Junk Yard Frames

[PA41]

I use junk Mini Truck frames for most of my smaller projects--Ts and As, and am well pleased with the performance over the years. I Mainly use the frame from the 80s Dodge D50s --the Mitsubischi import. That frame matches the Ford 26 T roadster and sedans like it was meant to be. Its a boxed frame appx. 2" x 5". It narrows nicely from the rear, and has a nice Z up right after firewall on a 26 T. I've Used the original independent suspension on 3-4 projects, and have cut that off and used a straight axle with a couple. The time is about the same as fabricating one out of tubeing, and there might be more work, as the cleaning and removal of unwanted parts is time consuming. The cost benifit depends if you can find a donor car for crusher price (or free!). If you have to ask for one from a JY, it's probably not gonna be reasonable. I personally think they look better than a straight fabricated frame. I'm not a fan of straight 2x3 sq tube frames.

The pix on this post are cars I've built on D50 frames.

The pics in the next few posts are D-50s, frames and a Ford/Mazda at the last.

 

[PA41]

D-50 frames.. I bought 7-8 of thease at a whack for $25 each a few years back and store them out of site in the woods behind the house. (for some reason my wife wont let me keep them in the yard) Its a 30 min job to drag one out and burn the cab off and claen up a little.

 

[PA41]

Heres a 26T Glass RPU Bucket I sat on the frame to show how well the 26 Fits the frame. To get this close of a fit of the T to the frame, the front suspension is too close to the body and needs cut off and moved forward, or you'll need a straight axle setup.

PA

 

[PA41]

More frame pix. The Z up is my favorite part of the D-50 frame on a T.

The glass A fit Ok on the back, but overlapped a little on the front.

PA

 

[PA41]

A Mazda/Ford frame a buddy used on his 36 Chevy PU.

 

[michaels]

That Dodge D50 is a pretty slick frame, what do you do for suspension on the back, I assume you cut off most of the frame at the back end. Neat trick.

 

[PA41]

Another D-50 frame I'm using on my 33 Dodge PU in the shop now.

I have quite a few detail shots on most of this frame stuff--if you are interested in a certian thing, let me know, and I'll see if I can find a shot of it--I'm not too organized.

PA41

 

[PA41]

That Dodge D50 is a pretty slick frame, what do you do for suspension on the back, I assume you cut off most of the frame at the back end. Neat trick.

I'm interested in various Independents. I've use a Toyota supra in the T sedan , a Datsun 510 in the bob tailed T, and am now working on a Ford T bird IRS in the 33 Dodge/plymoth PU..

PA41

 

[earthman]

Great info PA. I have a Mercedes 4 cyl donor car that needs a frame for my next project. Thanks for posting this.

 

[bob w]

Thanks for the good information on the D50 frames. You have certainly used them to build some interesting rods. How much horsepower do you think the Supra IRS can handle?

 

[PA41]

Thanks for the good information on the D50 frames. You have certainly used them to build some interesting rods. How much horsepower do you think the Supra IRS can handle?

Thanks--I'm a real believer in scrounging and swapping and using donors. I traded a 280Z rear axle to my youngest boy for this. He does Mini trucks and was wanting to do an IRS on a Bagger Nissan PU, but the upper A frames were in his way and he wanted the single swingarm style like the Z had.

The Supra was a pretty sophisticated sportscar--I think the turbo model was a 160 mph car, with 300 hp. This rear is a NA single track, so not the heavy duty unit, but it is heavier duty than a regular passenger car axle.. I would feel comfortable with up to 300 hp in a light car like a T for street use, as the axles and knuckles are heavier that most I've seen. The Bolt pattern is 5/4.5" Small Ford--so thats handy. There not a bunch of them out there, but they can be had if you look. The turbo unit is the most desireable..Possi track..

Heres some more pics..

PA41

 

[rainman]

Thanks for the info I had never heard of anyone using that frame before. You probably just doubled the cost of finding one!! HA HA The T-Bird rear suspension looks to be a good choice also.

 

[PA41]

Some folks have a hard time letting go of the bodies for scrap/crusher price. The 2.0 motor has a weakness in it and the head tends to crack at around 100K, and the rest of the truck is in good shape like the Imports tend to be. Thing is--a head and instalation costs more than the truck is worth, so its 'totaled'..

The larger 4--2.6 is a better motor, and is often found with an auto tranny and a 3.54 rear axle--the Stick has a 3.94-- Nice heavy duty, narrow unit --a small looking 9" ford copy with 6 lugs with a centered pumpkin. Work good in a T bucket, but folks tend to dislike the 6 lug--they are fine w/me.

The T bird IRS is a pretty heavy duty piece, but it has a funky 5/4.25 lug pattern that is used on a Tarus front wheel drive. Mine is an open diff-3.23/1. I reversed the Tarus steelies to get it looking right and spread out a little to match my Chevyvan front axle width on the 33Dodge project.

I just welded the subframe into the D-50 frame after getting the pinion angle right. Pretty simple.. This would work good in a PU or any car really..

PA41

 

[rainman]

I had been looking at the t-bird rear to poss. build a 3 wheeler out of, I hadn't given a thought to putting one in a rod. Got me thinking now.

 

[PA41]

Yeah--thats occured to me too. The sub frame is all there--just weld up a frame for an inline 4 and a rad and front offa Goldwing.. Maybe even a V6??

The Ford is kinda big--a smaller import like the Nissan Z or Mazda RX7 should be looked at. Heres a couple pics of the Ford outta the car. The last one is a Mazda RX7--turbo model--a good find--positrack. Just gotta find a project for it.. Its a better application for a trike I think.

PA41

 

[Shea Laking]

Yeah--thats occured to me too. The sub frame is all there--just weld up a frame for an inline 4 and a rad and front offa Goldwing.. Maybe even a V6??

The Ford is kinda big--a smaller import like the Nissan Z or Mazda RX7 should be looked at. Heres a couple pics of the Ford outta the car. The last one is a Mazda RX7--turbo model--a good find--positrack. Just gotta find a project for it.. Its a better application for a trike I think.

PA41

PA, I should be quoting the entire thread! You think sooo far outside the box....Think I've said it before, but I'll say it again-THANK YOU for joining this forum. I only ever lurked at the "other" site, so could never post there to thank you for taking the time to share your ideas.[P

I think those D-50's look pretty darn good, too.[P

Regards,
Shea

 

[PA41]

Yo Shea--Thanks for the welcome!! I'm kinda a car nut!! OK-OK I'm a little obsessed!!! (kinda like being a 'little' pregnant) . It seems everyone around me just hunts and fishes, and after 5-10 stories starting with "There I Wuz" I need a Rat rod fix!!! So I slip into my office and scan the RRR world...[P


Thanks to RR guys. There some folks in the world that have it together!!

PA41

 

[cantwell.colton]

that d-50... what are its counter parts -- im gonna start looking for a frame set up just in case i stumble across it for a super deal --
like what all would be good for a build for a fenderless rat
would a mitsubishi mighty max work ?
izuzu?
maybe a 300zx?
a vw bug?

 

[PA41]

The 80s D-50 is a Mitsubichi. Not sure if it's a Mighty Max or not though.. The Isuzu is a chevy luv.. Fords a Mazda..

Anymore 80s is old!!

PA41

 

[55chevrolet]

building 55 chevy truck

hi new to sight ,hope iam on right thread I have a 55 chevy step side in rough shape body can be saved .looking put power steering independent suspension power brakes .wanting newer small v8 say 305 .would you use this old frame and put new suspension under or go to a 80 chevy or which would work best .thanks for ant help Daryl