So I just found out that we can't discuss anything about a S10 front clip? Well unfortunately I bought a 49 ford shoebox with one already installed with a bullshit SBC and turbo 350! Would not been my choice but that's what I got! So all I was looking for was some help! Thank you so much for the help!
Well; it shouldn't be too difficult to source another frame or even just a stock clip; they're the same 49 thru 51 and possibly right into 53 just before the balljoint system went into them. I've seen a lot worse than that stuffed under a shoebox.
My advise would be, if the work has been done to a safe and profesional level, just drop her as low as you can and drive the shit out of it. If ya cant see it, you never need to speak if it and most won't know or give two shits. If it keeps you awake at nite then a stock frame is in order. WITH a Pontiac engine to replace that belly button. Just my 2 cents...Mitch.
Lots of cars with different front clips on them here on the Hamb. We just don't talk about them, or ask generic questions and all is fine. If you can tell us what your problem is maybe someone here can help.
I hear what you are saying, but rules are rules. And BJR is right. If there is off topic stuff, just don't show it or talk about it. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/the-h-a-m-b-rules-guidelines.44274/
I'm not a Mod but removing an off topic front clip and replacing it with a stock one seems like it should be OK to discuss. I say go for it. The worst that could happen is your thread would be deleted or locked. And that has happened to most of us and we are still here.
Mate if it drives safe keep the secret to yourself and enjoy the ride undoing someone's installations as we could call them will be a enormous job as would another frame ,so if it is roadworthy enjoy it get a hamb compliant car later ,I have some cars I'd never mention on here that are great fun cars ,
I’m doing a 51 merc. Similar factory set up. I’m keeping the chassis stock. After doing so, I know why so many of these cars get frame clips. Fitting engines are tougher with the OE crossmember and steering. But in no ways impossible. Had mine been already clipped but poorly executed, I would have used an extra chassis I have. Had it been done well, probably would have kept it. A friend of mine just bought a 50 Ford with a very well, professionally done clip. It’s staying. finding a frame isn’t very difficult around my area. So if I wasn’t happy with the work I’d swap it out. If the work was decent and just needs a little help, and it all measured out well, I’d probably keep the clip and tidy it up. I’ve repaired poorly installed clips before. One the wheelbase was off over 1/2 inch side to side. As far as off the shelf parts to install a caddy in a different chassis is concerned, there probably isn’t any. Buy the block mounts for the engine, place the engine and trans in the car, set driveline angles and build the rest. Custom work requires custom parts.
So, it sounds like you bought the car, brought it home, & then discovered it had been clipped & had a SBC under the hood? I'd look a little closer before I purchase, but that's just me. If you knew ahead of time, not sure what your question is. If you didn't, not sure what your question is. You want advice? If it's done well, leave it alone. It won't cost extra time & $$ to change it to something else that works just as well (or not). Or sell it & buy something that hasn't been molested, if that's important to you.
I had a neighbor with a '58 Ranchero with a later ('73 or '74) Torino front clip welded onto it. It was a decent job, but the thing crabbed badly. The wheelbase was off by an inch. Me and my racing partner tackled it, took us an entire weekend and we made some $$ on the deal.
To me the engine is a non issue . if it’s installed correctly and runs well , who cares lots of fords have Chevy drivetrains . I went to look at a shoebox a couple years ago with a smogged out 305 !! It ran like a champ but all the other butchery turned me off . anyways , what is the issue with the clip ? improving it , changing it , putting it back to stock can all be done , it’s just steel , welding wire and time .
The very first thought that popped into my head was "so why did you buy it?". Sounds like you should have asked for help before you laid the Franklins on the palm of the seller.
I'm confused. You bought a car with the single most traditional engine swap of all time, and a front suspension that no one can see, have no questions other than to complain about the car, and the forum in general, because specific questions about that front suspension (which can be serviced and aligned at any shop in the country) is off topic here? As other said, why did you buy it if you don't like it, and why are you here if you don't like the company? You're welcome...
I have done Chassis work since the 60's. I can't tell you how many Mix-n-Match combinations have passed through my doors. I get both sides of the coin. If you have an Issue you want resolved instead of just stacking up pages of opinions send me a P.M. Maybe I can help you actually move forward. I'm a non-biased Brand specific or Power specific builder. I am also post 75 years young and not for hire. I just don't mind helping where I can or walking away from the people that Can't be helped. And believe me, there's a lot of those that fall in the last group around.
Don't know what part of the world you are in. I have a super nice, not butchered up, not rusty 49 chassis from a 2 door sedan, with all the OE front suspension, brakes, rear springs etc. Would be happy to sell it for any fair price. Bill
This! is the word to live by. It's the same as not drinking or talking about drinking around your blue nose church going kinfolk. You talk about the not off Topic parts of the car here and keep the hood closed because it is a custom. Your concern with the subframe are the same as any other mod, Is it done right? is it on square and does it drive decent? Is the welding job decent? What is done is done and so be it, you just don't discuss it here, you go to a group where that mod is accepted and discuss it there. Same as those of us who also have off topic enthusiast cars in our garage be it A later Corvette, 67/72 Chevy pickup or a late 90's 5 series BMW we don't mention that stuff here, we go to other groups for that. As for the front end, if it is installed right and drives good you are far and away better off to keep it and keep quiet about it. Parts availibility, aftermarket support and just costing one hell of a lot less to keep up. As far as the Chevy small block in a Ford goes. Take a look at the profiles and posts of the guys who are the most radical Ford in a Ford mouthers. You never see any photos of their cars or any build threads because their only Ford in a Ford is usually the early 60's rust bucket they have. The guys who actually have OHV Fords in their Fords don't usually say much. They know how damned much trouble it is to get a later Ford V8 to fit in something like a shoebox or other early 50's Ford. Hell buy a set of those 150 buck adapters and bolt a set of smallblock Ford valve covers on the Chebby, Most will never look past the powered by Ford valve covers anyhow.
I think I would leave it. If anybody asks, just tell them it’s a prototype design that Ford eventually sold to GM for future use.
I sort of understand where your at... Years ago I built a 48 Plymouth with an unfortunate front clip (it was not dis-allowed on this site at the time), with an off topic motor. We have driven it 100,000 trouble free miles. Its been a great car. What is your point? Got a problem that needs help, or is it being off topic scare you? Or sudden buyer's remorse?
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