Thread: Which frame to use

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Picked up a 37 ford coupe body. I know guys use s10 frames for everything but this is my first attempt at a build like this and I don't know what frame would work best for something like this. I cant afford a custom frame made just for this so what are my options and concerns? How would I begin to even consider a frame to use. Any help is appreciated.

First.. Welcome Aboard, it's good to see you here, but then I noticed your join date... You been lurking all this time?

In regards to your frame question.. If you use the S-10 frame, you'll still need to cut / slice / dice and make it fit. Then, if and when you decide to sell it, alot of folks will turn their nose up at it...

So you'll be back at square one with a S-10 (sort of) frame made custom.... If it were me, I'd search out an original and then modify as needed if your inclined to IFS and / or IRS...

Originally Posted by wnaplay

............................... but this is my first attempt at a build like this and I don't know what frame would work best for something like this.................

The only sensible answer to those statements is; original Ford frame.

Most any '35-40 Ford car or pickup frame should fit. You might be able to find one from someone who ditched the original frame for one of those fancy custom frames.

My choice would be an original Henry frame

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What are your fab skills? If you think you could build your own frame then you could probably make an S10 frame work. If not, don't even go there. Like the other guys have said the easiest direction is a stock ford frame. Stock parts will bolt up and there is a lot of stock hot rod style parts available.
Post up some pics and let us know what your plans are...
Mark

i'm with everyone else-if this is your first time around then an original chassis is an easier start even if you have to spend some time looking for it.theres alot of dimensions to get right if you try modifying something else.if you have to wait to get one ,their will probably alot of things can be done to the body and you can also decide on what diff you are using and clean it up-motor/box decision can be made and work done on them even if its just cleaning/ painting,so don't let the lack of frame hold you up.

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I'll throw my $0.02 in for the original style frame. Like Mike says, if you adapt your body to an S10 frame it's no longer a '37 Ford in the eyes of many folks, me included, but instead is an S10 chassis with a '37 body adapted. Some will say that's crazy, but you'll find it to be true for a significant portion of your market in the future.

I am decent at fab work and have most of the tools needed to do a good job. I am not looking to do a long drawn out all original build more of a few month long fun build. I have went the alk out build route and its just not for me. I thought about just buying a built chassis ready to go but its just a consideration at this time. I can do almost anything I just need someone to tell me what to do or use. The body is really rough and if it wasnt what it is I wouldnt even bother with it.

Here is a link to a site that discusses this, apparently this is done a lot as there are 78 pages on it;
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/t...e-list.274702/

I'd find an original frame and go from there. Building a frame is an awesome idea but you need to have a jig, measurements, and a few months to do the project sounds like you have 10 guys there to help you.