Results 1 to 7 of 7
Thread: New "Frame" for my 1961 Ranchero
-
12-07-2016 #1
New "Frame" for my 1961 Ranchero
Hi Everyone- Been a long time since I was here. Havent done much "customizing" anything is years. Hopefully I will change that now.
I recently picked up the car which was my first- 1961 Ranchero I drove in the 90's back and forth to High School. It is NOT in good shape. If it wasnt for the fact that this was my car, I would scrap it and find a better one. Anyhow I have a lot of work to do.
The truck floors are bad, some rot in the rear frame rails and most of the bottom of the truck. I am looking for some creative suggestions on a way to graft in a modern suspension/floor/frame to the ranchero. Basically keep the body and change everything under it. since I have to repair/replace most of the underside of the truck, I think this may be the best way.
I have spent the last 2 weeks searching the internet. Every time someone asks something like "Can I graft in a Fox Mustang chassis" all the answers are "Keep it as it is and swap in a mustang II suspension.
Mustang II is great and all, but with the amount of rot I need to replace, I think something a little more in depth is warranted.
I have NOT taken any measurements yet- Still got some regular work to finish up before I can start the new toy, but my thoughts are leaning in this direction:
- Fox Mustang- Possible Entire floor/frame, cut and weld as possible.
- Ranger/ S10/ Toyota- cut/adapt the frame and make my own sheet metal floor.
- Something Else??
I really want to do a junkyard type swap- Where I can get Most of the stuff from the local u-pull-it yard. A full frame from a s10 or toyota would be best for me because I basically lower the body onto it, make new mounts and floors and DONE. but I dont want to raise the thing up like its 4WD.
I will spend money when I need to, but having a custom made frame or buying a $2-4K suspension is out of the question. I prefer to do most of the work on my own.
So what ideas do you guys have? looking for ideas you know someone has done already OR even some crazy "Have you looked at this" kind of ideas.
Thanks Guys and Gals!-Joe Cilluffo-
http://www.joesclassiccarradio.com
-
12-07-2016 #2