Question... Will a 56 Ford hardtop work on a 54? I was going with a 54 frame to make my y block installation easier and gain ball joints for my 53, but I have an opportunity for a cheap 56 Vicky frame. Thoughts?
The wheelbases are the same,if you are wanting to put the '53 body on the '56 frame it will entail the same amount of work as far as the modifications to make it fit. But,you have to ask yourself this,will it be worth it? Probably not,I have owned 4 '53 Fords and 3 '54 Fords did I notice a difference in ride and handling with kingpins VS ball joints? No,hardly any noticeable difference as they both share the same springs and shocks.Are Y-Blocks cool? yes, but parts prices are overpriced about 2 1/2 times that of 302 parts for just about anything. A 302/5.0 swap in your '53 is a walk in the park compared to the frame swap idea.But like they say "it's your ride, it's your choice".
***le is on the VIN which on a 53 is on the door pillar. I have found a good 54 frame which will work with no mods at all. Jeff, I understand your concern with the y block vs the sbf. Actually, I agree in principle with you, but they don't call me Y blokkah for nothing. I just happen to have a fresh balanced .040 over motor sitting on a stand, needing a home.
Since you already have the Y-block,"Git "Er Done!" and take plenty of pictures to share,the front clip is where the t******* will mainly be to clear the difference in A-frames.
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