Frame swap

[Chico1961]

Have a 1962 uni swb. Question is which frame would you use, I have available a 84 Mercury Marquis clean running car, 1992 Ford Explorer with a 4.0 running eng ,not so clean, 1990 Ford Mustang ,no eng. or trans, don"t know if this would even be possible? I have spent the last week searching threads found a few on the c/v swap. Will I just have to strip the Stang and Explorer? Really don"t want to use the Marquis, so clean. Any input ,guidance would be greatly appreciated> Chico

[Anthony]

I would think the Marquis is probably your best bet for frame swap, but anything is possible..

[slickmainer]

are any of those 114 wheelbase?

[Chico1961]

YES. I know the Explorer is.

[fire truck]

A 92 Explorer has a 111" wheelbase.

[Chico1961]

Sorry, it is a 1991 Explorer with a 112 w.b.

[slickmainer]

the explorer would be interesting to see. I read where a 2004 GMC Envoy XL has the same wheelbase as a 65 LWB. wrong guts, but would be a smooth ride

[Gritsngumbo]

Have a 1962 uni swb. Question is which frame would you use?

Since you asked, I personally wouldn't use any of them as I'm not a fan of frame swaps. Reasons include: they are a heck of a lot of work to obtain a result that can more easily (though not necessarily cheaper) be gained otherwise. Plus, frame swaps can cause lots of problems with titling and registration, depending on what state you live in.
Of course anything can be done if you have enough time and usually lots of money. If you're objective is a better ride and handling, who not use one of Industrial Chassis cross members or kits which would give you rack and pinion steering, improved ride and handling. Another option would be the CV setup, but that brings on another set of challenges. Mounting kits are readily available to install a wide variety of engines in the 61-64 trucks. Just my 2 cents worth.

[428blown]

I agree with Gritsngumbo 100%. The majority of frame swaps I've had the displeasure to witness were abortions. Seems to drive down resale value. Somebody always thinking they can put an old body on a S-10 frame, ends up looking like crap.

[The Big M]

If it's a 1984 Mercury Grand Marquis, then it'll work. If it's a Mercury Marquis, like this, it's a completely different animal:



The small Marquis and the 1990 Mustang are both unibody cars, based on the same platform, so neither is a practical swap at all. No frame to swap! Unless it's a big Marquis, the Explorer is the only viable option of those three. Not sure how well it would work though.

[Chico1961]

Thank you guys for the input I have gotten so far. I have a 85 351 4BBL. That I will be using. Really I want the disc brakes, low profile, better handling. Would I just need to change the front end? I have the hood frt. end cab,bed off. Right now I am scratching my head with one hand and my --- with the other, and doing alot of reading. Son turned 15 takin my daily driver, so be good idea to start on my ride, of course want the easiest, cheapest ,but best ride possible. You guy"s are ace Engineers at this ,make it look so easy. Pics. will follow . I am moving everything in the garage this weekend. Even though I am a mechanic, I don"t have the creative knowledge or the been there done that like you guy's have. I am a halfway welder , but have a friend that is good. Bother way the Marquis is a Grand Marquis. Pretty much have shyed away from the frame swap, Thanks to some of your advice. Wrecking yards are avail. Thanks!

[The Big M]

For visual reference, here's what a shortbed uni with a Grand Marquis swap would look like:

[albumimg]4637[/albumimg]