Would a early Dakota frame be a good choice?
Dave

If a car is as wide as a 39 truck it will but wheels are very limited and ride height cannot be very low. If it was my project I would go mustang II since it easy to do.

Who would be a good vender for a Mustang front suspension kit?
Dave

DAVE I pm,ed u,,

Brought the 340 home today.
The engine is a 1970 with a 69 a body trans.
The owner is letting me bring it to my shop to tear down and inspect before I buy it.
I did notice that the right engine mount ear is broken.
Dave

Dave

Can I get a vin check on the engine and trans?My 70 swinger is missing its original 340 and 4 spd.
Probably a long shot.

Thanks
Tom

Hi Tom
No problem, I will get it cleaned up today and get back to you.
I was thinking I should post the numbers in the lost and found section also.
I am not married to the idea of the 340 and if it would connect to the original car that would be good also.
Dave

Here are the numbers.
Engine 0b251871
Trans LM23P9B133634
Trans number's are very lite and difficult to read.
That is my best guess at this time.
Dave

So, do you have pictures of the 37?

The last 39 Plymouth I had, I did the disc brake conversion and the Caviler rack & pinion. I didn't get around to doing the upper shock relocate before someone needed the car much more then I did (I had to put a motor in my work truck at that time). I also did a 39 with a Dakota front clip, but I didn't get that one done either, before it went down the road (I'm seeing a growing pattern here. )
I have, however completed a Dakota swap on a 48 Plymouth, and my current car has the full Dakota frame under it.

The wheels on a Dakota (87-90 are 5 bolt wheels, 91-96 can have the 6 bolt wheels changed to 5 bolt by just swapping the 5 bolt parts, swapping to 5 bolt wheels on the 97 & newer is not an easy task) are factory inset by about 2" compared to the old style wheels, and I believe the Dakota has a 60" track. That puts the stock offset Dakota wheels close to the fender edge. If you intend on slamming it to the ground, I suspect the tires will rub the fenders, or be very close. At normal ride height, everything should be OK.
With the Dakota, just like any time you change the frame, you will need to fabricate a radiator support for your 39.

Between the Dakota and the upgraded original frame, if your original frame and suspension is in good condition, its tough to beat the original frame, and I suspect the final cost is going to be about the same money spent. To do it right, any way you go, should have new brakes, rebuilt suspension, new shocks, and rebuilt steering box/rack.

I've not ever done a Mustang II front end, and the money spent is about the same. Gene

Hi
I talked to the owner of the cars and we set a price depending on the condition of the 340.
I took it apart tonight and it is in bad shape.
Badly rusted cylinder walls and bad pistons.
I will be talking to him soon about redoing the pricing of the cars and engine.
He has three 1988 gmc trucks, one caravan, and the two 37's and a 50's chevy truck in the deal with the 340 and trans.
If I purchase any or all of these I will post pictures.
I am leaning to the Mustang parts as of now.
Once I get the body off the frame I will have a better idea of what I have to work with.
The frame on my car looks good but a better inspection with the body off will help me decide.
Probably try to reach him tomorrow.
Dave

Here are a few pictures of the parts cars. I made a offer on the lot today and the owner wants to think about it and will get back to me soon .
Dave

I'd love to have that coupe body (the one on the left in the 1st picture) if the price is right. Gene

Hi
Still no word on the cars ,I will try to see him today.
We got the body off the frame this week.
Frame looks good overall.
Dave