Frame, to box or not, that is the question.

Hi everyone. Since the deal for the Elephant Hunter didn't pan out I've decided (wife gave permission...) to finally finish my first truck a 1951 IHC L-110 . I've started collecting parts again and I'm going to be working on the frame mock-up soon.

I'll be using the factory suspenison with parralell leaves, drop axle, and disc brakes in front. Engine being assembled will have somewhere in the area of 350-400hp and will be backed by a column shifted 3 spd. I have most of the major decisions sorted out (I've been planning this truck for the last 14 years on paper and in my head) but I'm unsure whether or not to box the frame. If I were installing an MII suspension (like I've contempalted in the past) I'd do it ,but I 'm not sure if it's necesarry with the solid axle and parrallel leaves. I've done some searching but nothing I found had anything to do with the "newer" trucks using the factory suspensions.

Going back and forth, I think I'd prefer to utilize the stock frame as is because I like the factory look and it would be "easier" to repair it than to box it. Then again, my engine will be far from factory, and no one can really see the frame anyway. So here I sit waffling back and forth between boxed and unboxed. Any suggestions/opinions would be apprecaited! Thanks in advance.

(Almost forgot, can anyone point me in the right direction for a thread or website about building a log intake like the old crower U-fabs? Best place to purchased multi-carbs/linkages? Thanks.)

jn6047

 

How beefy does it look? A buddy has a 41 Plym with a 354 Hemi & it isn't boxed. No problems, but Mopars are known for strong frames.

 

Korn binder's have strong frames. If it were me I would't add the
weight to a already strong frame.

 

Shit, I should probably just box it and go wild. I've had the truck for half of my life, and don't plan on selling it any time soon. What does everyone here use for rust proofing the inside of the rails before boxing? I'm assuming eastwood has something that most people prefer/recomend?

jn6047

 

OK, so that's one vote for not boxing. George, art.resi is right, they are quite strong. Darn, this is going to be a hell of a decision. I wish everything came easier like most of my other decisions have. Thanks!

jn6047

 

If the frame is unbent and unkinked, leave it. It should twist just a little as the truck goes up driveways, that is good.

 

My vote is to build it, get it running, and drive it some, then blow it back apart to paint and detail the frame and box it then if it needs it. Which it would need to flex a lot I think before I'd do it. Heck I can feel the pans in my late model flex a little now and then and people have put millions of miles on the same kind of truck. I have to think an early 50's IH is going to have a thicker and sturdier frame already.

 

Vote 2! Frame is unbent, just needs some minor repair and crossmember replacement.

jn6047

 

i don't think you need to box it , except maybe where the front motor mounts weld to the frame if that helps while fabbing them

 

thanks rustynewyorker. I'm not too worried about driving it this year. It's already June and the snow comes here in Sept/Oct/Nov sometime, so I'll have all winter to work on it.

jn6047

 

Wow, replies keep coming quicker than I can type. Thanks everyone!

jn6047

 

Gee.. if the IHC frame is in decent shape I wouldn't box it for a 350-400hp engine. That is unless you plan on driving the snot out of it all the time, at which point nothing will be perfect.
They were heavy, tough critters, in my recollection anyway.
I've seen them haul loads that bigger trucks would scream at.
Any more weight and you'll NEED 350-400hp just to drive the beast.
Besides.. you can box it on the next rebuild if you really want or need to.
And you know there will be another build. There usually is on a keeper.

 

Leave the frame alone, it should be fine.
Some log stuff: http://victorylibrary.com/mopar/log.htm

I don't think you'll like the 3-speed, though. From the weight, you want a modern truck 4-speed with wide ratios.

 

Thanks again everyone.

Thanks for the link panic.

the 3 speed and rear are from a 1969 IHC I used to drive. If it had been a short box and not so rusted out I probably would still have it. But, I really enjoyed driving that truck, the 3spd was a lot of fun even with the little 304.

jn6047

 

Here's an idea, I'll paint my two "visions" you guys tell me what you think:

1: Hot Rod truck inspired by guys like Littleman and Jimmy White (but with an old IH fat fender!)

Boxed frame, drilled and chromed axle with parallel leaves, some type of cross steer setup (Vega? Maybe too light?), kicked up in the rear with parrallel leaves, solid drilled engine mounts off the side of the block. Possibly frame drilled and sleeved, definetly crossmembers drilled. Basically in the weeds but driveable.

Firewall widened for v8 using spare firewall to retain factory flair. Coke Red engine block and heads, aluminum timing cover, fabbed log intake with 6 or 8 strombergs (progressive linkage), stock steel valve covers painted to match engine with log intake chrome plated or finned aluminum valve covers with log intake painted to match engine. (I wish that I could just use an aluminum 4bbl intake and weld one of those vintage speed 2x2 adapters to it , but I don't think it would have enough CFM). Chrome headers...

Original finish (some would call patina..) tan colour with my business logo on the door and chopped roof. One piece side glass. Some type of vintage style wheel in a 16" diameter or steel wheels. Probably run without the hood from time to time.

2. Mild hot rod truck.

Stock frame, dropped axle and parrallell leaves up front. Parralllel leaves out back. Cross steer as above. Firewall as above.
Stock body, stock 16" steel wheels with hubcaps. Stock interior, etc. Very mild, just basically an engine swap and stance change.


So pick my ideas apart, tell me what you guys think (especially about the engine dress up, as I'm going to be ready to button things up very soon). Thanks again.

jn6047