Thread: need help badly...first hot rod

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i have a 1948 dodge deluxe and i wanna put in a v8....should i keep the same frame or go with a a better one....did all the research and the body is done and off the frame but i cant figure out where to go now.....can get some feed back....thanks

Use your stock frame if it isn't badly damaged. upgrade the brakes if you feel the need. And stay with a dodge powerplant, don't be a lemming and throw in a chebbie.

Well do what you wan't with it. Change the front end and rear end and put in a nice big block or small block if that's what you like. Try and keep it a Dodge if you wan't which would be cool since you don't see that much. But since you got the frame off, worry about one thing at a time like striping all the old greese, oil and paint and repainting it all nice AFTER the front end and rear end is all taken car of and any other frame mods you will do to it.
So I guess you should look into the front end and see what kind you wanna put on there first if that's what you wanna do.
Others here will put their 2 cents worth in as well and will be of better help than me.

First, be patient. I've been dealing with the same scenario with my 40 Plymouth; frame is pretty good, but in order to update the suspension, you'll need to do a lot of custom work. I've also been kicking around the idea of an s-15 frame and running gear; but again, you'll need to play around with the mounts, etc. Decide what you want for an outcome, then figure time and cost. Since it is your first, I'd stick with the original, like Gasser said, if it's not too bad. Get this one done, and under your belt, and the next one (there is always a next one) try the more in depth work. Just my thoughts.

Matt

you could get away with the origanal frame depending on what kind of power ur putting to it, if you don't plan on running it hard the stock frame will be fine if it's in good shape... might wanna get a mustang II front suspension, and a 9" ford rearend... then ur good...

if you want to change the frame.. S-10 frames woork good, we got a S-10 frame under the 40 merc we're workin' on... nothing a little cutting and fitting won't fix...

good luck with ur project... if you have any more questions feel free to ask

the frame is a really good condition besides the fact that its dirty as hell
hows would it effect the resale value if i left the the frame and put in...lets say....360 magnum 350 hp

would it twist up the frame?