The original 41 frame is about as strong as you need unless it is rusted or damaged. If your frame is in good shape use it. You can install a later model rear end and rebuild the front with parts from Kanter. If you are looking for disc brakes and newer front suspension, Fat Man's can sell you a kit based on the Mustang II. If you do not wish to buy a kit ($$$'s) then look for a Camaro, Firebird or Nova front clip at the local Junk Yard. The track width should be close to the original 41. Stub the clip into your existing frame rails and rebuild the worn out stuff. I have also used the front portion of a 78-86 Chevelle /El Camino frame, trimmed and welded to original frame rails. If you go with an S-10 frame you will have to fabricate brackets to support you radiator cradle and front sheet metal components. None of your original body bolt down points will line up. All of the above depends on your fabrication and welding skills.......... Jeff
Don't do it,,you have a strong frame and you wont have to fabricate all kinds of mounts or cut the floors up in the car to make it fit. HRP
There is a lot you can do with the Poncho frame. it is already independent front susp, not like a Ford beam axle. With some fab work you can upgrade the existing and not bother with the clip or Mustang II drama. Pull the springs get everything clean then just stare and think...I fab'ed ends to mount coilovers in the spring pockets of my La Salle and rack and pinion with a Saganaw power steering pump and did the much the same on a same on a '39 Buick. The 'B' bodies use the same ch***is big X member, strong unless badly rusted. Dump the torque tube and get a 9" ford or 12 bolt GM then figure out how you want to hang it, leaf springs or coilovers and 4 bars...
Hey I agree with Ninosdad......... Back in the 80's I helped a friend by installing a 10-bolt posi in his 40 Olds Coupe. I used the stock Olds rear suspension and swapped out the rear ends only. We installed a cross member and added tube shocks after removing the old lever shock system. For the front suspension we ordered a rebuild kit from Kanter Auto Parts, then went to the junkyard to get 76 Olds Cutlas rotors and calipers. Once we had the parts in hand it was off to the machine shop to have the spindles turned down allowing us to use the above mentioned rotors. The machinist also built a caliper bracket to hold every thing in proper alignment. The car was all Oldsmobile including the 350 motor and trans............ Have Fun........... Jeff
Mine was a series 25...the little guy. I found the original suspension and brakes were more than capable and I road-tripped my car all over the country. If I'd had more $$$ I'd have bought a pair of Fatman Fabrications dropped spindle uprights but as it was, I simply cut 1 and 3/4ths loops off each coil. Any Pontiac 3rd member from 37 to 56 [if your car is an open driveshaft version] will fit your 41 housing and a 3.23 ge****t is standard for the 53-56 automatic cars. I used a 56 thirdmember in my 41 coupe and I was able to keep up with freeway traffic, using the old original 239 flathead 6 popper..
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