T5 into '35 winter project

[AnthonyG]

Thx guys for all the good info. It was a good sanity check. Don't think I really wanted to cut-up a beautiful 65K mile '35 chassis. Probably going to move in a different direction, albeit a longer more expensive project. I'm looking into lifting the '35 slant body onto a full up new frame with modern suspension and made to accommodate 5 speed, 6 speed or Auto trans. I have been looking for an early pickup anyway and have read the '35 chassis and drive chain from the '35's will work on pickups from the mid '30's to '41? I think I've read it's good even for early post WW2 pickups? Pending the previously stated is correct I'll use the '35 chassis & drive chain for a pick-up build project. Everything I've seen in my price for pickups would need a complete dis-assembly / rework anyway. I know my chassis and drive chain is perfect and I could clean it up and paint before putting anything on it. A bit aggressive but should be fun and like the idea of working the mechanical's on the chassis's free of a body.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by AnthonyG

I'm looking into lifting the '35 slant body onto a full up new frame with modern suspension and made to accommodate 5 speed, 6 speed or Auto trans. The '35 chassis and drive chain from the '35's will work on pickups from the mid '30's to '41?

'35 -'41 PICK-up chassis are, for the most part, the same as '35-'40 passenger car frames, except for some front crossmembers on the trucks, and a few other details.

I can't imagine why you would consider an automatic, being that you seem to have a like for 5 and 6-speeds. But I'm really curious as to why you think you might want a 6-speed. First, most of the 6-speeds are gi-hugic transmissions. But the big question would be why you think you NEED a 6-speed? Hell, you can easily go down the road at 100 mph with either of the two common 5-speeds (4-speed + O/D) that guys use. Do you realize that the common (LARGE) 6-speeds are actually 4-speeds with TWO levels of O/D? That's why you only find them in Vettes, Camaros and Vipers........so ya can go 140mph......or 170, or VERY, VERY fast. You sure you're gonna need that kinda speed in that '35 Ford? I think that may be handy only if you're in a hurry to get your ice cream home before it melts! Just sayin'! DD

[Flat Ernie]

Originally Posted by AnthonyG

I have been looking for an early pickup anyway and have read the '35 chassis and drive chain from the '35's will work on pickups from the mid '30's to '41? I think I've read it's good even for early post WW2 pickups?

No, the 48-52 pickups are a different beast...even the 42-47 are different enough it's not a simple swap. 35-41 is straight-forward.

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

'35 -'41 PICK-up chassis are, for the most part, the same as '35-'40 passenger car frames, except for some front crossmembers on the trucks, and a few other details.

What he said. I am in the process with my son's '35 and we have a cherry '40 convertible chassis to swap under it. The body mounts are different (removed on pickup) and the front crossmember is slightly different in the engine mount and radiator mount area. There's a height difference here that is manageable.