what's the best donor frame for pick up?

[bosworth]

I have a chance to buy a model B-3B-108. I think the truck is about a 1950 and the body is in reasonable shape. Parts are missing from the engine. I'm thinking of putting the truck on a new frame with modern driveline etc and wonder what might be the best choice, I wonder if an S-10 would work. I need another vehicle like a new hole in the head, but am having a hard time passing it up. If I don't take it it'll probably go to the crusher!

Thanks

Bill

[wayfarer]

The 'best' frame will be the one it came with....

What on earth is the fascination with using a pile of shiverlay parts on a Mopar? Makes no sense to me. If you think you need to upgrade the front to ifs then use a first generation Dakota. Plenty of early Daks on craigslist to be bought cheap.

[Plymouthy Adams]

subjective...best to start with the very wheelbase...but...in my opinion refitting a entire chassis is lot of work especially when considering all body mounts...cannot speak for trucks 100% but Dakota frames cut and grafted properly onto an original frame is quick and easy on cars...and I am sure if I felt the cause to do a truck would well do this very process..donor depends on year of vehicle...sub-framing is quick and easy and done properly very strong and on two of mine will state without hesitation stronger spliced that either of the single frame independently..the latest is equally strong and has some 300 inches of arc welded joints..not your typical rat rod GM stubbing and poorly executed globs of slag and balled weld bead..

get out the tape measure and trek to a local wrecking yard...suitable donors are within your grasp..be sure you understand the total undertaking in the concept...

you can do the S10 if you choose..but I also got to wonder the why when there are quality parts out there..but I see on many occasions it is because it is handy...of course they are..they are failures from the get go by design..why continue this to your pride and joy..braking sucks buckets...your truck, your time your money....YOUR CALL....

Edited December 4, 2013 by Plymouthy Adams

[Ram Man 02]

i went through this same scenario a year or so ago because i want to modernize my truck so i can drive it anywhere. I even bought a reg. cab short box s10, stripped it down to a rolling chassis, and was dead set on going this route. the wheel base on said s10 is so close that is had to work, but i ended up scrapping the idea because the s10 frame is shaped really funny compared to the original frame. I figured that after all the modification needed to make it "work" i could box the front half of my existing frame and install an IFS from something else.

 

if you are looking to stay on the economical side i would buy a v8 1980s dodge diplomat/volare/mirada type car and transplant the whole subframe, motor, and trans. I have seen this done and talked briefly to the guy that did that. he like the truck a lot and said it handled great. Or you could go a different route by not using the mopar drive train and just use the subframe from that type of car. This is what i chose to do next accept my motor's starter is on the wrong side compared to the mopar v8 so it interferes with the steering box. so at this point i have $800 wrapped up in trial and error but thats how we all learn.

 

Ive also seen Jaguar front subframes used in different applications, along with the previously mentioned dakota frame but i dont know anything about them.

 

So right now im sitting with a truck on jack stands and im looking into other ifs options. im leaning towards a kit from Fat Man Fab but they spendy, however i would have half of it paid for already if i would have just gone that route to begin with. Ive called them and they have specs listed for pilothouse trucks so it should be a fairly straight forward install.

 

Just my $.02 on the subject but i would stick with your stock frame and modify from there

Edited December 4, 2013 by Ram Man 02

[Plymouthy Adams]

volare transplants I have been told are good...BUT (there is always a but) getting new front end repair parts is a iffy...I have on here in reserve (volare suspension) but no plans yet to use it...just thought I would hold it...I still think the simple process of sub framing with Dakota may be you best bang for the buck..but I am Mopar prejudice

[greg g]

Ford crown vics have a bolt on front cross member that provides iFS, Disc brakes, power R and P steering.  The track may be pretty wide for older trucks.  Seen it don on a F150, then you just need to deal with motor trans mounts to go with whatever power train you want to go with. Remember witha full frame swap you need to fabicat body and bed mounts, likely gas tank relocation, radiator supports and on and on.

[Apittslife]

I am doing it the hard way & am doing a Dakota Chassi, w/ Dakota floor & firewall.

If I were to do another, I would graft the front clip into the original Pilothouse, with a custom firewall.

For the rear I would use the Dakota's or a Jeep Cherokee's rear suspension with rear Disk brakes.

 

  That's my 00.02 cents 

[buds truck]

I initially put an s-10 frame under mine, the width is too narrow front and rear, looked like crap, so I put it on a first gen Dakota. This swap is not for the faint of heart or the inexperienced. I have done bodywork since I was 18 (now 62). Be prepared to have the Dakota frame screw up the floor space for the box too. Mine is a full custom so I can live with that, but I agree that a susp swap is a better idea for most peeps.

[bosworth]

Thanks all;

This my be more of a challenge than I can handle, but you all have me thinking, the Dakota sure does sound like the best way to go. I could of course try to keep it stock as I did with my 49 Plymouth, but I would like to try a more modern suspension, brakes and power train. I guess this is what makes this such an interesting hobby!

Thanks

Bill

[ggdad1951]

a '93 RAM 2500?  Well at least that's what I'm doing for TODD....

[wayfarer]

I attempted to post a link here to two different forums for a swap that you could follow...no worky, for what ever reason. In fact I can't seem to paste anything into this reply!!!??? Can any of you really smart compoooter types explain why?

 

Anyway,  One project, two forums, lots of good info.

 

Forum: For Dodge Trucks Only

thread title:  52 Dodge B3B Hemi Project

 

Forum: HAMB

thread title:  52 Dodge B#B Hemi Project

[Don Coatney]

Here are the links. I just copied the http:// address from the top of the page.

 

http://fordodgetrucksonly.forumotion.com/t49-52-dodge-b3b-hemi-project?highlight=52+Dodge+B3B+Hemi+Project

 

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=8244347

[wayfarer]

Thanks for the assist...must just be my compooter machine acting up, although I don't seem to have the same problem elsewhere.

[Dan Babb]

If you're going to keep the stock engine, get in touch with me.  I have the motor from my 52 Dodge 1/2 ton sitting in my garage and I'm over near Greensboro.

 

I swapped it out for a 354 Hemi and might be able to help you with missing parts.  I've been hesitant to list the motor for sale because the numbers in my title have the engine serial number incorporated into it. 

 

I'm going to try to sell my truck at an auction in March, and if it sells, then I'd be ready to sell the whole engine/trans combo for peanuts.  I also have the stock radiator if you need it.

[bosworth]

Dan;

Sounds good. I have the original drive line in my Plymouth. I assume that they are very much the same, I have no problem with that concept either. Will keep in touch

Thanks

Bill

[gramps1951]

hey dan I live just south of Raleigh what auction will your truck be selling at is the truck complete and running or a parts truck ? wouldn't mind a nice parts truck for my 51 b3b. thanks neil

[Dan Babb]

Google search GAA classic car auction and info should come up

It's a good running truck with a 354 hemi and other upgrades.

[bosworth]

Dan

I did move forward with buying the truck, I'm getting anxious to get on with the project. Our initial hangup will be paperwork. This truck doesn't have any. It hasent been registered since about 1974, since then its been sitting at a farm. The past two owners have passed away. So we get to deal with NC dot, I'm sure they will be very helpful! If I can get the paperwork straightened out I would like to talk to you about your engine and transmission

Thanks

Bill

[Dan Babb]

Good luck with the title.  You might have to follow the process outlined on this page.

http://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/vehicle/title/bonded/

 

I have called the DMV main office in Raleigh a couple times.  Once you get a live person on the phone, they've been pretty helpful.  The hard part might be getting an appraisal for the truck.  

[bosworth]

Thanks Dan;

I printed out all of the forms and will start the process.  I've heard a lot of horror stories about trying to go through this process.  I'm sure it would be a lot easier to buy a new truck.

Bill

[ggdad1951]

I don't get it, some states are a complete bear to get this done and others....simple and easy...glad I live in the latter...

[48Dodger]

California......we're the reason some performance parts are labeled "49 state legal" or "50 state legal".....sux.

 

48D

[Don Coatney]

I once bought a new ford pickup while living in New York State. I told the ford dealer I was moving to California and would register the truck there. He assured me that I would have no problem and showed me the tag under the hood indicating the new truck was 50 state compliant. Upon arriving in California I could not register the truck although it was 50 state compliant it was not California compliant. I had to drive it for 6 months and then register it as a used truck.

[Plymouthy Adams]

CARB is the reason only for the many restriction labels on car parts for the performance minded.  OFF ROAD USE ONLY....lol

Now CA is going to give us waterborne paints...and I am very much surprised that they allow you folks to pump your own fuel as it is such a carcinogenic hazard...DC may be the base of our govn't..but the strings it seems get a lot of pulling from the west coast

[ggdad1951]

California......we're the reason some performance parts are labeled "49 state legal" or "50 state legal".....sux.

 

48D

 

 

 

California ALWAYS seems to have to be different, they make Texas look "normal"

Edited December 18, 2013 by ggdad1951