My body on different frame?

[Guest DeadBodyGuy]

OK, I learned SO MUCH about taking a Dakota frame and gettin the front end and things I want on my '46.

I'm actually getting the Dakota rolling chassis soon.

Now, I'm a newbie, so be nice, but why couldn't I put my body on the dakota frame?

Different wheelbases? Body won't fit?

I'm just wondering, so be gentle. ;-)

thanks

Chuck

[Don Coatney]

Chuck;

Lots of saveable cars end up crushed for just what you are trying to do. Dont bite off more than you can chew. If your car is too far gone to save sell it and find a car you can save. Dont exceed your limitations. Remember failure is not an option. I tried to be gentle.

[Guest DeadBodyGuy]

Don,

By no means is my car far gone. It's actually in pretty good shape for a starter.

I was just wondering why you would just change the front end if you want to upgrade your steering and brakes and why you couldn't put the 46 body on a newer frame.

Check this one out on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Plymouth-special-delux-1946-Plymouth-Special-Delux-plymouth-1946_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6387QQihZ009QQitemZ190104317374QQrdZ1

He used an 85 Fury front end.

I love the way he did this car and interior. I'm planning on doing the Dakota front end mod. I was just curious about the entire frame.

Thanks for the reply

chuck

[Don Coatney]

Don,I was just wondering why you would just change the front end Thanks for the reply

chuck

Chuck;

The front end and steering on your car are better in there original form than most cars of that era. You can upgrade to disc brakes very easily. Lot less work and money than trying to do a replacement front clip or replacement frame. What is your final objective? I installed disc brakes and installed a replacement flathead 6 engine, overdrive (T-5) transmission and Charger differential. I have driven my car on several long road trips including Tennessee to Northern Ohio and Northern Indiana. No mechanical problems to date. I will be driving my car to Tulsa, in June. If you want a dependable car there is no need to go in over your head.

[Guest jjmorrse]

I personally like the vintage ride of the original chassis. I am not a purist, and I am all for upgrades (seatbelts, radials and better brakes, enough HP for the highway, etc.), but in my opinion, part of the fun is to feel the old style wallowing ride. Of course, I drive around in Texas all summer without the benefit of A/C, so maybe it is the heatstroke talking.

[Guest DeadBodyGuy]

Well, I have restored a 53 cranbrook years ago and kept everything stock.

Now that I'm almost 50, I would like a street cruiser that me and my wife can drive in the summer. I want power brakes and disc. I also would like power steering.

I know all of these things can be achieved with upgrades, but when you actually think about it, a frame change would be a fraction of cost to get the same things.

A rolling frame or junk older Dakota = about $300 or so.

That can give you the brakes, steering and other modern options to use. Maybe even an engine and tranny if you get lucky.

I'm not just looking at this for convienence, but as a cost effective way to get my ride.

I was just curious to see, if i have my body off anyways, what the pros and cons would be just to sit it on the Dakota frame.

Thanks

chuck

PS: Like i said, i'm new at street rods so if I say something stupid, let me know.

[Lou Earle]

The only stupid question here is the one not asked.

Changing frames can be a real challenge the body mounts -10+ would have to be nearly perfect.

By far the fastest way to a v/8 disks and power is thru a nova/camaro clip My phantom car has a nova clip and front and 350 power steering and will shortly have disk brakes- that is right 70's nova had drum brakes - I have 3 clips to prove it.. Tims's Dakota clip is also a nice easy job for a welder with time and patience. Either one will be better than a frame replacement IMOH.

however IF YOU WANT RELIABILITY CRUISING AND ECONOMY go with a slightly modified flathead with overdrive and a/c( convert to 12 volts - an easy job)

My 47 coupe with stock engine and overdrive get 22-24 mpg at 60-65 and cruises great.

You might as well expect 1500 for the clip to be attached and done right.

I bet a all new frame will push 2500 to 3500 a lot of things need to be fabricated- center body mount it back wings for the center of the body flanges bumper mounts on and on

Frankly u Will be able to buy a nice one with nova clip a lot cheaper than building either the Dakota style or a full new frame

In any event glad u are here and hope u stay no matter what u put in the car.

Lou

[Guest DeadBodyGuy]

Lou;

Thank you so much for the reply.

When you say Camaro clip, do you mean anewer Camaro?

As I said earlier, I have access to many used cars and parts from a friend that owns a junk yard.

I can probably get a Camaro clip for about $200. I already have a 350 4 bolt main motor to put in.

Does the Camaro clip match up?

I was going to try the dakota exchange, but if a Camaro will work without removing the body it seems better.

Thanks

chuck

[Plymouthy Adams]

Whatever you intend to do with this car, frame, clip etc. I highly suggest you fix in your mind the direction you intend to go and DO NOT try and change or back-up in midstream. And if you want a total nightmare on your hand, go with the 85 Fury clip...though workable, etc, the job is very invasive and I would not suggest this to a first time builder...not by any means..

[Young Ed]

One of the neighbors is giving away his 48 pilot house on a 77 ramcharger chassis. Even for free I'm not sure I'll bother dragging it home.

[Guest DeadBodyGuy]

I'm sorry to be such a pain. I'm just trying to figure which would be easier to do. If I can put a Camaro front clip on without taking the body off I think that would be the way to go.

That way I have my chevy motor mounts and things. I have showed my welding buddy the Dakota way and he said we could do it.

I was just searching for a way so I wouldn't have to pul the body.

thanks

chuck

[Plymouthy Adams]

Either way is fine..your car... if you have a bud doing the welding..it may be best to go with what he is comfortable with doing. The body off is just a few hours by yourself..even less with a bud to help.

[Merle Coggins]

One of the neighbors is giving away his 48 pilot house on a 77 ramcharger chassis. Even for free I'm not sure I'll bother dragging it home.

Is it really that bad? Or you're just not in to the "late" model trucks.

Merle

[Young Ed]

I haven't seen it in a while. Last I saw it was running and driving with the body in primer. I guess the steering column is out of it now. I'm not that interested in the old truck modern chassis thing. I'd be more happy if it was still on the stock frame.

[Lou Earle]

I have not done a clip but have examined 3. It would definitely behoove any to remove the body- the clip goes way back. and you Will then be able to weld from top down not laying on your back.

The nova or the 70's is the clip or camaro- they seem to fit right in

Here is the clip on my phantom 48 I am giving away to much now but u need the info

Besides when u pay about 3200 for a good solid car( minimal floor rust thru) with a 70 nova clip and nova rear 350/350 running like scalded dog hard to turn down. When the dust settles I will have about 6 000 in a really good daily driver with PS and air

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v355/redpen42/MVC-005S-6.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v355/redpen42/MVC-004S-7.jpg

[billwillard]

Installing A Nova Clip Is One Of The Easest Things To Do. No Need To Remove Body. First Measure Wheel Base. Cut The Nova Sub As Short As You Can. Cut Your Old Frame In Front Of The Body Mount. Set Your Car On Jack Stands The Height You Want It To Sit. Remove Shocks From Sub And Replace With All Thread. Tighen Allthread Down Until Bottom A Frame Is Level. Make Sure Both Sides Measure Same. Place Sub Frame At Correct Wheel Base And Level. Now With A Piece Of 2x4 Tubing And Sub Squared To Your Old Frame Weld Away. You Will Also Have To Make New Motor Mounts As Your Motor Will Sit More To The Rear Which Makes Handling And Ride Great. The Only Thing Left Is Mount For The Front Clip To Sit On. 6 TO 8 HOURS

Bill