I just recently aquired a 1967 Ford Country Sedan wagon project car. It is a complete car with a running 390. The main issue is the frame behind the front wheels. The bottom of the frame rails behind the front wheels for about a foot have some severe rust. I have read that this is a commaon area for the Ford frame to rust out. I would like to possibly repace the frame. I have located in my town a frame from a 1968 Ford Galaxie 500. It is a complete rolling chassie with the 68' front disc brakes. My question is can the frames be swapted out. According to the data I have found the wheelbase , length, and width are all the same. Also the data states that the frame is the same from 66'-68' full size Fords. Two sources have said that the full size Ford frame and the wagon frame are different. I cannot find any info on what the difference is. If it is just bracketry I would assume I could fix this. Any help on the frame difference would be apprecieted. Thanks
I believe the information you are getting is correct. All '67 full-sized Fords has the same wheelbase, but the station wagon frame is different - to accomodate the different configuration in the rear of the wagon. I suggest you pass on the sedan frame and start looking down in the southwest for a decent 'roller' This one's kind of expensive, but it's all there, and you would have lots of extra parts. You may even be able to drive it home..... http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/2486063352.html
DVAP.COM Desert Valley Auto Parts They might be a bit expensive, but if it's out there, they'll know about it. (I'm kinda thinkin' they might have a swelled head from that TV show they were on....)
I am not just trying to promote myself, but if a '66 would work, I have one foresale......... http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14623
It's not a big deal to weld the front half of the sedan frame to the back half of the wagon frame. Obviously it requires careful measurement and alignment, but it's not difficult. It's also not that hard to section out the rusted parts of your original frame and weld in new metal of the same thickness. These frames are just mild steel and are easily welded. There's no heat treat to worry about.
Thanks for the help so far. Checked out Desert Valley. They want $700 for a bare frame plus another $600 to $900 for shipping. More than I want to spend. I like the idea of replacing the rusted metal. I thought about that but did not know if I would strength issues. I need to get the body up off of the frame though to see how bad it really is. I am in research mode right now, which brings me to my next question. Does anyony have any ideas, pictures, links on a good way to support the main body and roll the frame out? After all this is a very large car.
I'd get a couple 7 foot long chunks of 3" I-beam or 6" X 6" lumber, and two chain blocks hung on supported rafters about 9 feet off the floor. Start with floor jacks to raise the car enough from the frame (in front of rear wheels, and at the front near the firewall. then lift her up about 18" above the frame to roll it out. Assumes that hydraulic brake lines, shocks, springs and fuel lines are off. The 6" X 6" lumber shouldn't leave any dents at the body side rails, but if they would, run some 2" X 6" blocking above them, on the length of the body to spread the weight. 3" wide canvas or nylon/polypropylene belts are better than chains on the chain blocks (bascially towing belts) to the big cross-beams (6" X 6"). I'd take out the windshield, if the body looks really weak from rust.
Almost forgot! Check out Post #3 on this page for complete plans for a homemade Rotisserie: http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3001
