How similar are 36-40 Ford Chassis?

I have a 36 Coupe body. I want an early style little rod out of it. Juice brakes, 24 stud flathead, 3 speed, etc.. I was thinking I could find a '40 ch***is from a sedan or something and drop the 36 body on it, reverse the spring eyes and go have fun.

I'm pretty sure the wheelbase is the same, what about the track width? How different are the body mounts? If I have the fabricate anything I'm not scared, just wondering if the whole ch***is idea is a good one..Thanks

 

I am no expert but I thought lots of aftermarket frames advertise the 35-40 as pretty similar.

 

I'm pretty sure it is the radiator tabs that vary slightly by year , the rest are the same , just the truck has no side body pods .

 

35 to 40 supposed to be the same.

 

My cousin Vinny, says all 35 thur 40 Ford are "Identical"

 

36 knows 37,8 and nine more than he knows 40 but they are all fairly close.

 

All are close enough to be interchangeable.

Main differences are in the motor mount pedestal heights and notches for the pickup frame radiators (pickup frames don't have the side body mount boxes) and the transition from mechanical brakes to hydraulic.

 

I'm not sure about all years but I do know that 35 and early 36 are different at the rear than late 36 on up. I became aware of this difference when I ordered my rear spring kit from Ch***is Engineering.I understand that the difference is the taper of the rear frame rails. I have a late 36 which I think is the same up to 40 except for rad mounts. Mitch.

 

Thanks for all the responses. It sounds like I'm in pretty good shape. I have to put floors in the 36 anyway

 

If you end up with a '37-'40 frame, just make sure you get the little brackets that bolt on the end of the '35-'36 frame, that the tailpan/rear bumper mount to. I think thats the main diffrence in the frames.

 

Like most have stated are are subtle difference in the front of the frame. I put my 38 coupe body on a 39 ch***is, and the mounting tabs for the radiator are too wide. I also have to run a 38 fan and generator to make everything fit in its place.

Here is the link to my build thread
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=505397&showall=1

Here are the difference in the frames by year
http://www.wescottsauto.com/WebCatalog/FrameDiagram1935-40.pdf

 

The difference is on the bottom rear of the frame rail behind the axle for the shocks, if I recall correctly.

 

.....Right on.....35 to 40 are about the same(also a 1941 half ton truck is the same)...Steering bracket on frame 36 and 36 differant .....everyone gave great answers....good luck