Thanks I look forward to all you guys may have to tell me. Can anyone recommend a good frame for a frame swap as we found four cracks in the frame from the original truck
Show us pictures of the damage, also keep in mind that the Hamb is a traditional (65 and older build styles) hot rod forum and talk of late model frame swaps is not allowed here
A question about that frame crack. Looking at the first and second picture, had the frame cracked there before and been re-welded? The reason I ask is that there appear to be a couple of holes just below the outside edge of the frame at the start of the new weld that show up in the first picture also. I believe it would have been better to open up the weld by grinding, then continue the weld onto a runoff tab at the end of the cut. You could then cut the tab off flush with the frame surface and be sure you have a 100% weld. I know it takes a little more time, but the end result is worth it.
I could say that the S10 or Dakota are common frame swaps ..... then your project would be off topic here and thread removed. Would be considered a street rod .... cool project but not a traditional Hot Rod. Either one of those frames would need to be shortened in length & require welding the frame. May be better to just fix the one you have or start with a better frame. They are available.
“Holes”are tooling marks or some kind of indentations. Has em in other places. V- groved and burnt into the piece underneath. A couple under cut spots. Then there’s where the weld blends into the ugly factory weld
In addition to taking your truck off topic here, replacing an old frame with a modern frame is not a "simple" nor an "easy" job. A 48-53 Dodge truck has a very short front end, there are lots of modifications required to make it work. If you choose to go for a modern frame, PM me, I can help.
Unless it's totally destroyed I'd fix what you have because a frame swap is labor and time intensive. You should fill out your profile, at the least your location. Maybe some dude knows of something nearby that would be helpful.
I have always welded up cracks and plated them over, from both sides if there is access. A frame swap is major surgery and takes great skill to pull off successfully.
Getting the front sheetmetal, core support/radiator, and bumper to fit with a frame swap can be very challenging.
The original has lasted 70 years. No reason why a repaired crack wont last the same again if done correctly and the cause is not extreme corrosion. Unless you are looking to go for more modern running gear and drive line but thats a different story.
If you need a replacement frame for your 53 Dodge pickup, your sheet metal and OEM drive train should bolt on to a frame from a 1948 up to a 1960 Dodge pickup of the same weight class and wheel base. There may be minor body mount position changes to over come, and a possible wheel base swing of an inch, plus or minus what your frame wheel base is, that can be accommodated for.
Good advice. If you have a frame with cracks, it may be a sign that it was abused above and beyond. It may crack elsewhere later. A crap shoot. I used to get under old Mopar police cars to align that were sold to civilians. Some were re-purposed as taxi cabs. Cracked k-members galore. I could see previous welds and new cracks that formed after.
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