Frame Swap Advice (1 Viewer)

[wpy2080]

Looking for guidance on frame swap. I have a 1974 (October manufacture) with four speed and 1.5 F engine. The front of the frame is in good shape but from the center back it’s pretty rough and the PO had welded a bunch of steel on the back (Maze of angle iron) and although functional it looks horrible and I want it to be correct.

I found a pre-1973 frame with photos below. The owner of that frame had a V8 conversion and it was wheeled but has little rust. Looking for the below guidance.

• I don’t see radiator supports. I was going to buy some from BTB. Not sure why the PO welded those plates below where the radiator supports go.
• The PO had done a shackle reversal but the front shackle mount is really low, which would create about two inches of lift just on the front mounts. I would like to go back to original and plan to buy the hangers on BTB if can’t relocated the rear to the front, where it was originally. If anyone has a trick to make sure they go back exactly where they need to be, that would be helpful
• My round crossmember needs to be taken off my current frame and installed on the pre-73 frame and moved back to where my current setup is, correct? My current crossmember is the crossmember that’s rounded towards the passenger side but the pre-73 frame doesn’t have the round on one side, it’s symmetrical.
• The front of the frame doesn’t have those wing looking things on the top front on each side just below the bumper.
• I would like to put a new rear bumper from BTB on the back. Was planning to use bolts for this rather than welding. Thoughts?
• Once done, will have frame blasted and powder coated.
• Would it be better to keep the front of the frame that’s in good shape on the cruiser as is and weld the back half off of the good pre-73 frame? Welding them together in the middle?
• What am I missing?

 

[charliemeyer007]

I would fix the rear frame you have - way cheaper.

 

[jayp2]

McKinnon's sells a lot of frame parts if you're looking for bits to return that front to stock-ish

40 Series

Supplying Custom 40 and 60 Series Land Cruiser Components. Coil Chassis Conversions, Barwork and Engine Conversions

www.mckinnonscruisers.com

EDIT. Keep in mind they're AU and manufacture for AU/RHD specific models

Shouldnt make a difference for rear cross member, spring hangers or bits to fix the front section in front of radiator but it definately will if any bits are relative to RHD

 

[numby]

My quick take? The front of that replacement frame is altered quite a bit - saginaw conversion, shackle reversal, missing radiator supports, missing brackets. I'd use it to repair the rear half of your frame. That way you could pick which torque tube, which shock mount tube, etc you like better or will work best for the drivetrain you're going with. Keeping the front half of your original frame nets you the correct VIN... if that matters.

 

[wpy2080]

Thanks for the help and ideas. I like the idea of replacing the back half with the good frame and leaving the front... I will do some digging on what it takes to join together the front to the back and i'm sure a good automotive frame welder would be able to get it done.