my opinion..stay with the orginal frame...it will be easier and cheaper to do.....and your will be worth something when it's done

[porknbeaner]

Gracie
I guess I don't totaly understand what you're saying.
Hot Rodding is all about making one perform better. If your building a dragster you want it to stand up and cut a straight line, if your building a streeter it out to corner like its on rails.
As for ride, I don't know how many S-10s you've been in but they really don't ride that well. Perhaps the added weight of the early body would help a little.

Tell you a story that is an apples to oranges thing but has everything to do with why?

About 7 or 8 years ago I decided that what I really wanted was a billet distributer, no real reason I just wanted one. Ball bearings on the shaft, ultra trick electronic etc.
Now at the time I could buy an MSD or a Mallory unit for about 150.00 new.
But I had access to a machine shop and a piece of T-6061 aluminum bar. So I decided to build one. About 30 hrs later I had the worlds most beautiful billet aluminum distributer minus the electronics. It sits on a shelf in my shop today.
I realize that this has nothing to do with an S-10 chassis swap. But it should answer why. Because I could.
When you get right down to it the real reason for the insanity of scratch building a car comes down to this simple principle. Because I can.

Is the S-10 chassis strictly old school? probably not unless old school has anything to do with makeing it better because I can. Is it a necessary swap, well probably not but it is a viable swap in many cases.

[zgears]

just my opinion, but this is the H.A.M.B, not GoodGuys. i respect the right for someone to whatever to there own stuff, but the H.A.M.B's a traditional forum. it just bothers me to see the old iron that has lasted so long trashed. the s-10 thing maybe not 80's goldchainer, more like 1991 trailer park "street rod" inspired buy 1987 boyd codington. no offense, just my opinion.

[asillymick]

You I guess if the stock frame was in great awsome shape and I never wanted to leave the state that I live in, then the stock frame would be ok... But I have a young 5 year old boy that likes hanging out with his dad. So saftey is also important, You know back in 1946 the speed limit wasn't 70 to 75 and also everyones brakes stopped just as bad as the others. All of the crying about traditional (or I guess tradisional as someone said) you need not pay attention to this post. Go find a posting that you like and stop bitching, man this is not an open wheeled roadster. This is a fat fender 40's car. For them to be right... they need to be low. Thanks for the people that have offered good ideas, to the others- I am sorry that you haven't ever had the chance to build a car that could be cross country driven.

[JK]

Shove off, fag! You'll never build it! Go some where else!
(Be advised that the previous statement was influenced by almost a gallon of Spaten Oktoberfest). http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Gracie]

Sweetie, I HAVE a car that will make it across country... in fact it has even won a trophy for the longest drive to a show... it took me from Alabama through Chattanooga, on to the Blue Ridge Parkway all the way to Boone NC, then over to Winston Salem, then back through Atlanta back to Birmingham. AND on bias plys too... WITH my OD not working, IN the July heat (never once did the flattie overheat, but we did because I don't have "Vintage Air")...

... so there... pfpfpfpttt http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[asillymick]

JK How many old cars do you have running at this time??? That is what I thought. And Grace so what kinda car is it that you have? I think that instead of doing a sub frame it just makes sense to have everything together: i.e-brakes, lights and possibly a gas tank for about $100. That is halla cheaper then finding and rebuilding a flathead, then finding and rebuilding a frame that has been buried in the mud for the last 20 years of the cars life.

[Gracie]

I have an old Ford... 49 moredoor... among others.

I guess I'm just a Boyd Codddington trailer trash gold chainer http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
My truck sports an S-10 frame and I would not have it another way. I drive it every day. I have put over 150,000 miles on it. I tow a trailer with it.

The truck started out with a stock frame with a Camaro clip. It was fine I just wanted a better frame. This IS the best frame for my truck. It is easy and it is cheaper than rebuilding your stock suspension (wich will ride and stop like shit) or putting a mustang II under it. It IS traditional in the style that we are using junk parts and making them work for us. There is no 1-800 # to buy the frame swap stuff you have to make it work for yourself.

I do not know if the frame will work for him but it's worth checking into. For all the negative people...if you don't like it don't do it. Some peole are just stuck in a rut and are not open to new ideas.
Clark

Gracie ...do you get upset when people tell you 4 doors suck only 2 doors are cool? I don't rag on people with 4 doors if they like it that's all that matters. Even though I wouldn't own one I have seen several that I have been impressed with. It helps to stay a little open minded.
Clark

[46stude]

[ QUOTE ]
Because its gay that's why

[/ QUOTE ]

So, you're like, a female homo-phobe or what? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

My Stude is sitting on a LUV chassis. It gave me a fully boxed frame, instant drop, adjustable front ride height, & disc brakes. My cost for all this stuff? Not a friggin' thing. I got the whole truck for free. Cost to box the original frame, swap in a dropped straight axle, channel the cab over the frame to get it low, & disc brakes- you figure it out. There ain't no apples & oranges in hot rodding- everything we do is just to appease ourselves, no one else. You don't like it, fine. Just don't crap on someone elses idea & what they wanna do.

[Ayers Garage]

Fuck the haters.

Everyone should try building a car with their energy instead of wasting all their time running other people's shit down just because it's a little different.

[OGNC]

[ QUOTE ]
Gracie ...4 doors suck.
Clark

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey, with a little editing that post turned out all right... LOL

Just teasin' you -- kinda. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Sure just like a magazine guy to twist your words around!!

Just screwing with you now. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Clark

[slammed]

Take the tech tip's and run with it. Do what you feel is cool.

[krooser]

For those who think a late model frame swap is cheaper than doin' a MII think about this...If you compare the used chassis with old, used parts and the MII, you're right it's cheaper...BUT if you compare the new parts in a typical MII kit (a-arms, bushings, shafts, ball joints, steering etc) and rebuilding a used chassis with equivilant parts, and add in the hassle of doin' all the fabricating to do the mounts for the body, radiator, fenders, etc.,...I think the MII is easier AND cheaper. You've got to compare new with new...used with used...You can usually do a MII installation in about 8 to 10 hours....how long to do the full frame swap? Probably a hell of a lot longer (and time is money unless your time is worth nothing). Just my two cents...but I'm the guy who's got 50 year old cars and trucks with stock brakes and steering and am in no hurry to change any of it 'cuz I like old stuff to drive like old stuff. I do have later rears in my stuff to keep the rev's low on the highway. Take it for what it's worth...

[46stude]

Yea, you'll have a hard time doing a MII for less than 1K- kits start at about 1400. My frame swap will be a small fraction of that.

[Irritant]

[ QUOTE ]
the H.A.M.B's a traditional forum.

[/ QUOTE ]

nuff said......

[Mojo]

The tradition of hotroding has always been about snaggin newer parts to make your hotrod PERFORM BETTER. That's why nailheads and rockets are popular right? Because someone somewhere got tired of his flathead, and wanted better performance.

I like old cars, I like the style, that's why i'm into them.. I don't think anyone is talking about putting a ugly assed S-10 dash in a 32 ford here... it's about getting more performance, not just in go but in stop and turn too.

I completely agree about the modern traffic comment. I drive a 67 ford, those shitty drums are fine when I have some room, but when some SOB with antilock clamps them down in front of me, i'm usually ready to dive over to another lane, because i'm not going to stop in time. Been there, done that. That's the reality of driving older stuff in a modern world. I'm going to get disk on it as soon as I can afford it, fuck the resto crowd..

S-10 swaps make good hotrod sense, if they fit right.

[Chopped50Ford]

I did a frame stub before and I will say I regreted doing it. I have always been old skool and a big part of me prefers the original stuff. It worked then, why not now, sheeit...some of us are still running on that 50+ year old stuff and it works (w/ a little effort of course)

Go stock...it was mentioned earlier, its available a plentyful....if the stuff was rare...go the other route [I would say]

Just my 3.5 cents.

[studeboy]

Just for the record I will have about $1000 into the ENTIRE chassis for my Studebaker (96 S10 Blazer 4dr). Of that money includes the $500 rolling chassis, drop springs and spindles and blocks for the rear. I can't buy a GOOD MII hub to hub kit for less that that. Plus it has power steering that most MII kits you pay extra for. To answer the question of why do this swap on this truck, IT HAD NO FRAME WHEN I BOUGHT IT!!! So does that make it OK.

I have never heard anyone put down SoWhat's ride cuz it has an S-10 chassis (one sweet lookin ride BTW). But some FNG asks a question and you guys ream him because he wants something HE feels is a little more reliable and SAFE. I personally applaud the guy for thinking of someone else besides himself as the life he saves might be yours.

Eric

[james]

Okay, I found major rust through on the frame for my 54 plymouth. The front end was locked up from sitting for years. No engine. Along comes a mid eighties olds 4 door with 40,000 miles and a 4 barrel v8. Hmmmm. $100 later, and I've got a new frame, running gear, an easy to lower chassis, new floors, etc. I guess I could have scoured the country for another 50 year old frame.... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[zman]

I don't even want to know what the haters think of my '85 Jag suspension under my '57 Buick...

I think the S10 swap is a good deal.

Kroozer... I did rebuild the S-10 front end on my truck. Still cheaper than doing the Mustang II deal. I bought my S-10 frame for $150 (we can get them at a junkyard for $300 anytime) the rebuild kit was $150. Try that with a Mustang II. I'm a cheap sum bitch and this is the best way I have found. Don't forget the S-10 has a nice kick up in the back which would cost extra money to do to a stock frame.

I'm not saying Mustang II front suspension is the wrong thing to do. It works great for a lot of cars. Some cars can't use S-10 frames.

For the negative people.....I build Hot Rods! I drive my Hot Rods. I live Hot Rods. I do it for me. If you want to drive an antique, drive one. I'll drive my Hot Rod from coast to coast in a heartbeat. Just be nice and wave when I pass you on the highway! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Clark

[fab32]

This could all be settled if everyone would realize what it is that hot rodders do. Robert Peterson said it best when he started Hot Rod Magazine. A hot rod is a vehicle which has been changed by its builder for better performance and/or better looks. I'm not quoting here just stating the essence of his editorial. I think we sometimes forget the owner in a discussion like this. What does the owner want and what can he afford. Those two questions usually determine the outcome of any project and I think the object of the HAMB is to share how each of us goes about accomplishing those goals. Other than safety concerns why do we have to express an opinion about how someone accomplishes their goal?

Frank

[studeboy]

Well said Frank. Now can't we all get along http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Eric

[fuel pump]

As always fab hit the nail on the head. Old guys like Frank and me have been discussing and sometimes argueing about stuff like this for 40+ years. The parts being used and debated may be different but the idea is the same. Being innovative and changing parts to improve performace is what hot rodders do. So don't criticize and complain .... just get out in the garage and do it.

[slammed]

The Question read's: S-10 Frame Swaping, Who's done it and on what? Not Frame swap VS. MII. Nor a 'should I, or shouldn't I" do this, what would you do question. Tech is the answer.....

[Tinbender]

I just bought a 4 DOOR stude. I'm looking for an S10 frame to drop it on.I must be really fucked up! I really dont't give a shit if it's "trad" enough. I want power steering, power brakes, air and a automatic with overdrive. I want it to drive and handle nice,and still sit close to the ground. BTW, it's not my only car. I decide what I want from the car, then build it accordingly. If that makesme a pussy,then I guess I can live with that.

[Gracie]

Blah blah blah... I'm just another asshole with an opinion, just like all you out there in Hambland.

People who dis 4 doors don't bother me at all, I wouldn't have a 4 door if I could afford a 2 door... In Alabama you take what you can get.

[zgears]

H.A.M.B. 2044; "Tech S-10 space ship Frame Swaping". where does it end?

Zgears...I just noticed something. Your tagline says 29 Ford on 32 frame??? Why would you swap frames? Isn't the original frame the best frame for a 29 Ford? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Just bustin your balls!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Clark

[zgears]

hahahah i knew someone would get me eventually http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[asillymick]

Ok Sowhat, what is the width of your S-10 Frame? I think chopped50 said that this would also work on a 54, and I also own a 54 2 door sedan which is really narrow. So does this mean that the S10 is narrow also? I have done a few clip jobs with my step dad, but it always bothered me to think that if it ends up to far back or fowards it will be all jacked up looking. And perhaps this should have been asked in the first post. Should I look for a specific year of frames to work with or will any S-10 do? The wheel base on my 46 is 115 1/2" I think that it was posted before that the S-10 single cab is like 116"?

silly...the frame is fairly narrow. At the rear I beleive it is 40". I think it stays the same up to the front or gets narrower. The wheelbase can be fixed easily. If the wheelbase is your only problem it will be as simple as drilling a new locating hole in the spring perch on the rear.

The kick up is what you have to worry about. Measure from the center of the front wheel back to the point where the frame starts to kick up then measure the same on the S-10 frame. If your floor is rotted you will not have to worry about the kick up when you fix the floor just make it fit the kick up. The other thing you have to check for is room for the steering box.

All of the early body style S-10s have the same frame. I think the new body style is the same but I haven't tried one yet.
Clark

[Jack 1949]

I don't know but I would really like some ideas on what frame will work for my 1949 dodge truck? HELP!!!!!!!

[Orange54]

I have a 1946 Ford long door sedan that I am wanting to build it is on a rolling chassis now but i am wondering if anyone here has had the experience of swaping this body over to a different frame. I have been reading a ton lately about using the S-10 frame? Maybe some of you guys have a better idea then an S-10.

Let me here from everyone on this and also some photos would be nice just so I can get a clue. Thanks


So like the man said has anyone done an s10 swap on a 46-7-8 ford and documented it?

I have two 46 2 door sedans. One is going on a frame set up by a fellow HAMBer for mII and sbc. I'm not changing it just to go back traditional. I'm getting it done to drive.

I also have a bone stock 46 frame and body that was robbed of it's front running gear, rear drums and backing plates. If I could get an S10 rolling frame and brackets to go to sbc for cheap guess what I'd do?

I guess if you look it as building a Rodder's Journal type of work of art or a traditional rod that's fine.

I have a family, mortgage, retirement, and other things I'd rather spend my dough on and in the mean time enjoy going for a spin in my rides that don't have a lot tied up in them.

[hoboy56]

I have a 1946 Ford long door sedan that I am wanting to build it is on a rolling chassis now but i am wondering if anyone here has had the experience of swaping this body over to a different frame. I have been reading a ton lately about using the S-10 frame? Maybe some of you guys have a better idea then an S-10.

Let me here from everyone on this and also some photos would be nice just so I can get a clue. ThanksI put 1 under my 50 chevy truck and plan to drive the hell out of if. 305/350

[rusty1]

...guys who don't like this sort of post should just move on to the next one that you do agree with.
...besides when that slammed Ford sedan on an S-10 frame flies by you on the interstate; how the hell are you gonna tell if it's got an axle or late model frame under it?...you'll just be happy seein that ol tin goin down the road.!

[red sled]

I have a S10 that I would like to ride, handle and stop like poo. May I please have your old 40's chassis? Anybody out there have any tips on converting to mechanical brakes? (I'm just havin' fun with y'all!)

[Rob Kozak]

Because its gay that's why. AND you are mixing apples and oranges to make your point. I'm talking about swapping for comfort and ease being silly... not swapping for performance.

What an answer! "Because it's gay?" Coming from a guy named Gracie. Say goodnight Gracie your an ASS!

[Clark]

This is an old post. The drama is over and done. Lots of guys have built stuff with the s-10 frames and have enjoyed it. Others don't like it but that's OK. Everybody has an opinion.
Clark

[enjenjo]

What an answer! "Because it's gay?" Coming from a guy named Gracie. Say goodnight Gracie your an ASS!


Uh, Rob, Gracie isn't a guy.