need 56 f100 frame dimensions

got a new project lined up, I was looking to get a 53-55 ford truck but a friend had a 56 longbox he is going to sell me for a good price

its a longbox so I need to make it a shortbox, either cutting the frame or getting another frame to put it on, I don't know of any 56 truck frames laying in the weeds anyplace so does anyone know if a frame from another truck will work or just slice this one to the right length?
I don't know the wheel base of a short box to even start my quest


I have a spare 48 F1 frame with the front and rear axles still on it, any chance that would be the same as a 56 F100?

 

Hi Upchuck,

I am just starting to tear down my '53 short box... I know the wheelbase is 110" I can probably get you some other dimensions (I believe they should be the same between '53 and '56?) over the next week or so if this stuff doesn't help:

http://www.clubfte.com/users/earl/Reference_Material/Reference_Material.html

And this image is probably the best source of info (from one of the above links):

 

My '56 started life as a long box and I cut it into a shortbox. A LB is 118" wheelbase, and as mentioned, an SB is 110". I took out 8" out right behind the cab, and about 10" off the back. I ended up making my own box, as long boxes are longer, wider, and deeper, and I couldn't afford a new one. Let me know if you have any more ?'s.

 

The F-1 frames are narrowier in the front and widen out to the 34" F-100 width

 

bcarlson, thanks for the link!

eberhama, do you know if a regular short box will sit on and look proper onto the shortened frame with maybe having to drill the mounting holes?

I was hoping to just find an old box to use and just bolt it on if the stock long box is wider that don't mean the frame is wider does it? I have some shortbox running boards already

I thought that the long box was factory tubbed it never occured to me it was actually wider!

 

thanks orange crate, looks like its gonna be a shortening job then

 

Yep, just line up the front two mount holes with the originals, and drill the rest. Frame is the same width between L/B and S/b.

 

I have a 48 frame in my 56... I got a camaro clip in the front so that solves the narrow front.. The chassis is almost the same out back the rear cab mounts, spring hangers are in different locations. i had to add 4inchs to the rear of the frame as well because the f1 wheels is further back then a 56.