45 ford pick-up frame vs 39 ford car frame?

[swill67]

For my '34 ford pick-up project I have a choice between a late '45 pick-up frame with brakes and steering all set-up (with parallel leaf springs up front and in back) or a bare '39ford car frame. Should I just use the '45 and adapt some kind or front transverse spring frontend or use the '39 and use the '45 brakes and steering on it? I planed to channel the cab over the frame and run it without fenders. The '45 is narrower and may make this easier. Can a transverse spring frontend be used on this frame? thanks for any help or opinions on this?

[Corn Fed]

First off, I've never heard of a 45 Ford frame. Maybe you have a 46. But, neither frame should be used. You need a 32 or 34 Ford frame. Anything else will look out of place unless you are going for that hillbilly slapped it together look. (Sorry if I offended any hillbillys on the board). Take a look at the 32 - 34 PU's in magazines, on this board, & elsewhere and you'll see that they typically use an original style frame. C.F.

[abe lugo]

Totally agree with Cornfed, the pickup frame has no taper in it at all and the 39 well fits 39 width. If those are all your options get the 39, make a custom frame and mount all the 39 components on it.
I did hear the the Hillbilly look is the next trend, so you might be ahead of the followers

[HOTRODPRIMER]

If the frame is indeed a 45 it would be military!

I agree with the others,,,,,,,,use a 32-34 frame or build your own! HRP

[NealinCA]

Ford manufactured civilian vehicles in late 1945. My dad has a pickup that was registered as a 1945.

That aside, the rolling 42-47 p/u chassis would be good for parts. Steering gear, spindles, brakes, rearend, etc.

You might be able to use the frame from the cowl back and graft on a new pair of 32 front frame rails. ASC sells the front 49", which would get you just past the firewall.

I know 35-40 car frames have been used, Jimmy White used one in his Hemi powered Model A, but it is alot of work.

Neal

[swill67]

Thanks for all the input. I didn't know ford made a '45 either, 'til I found this one. I'm not going for the hillbilly look, but it is taking that shape. Would a model A frame work or should i just skip that and fork out the money for a '32-'34 frame? If the latter is the case anybody got a '32-'34 frame for sale cheap? ha ha
thanks again
swill

[Corn Fed]

An "A" frame would work, but It'd be better to build a new frame than wasting your time boxing one of those. I know money is an issue, but in the long run you would be much happier and resale would be much greater if you just forked out the $600 for a new set of 32 rails. CF

[slazzen]

i would get the center crossmember from the 39 the front brakes and rear end and drive train from the 45 and build a frame

[JamesG]

If you have the ability and resources to build a new frame thats what I would suggest. You can't compare new steel to 59 year old steel. Just my 2 cents. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[RocketDaemon]

model a frame with a 34 ford pikcup body? noway!
get that 45 frame and take brakes and rear axle and steering and get yourself a 32 frame and put everything on there