Hotrod frame swap.

[Richard Larson]

I would live some input on using a Ranger chassis under a 1950 Ford shoebox, custom club coupe 2dr. The wheelbase and track width are very close, and I can modify if needed. I have settled on the 98 and up for the independent front suspension. I have seen lots of s-10 swaps but I want the Ford to be all Ford and I know I can mount a small block 302 in the ranger chassis to save the flathead for a track T build. Is there anything about the chassis strength I should be concerned with. Has anyone done a similar swap? Thanks.

 

[SenorNoob]

I can't imagine that body being any heavier than the loads a Ranger is rated for. Especially when you factor in that Ranger body is removed.

 

[Blmpkn]

Go for it.

Years back my buddy had some sort of late 40s Pontiac (silver streak?) that was cobbled onto a ranger frame. Thing was pretty sweet.

Swaps onto the s chassis trucks are more common because theyre slightly easier to dump v8 stuff into.

 

[Curious Hound]

Sounds like a fun project. Would love to see it completed.

 

[19Walt93]

We'll need pictures. I like the idea of using the Ranger chassis to get better brakes, suspension and steering.
When my daughter was in college I had an opportunity to buy a 49/50 club coupe that wasn't rusty(rare in New England) for $4000 but didn't think I should spend the money at the time.

 

[JoshT]

Love the idea. I often have ideas bouncing around in my head of what to do with a spare RC/SB first gen frame. Some sort of hot rod body swap build has definitely popped up in there.

 

[Richard Larson]

I can't imagine that body being any heavier than the loads a Ranger is rated for. Especially when you factor in that Ranger body is removed.

I have the same thought, The chassis on the 50 is HUGE and the front suspension with its king pin steering on control arms is pretty weird. With the suspension options available for the Ranger it should ride like a dream.

 

[Richard Larson]

We'll need pictures. I like the idea of using the Ranger chassis to get better brakes, suspension and steering.
When my daughter was in college I had an opportunity to buy a 49/50 club coupe that wasn't rusty(rare in New England) for $4000 but didn't think I should spend the money at the time.

An aftermarket chassis is thousands $ and the wait time is nuts. I'm thinking 5 grand or less for a complete non-runner and I can sell the body and other parts to offset the cost. I'll get, like you said, steering, suspension and brakes plus lots of sundry things like brake lines, fuel lines, booster and master cylinder gas tank, etc. plus replacement parts are as close as the local parts store.

 

[Blackburn15]

Richard how is this project coming along? I am currently in the middle of a 5.0/ 2002 2wd Ranger motor/frame swap into a 1952 Ford F1.
I am using a 8.8 out of an Mountaineer with the nice LS option. Just set the motor in lastnight and now onto the header adventure......

 

[Richard Larson]

Richard how is this project coming along? I am currently in the middle of a 5.0/ 2002 2wd Ranger motor/frame swap into a 1952 Ford F1.
I am using a 8.8 out of an Mountaineer with the nice LS option. Just set the motor in lastnight and now onto the header adventure......

It was easier than I thought it would be. I cut the old body mounts from the frame and saved them. I used parts of them to mate to the Shoebox body. I had to do a few floor and floor brace mods but just standard fabrication. It looked great but I'm not finishing it because a friend fell in love with the project and bought it from me. He's keeping the original Flathead and using an automatic. It should make heads spin at cruises and shows. Sorry I have no pictures of it now.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

@doorgunner did a hotrod pickup body swap with a Ranger chassis a few years ago, it seemed to work well.

Thread 'Just Plain Stupied'

Nov 13, 2008

(EDITED: Blake...sorry you couldn't be here on your 20th Birthday to help build it Son....my heart is broken, but I hear Heaven's a great place...say Hello to Jesus for me...)


I'M Converting my 1989 Ranger XLT into a "1934 XLT"-It's time for the 20 year up-grade & a new look with a body swap....
( I really didn't want to scrap the '89 body since it's in such good shape)
guess I'll give the '89 Ranger body to my neighbor so he can roll a bagged chassis under it!(* i want it back when he gets done!

But, I always wanted a .....RED..... '34 ...

• doorgunner
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• Forum: Other Trucks & SUV's

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