Thread: JCs_51_Plymouth from Washington state

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Hi all james from WA currently working on a 51 Plymouth Cranbrook. looking at putting in a S10 frame and debating going cookie cutter SBC or 318 dodge. Im going with a rat rod look.... any thoughts

Welcome to CHR, James. Glad you're here and hope you enjoy a long stay.

Why would you consider putting a '51 Plymouth on a S10 frame, especially if you're thinking of adapting in a 318? Sure, there's a large following of S10 people out there that tout putting all kinds of stuff on the S10, but you'll find that it's going to be a lot of work adapting the body to the frame, and if the wheelbase doesn't match exactly you're looking at shortening the frame, and same for the track. All in all you'll be much better off keeping your original frame, and if you want IFS get a kit from one of the companies out there like Heidts, Fat Man, or others. You can get a Ford 9" differential and have the axles shortened to whatever you need if you can't get one that fits right from someone like John's Rear Ends. I'm not a fan of chassis swaps, except in places like NZ where they have such a structured certification process, and even then they end up with a vehicle that's registered by the chassis, not the body. Save yourself a lot of headaches and keep your original frame, IMO.

Welcome James, enjoy your stay on CHR....

I'm with Roger on the frame swap, from the outset it looks quick, easy, and cheap but if done correctly it is none of those things!

Hey JC, welcome to the site.. I'll agree with the others, don't do the swapping with an S-10. While it sounds so easy, it is a lot of work to keep all the geometry in the right place. You'll be miles ahead starting with the oem frame. (Pun Intended!)