I need frame help

[likes_2_tinker]

first befor i ask my question let me explane that i dont know a thing about frames and suspension or anything of the sort but would it be easer building a frame from scrath or would it work to steal the one from underneeth my 49 Plymouth and shorten and narrow it and its for my 34 Hudson 5 window coupe

 

[Bonehead]

Access and abilty to welding is what will make either job what it is. To build a frame, besides the material, you will need some basic layout skills.

On the other hand, shortening a frame is easy, narrowing a fame is a little harder. But again it has to go back square, strong, and true.

 

[likes_2_tinker]

well i am not worried about the welding is not a problem 2 years at a vo tec and manny odd welding chop shop jobs and some welding experince in the cole mines


just to say my welding is not the problem

 

[Unkl Ian]

Frequently easier to start from scratch,than reworking something completely.

One of my first posts here, was a link to:
http://www.the-antidote.com/one/1chass01.htm

 

[Bonehead]

Since welding is not a problem I think I would build my own, ( as a matter of fact I did)
Mainly, because the re-shaping of the old frame will be harder than just starting from scratch, and you can really make it the way you want, with out working around a factory frame's design. Plus you will be working with nice clean, un stressed metal, always a plus.

 

[bob w]

On a couple cars, I used old frame rails from the firewall forward, for the look. The rest of the frame was built from rectangular tubing.

 

[likes_2_tinker]

my olny problem is that i dont know jack about frames and suppention or any thing of the sort so i thought if i stared off with something she might be on the road a little faster what is everyone eless oppinions

 

[Rev Tex Devlle]

well i modified the old frame on my 48 to 46 build i learn a,lot,, the next one will be build by me,, supension , was my biggest worry, but the info i found on this site helped alot,,, but its good to have a old frame to pull measurements from,, if ya need them,, for set up imo

 

[Willowbilly3]

Matt, I tried to put a 32 Plymouth coupe on a 54 Dodge car frame once when I was a kid. It wasn't even close, you would have to really butcher the floor of the car to make it work. I have access to a nice old 20's Chevy truck frame that would make a great start, it is a nice set of rails that are strong enough to not need boxed. I also have a 37 Ford pickup frame and a 48 pickup frame and you are welcome to take and see if they will work.

 

[Unkl Ian]

Early frames were usually pretty simple.

Use rectangle tube, at least 2" x 4".