On the Road

I just took the 62 ford unibody for its first drive after the frame swap. Everything worked! What a driver. The 88 lincoln towncar frame only needed shortened 3 in. and the trac width is perfect. I kept the 5.0, AOD and the 8.8 rear. I swapped over to a carb just because I like the looks so much better. I am way pleased with the way this turned out. If anyone out there wants to do something similar to this don't hesitate to ask and I'll try to help out anyway I can.

 

No pics? It sounds like you have built an awesome driver!

 

I have a couple of pics in my album. Didn't know where or if I should post pics of it.

 

Cant wait to cruise this thing down to the Salt next year man!! I gotta get that wagon rolling before then!

 

Here are some pics of the 62 with the frame swap.

 

If that ranch wagon isn't ready by speed week you're going to get kicked out of the "he man woman haters club" get going my friend!

 

That looks to be the way to go, I like it!
Ive owned a few old 60s and early 70s ford trucks and they always feel like your on the verge of turning the truck over when going around a sharp curve with the factory suspension...........but then again it could have been the rusted out front cab mounts on all the ones Ive owned, causing part of that

 

For sure. The cab mounts were no different on this truck. This truck really rides and drives nice. I'll definately do this again on another build.

 

nice job dude!

 

That's *****in', I love these kinda swaps. what would you say was your biggest hurdle to tackle? I'll be looking for you on the Salt

 

It all was no harder than doing a clip. The biggest thing is getting the body mounts right, so the thing sits straight on the frame. I'm already looking forward to speedweek next year. Hope to see you there.

 

Thanks!

 

No kidding! I need to get on it! Freakin' school........................

 

Ive always wanted on of those unibodys, I have a 72 Dodge short wide that was dads hot rod and I got after he p***ed away last year. It handles like a Red Flyer wagon and wonder if ya have a pic of the frame cause this sounds like a kool idea..

And dont flog me for this, still looking for a unibody......lol

 

I had the chance to help for a very small amount of this project. I can tell you from what I saw that this was a pretty straight forward frame swap! And the ride height that this truck is at right now is the STOCK Lincoln ride height! Totally *****in!

 

That looks killer! Your truck has a great stance! Usually when I hear someone has used a much newer frame on an old truck I just cringe when I see how it looks. In your case it sounds like not only does it ride well, but it also looks like you still have a somewhat useable bed.

 

I'll post the frame pics tonight.

 

I'm going to cover the coiled and linked rear with a notch cover. I'm leaning toward the round style instead of the squared off look. What do you think?

 

Good looking truck, you got a great start on it! I agree on the round cover, these trucks are "round" to begin with.

 

Was the Lincoln a 2 door or a 4 door ??

 

It was a 4 door towncar.

 

Thanks, with the factory tubs being round I definately think a round notch cover would look best. Thanks for your imput!

 

Here are a couple more pics.

 

The rounded cover sounds like a really great idea.

I don't know how feasible it is, but what about getting some stock tubs off of a junk bed to make the cover from? That way you'd have the same profile it would just be sitting a little lower than the actual tubs themselves.

 

That is pretty cool. Do you have any shots of the frame shortening?

 

I have some burned on a disk somewhere. I'll try to find them and post the pics of that. I made the cuts in the middle of the frame behind the ****** cross member. The only thing that had to be adjusted on the drivetrain was the drive shaft shortened 3" at a local shop. I **** welded the frame then plated it on the outside. These frames are fully boxed from the factory and are very strong.

 

Speakin of cab mounts, I put in a set...I'll bet it was 20 years ago, durn thing could use another set.

 

good truk i like it

 

As far as the bed and rear end cover, make it flat and put in a false bottom in the bed, with a piano hinge for the front, kinda makes a Hidden "trunk" electric or lockable for the stuff you want to carry along but do not have room in the cab for.
and a drawer under the back for tool storage, and it will only be accesible by lowering the tailgate, then lock the tailgate.

 

Thanks for the idea. That would be way cooler than doing the old standby. (Tanneau cover). It would be good to have the abuility to lock up stuff that is in the back. Thanks for your input.