Hot Rods '40 Willys with '39 Frame Question...

Hey guys,

I have a question for you Willys guys who have dealt with factory frames. I've got my '59 Cadillac on ebay, so I'm planning on getting to work on the 1940 Willys next.

It's a stock 1939 factory frame with a mustang II front... I don’t plan on a monster big-block or anything. Not a gasser, just a hotrod. I definitely would like to keep this frame instead of an aftermarket chassis, however I wanted to see if anyone who’s had one of these has any idea on how strong a 1939 frame is and if it is worth strengthening or if I should just stick the frame in the barn and use an aftermarket.

Thanks guys...
Hyfire

 

I boxed my original frame front to back including the x-member. I looks a lot like a model a frame. Carl Hagan

 

I boxed my original 38 frame, it worked out great.

 

I had a 40 sedan with a 400 mopar with a mustang 2 front suspension, stock x member , but i cut the front k member out and boxed the rest of the front...had no problems on a street car. the willys frame was used on the blown gassers in the day. i believe you should not have any problems if your not pushing alot of power.

 

I had a pro gas willys in the late 70s to 81. I boxed the frame and run the stock front axle and steering. I redid the rear for tubs and coil overs. Wasn't pretty but ran 9.80s. 481 big block Chevy with ALLOT of torque. Left really hard with ladder bars. Frame was intact when I sold it. The frame did have a 8 point roll bar connected to it which I'm sure helped it allot. Stock frame is just to weak and fexible without boxing.

http://webdesignsadsd.com/40-57/index.html

 

Here is a pic of mine with stock rails, partially boxed with custom x members rides and holds up very well so far.

 

Mine is a '39 Model 39 (body and frame) with a '41 front clip. The frame was bone stock...I boxed it, and added a few extra crossmembers to attach the ladder bars, cage, etc. It's raced with a small block and the whole thing is pretty rigid. Especially after the cage was welded in.

-Scott

 

Can't build a house on shifting sand. Doesn't cost that much for 10 gauge 2 x 3 tubing to build a stout frame. Stock 33 rails were just too thin for my liking, boxed or not.

 

Yes but he's asking about a 1939 frame. I've got a '33 as well and the frames are pretty different. The later frames are stouter. Nonetheless my '33 ran as a BB/GS car in the late 60's. Held the NHRA ET and speed records in 1969...mid 9's at 140-something...with the stock boxed frame.