How fortunate to have been blessed with such a great original frame and powertrain! While your conversion to a convertible frame, I would suggest that you examine the original frame for any spots where that frame is showing any signs of rust through, stress cracking or twisting. This would be the time to do your best to guard against future rust on the new frame. You can also add some additional gussets or bracing to help prevent the stress and twisting that you may find on the old frame. Since your going to inspect the innards of the motor, I don't know if it's possible or not, is there a combination of boring and stroking the block to maybe 428 cubes and power? 390 inches are good, but the 428's really are better when attached to a lead foot! Can't wait to finished frame and drive line. I think you owe the previous owner of that frame a big drink and a thank you! CHEERS!
Hi Charlie, yes we have been test fitting the "X" and believe it was tweaked some when it was in the convertible. The donor frame was put together and welded much better than our original and repairs will be made on the "X" before installing. Love the idea of bumping up the 390 except the fact that the convertible didn't come with seat belts Haha. Might be scary to go too fast! Thanks again for your input!
That is major progress. The convertible frame looks like someone did a first time welding job. However I think the material choice must have been very poor as well. So even if it was welded properly or the right way. Since the frame material was craptastic it would have rusted out anyway. One thing with these early Fords is you have lot of options to modify things later. Not so much the case with new Fords from recent times.
Yes thanks! We are still surprised at how bad the original frame was. The replacement frame seems to be a lot better right from the start. Sure is going to look good all cleaned up.
Great move , nicer frame will save you time, the Bigger 390 engine will make this big Merc move down the road , Now if you can find a tri power set up and add it on the top you will have the ultimate Monterey
Thanks Eric. Yes the time saved will be huge after our assessment of the original frame. Also the extra power of the 390 is exciting to add. Tri Power would surely be cool!
Great progress!!
Thanks brother! Full steam ahead now!
How fortunate to have been blessed with such a great original frame and powertrain! While your conversion to a convertible frame, I would suggest that you examine the original frame for any spots where that frame is showing any signs of rust through, stress cracking or twisting. This would be the time to do your best to guard against future rust on the new frame. You can also add some additional gussets or bracing to help prevent the stress and twisting that you may find on the old frame.
Since your going to inspect the innards of the motor, I don't know if it's possible or not, is there a combination of boring and stroking the block to maybe 428 cubes and power? 390 inches are good, but the 428's really are better when attached to a lead foot!
Can't wait to finished frame and drive line. I think you owe the previous owner of that frame a big drink and a thank you!
CHEERS!
Hi Charlie, yes we have been test fitting the "X" and believe it was tweaked some when it was in the convertible. The donor frame was put together and welded much better than our original and repairs will be made on the "X" before installing. Love the idea of bumping up the 390 except the fact that the convertible didn't come with seat belts Haha. Might be scary to go too fast! Thanks again for your input!
Good luck !
Thank you!
That is major progress. The convertible frame looks like someone did a first time welding job. However I think the material choice must have been very poor as well. So even if it was welded properly or the right way. Since the frame material was craptastic it would have rusted out anyway. One thing with these early Fords is you have lot of options to modify things later. Not so much the case with new Fords from recent times.
Yes thanks! We are still surprised at how bad the original frame was. The replacement frame seems to be a lot better right from the start. Sure is going to look good all cleaned up.
Great move , nicer frame will save you time, the Bigger 390 engine will make this big Merc move down the road , Now if you can find a tri power set up and add it on the top you will have the ultimate Monterey
Thanks Eric. Yes the time saved will be huge after our assessment of the original frame. Also the extra power of the 390 is exciting to add. Tri Power would surely be cool!
You guys sre crazy. Nothing holding you back. This think will be better than new.
All o can say is wow😅
Totally agree Steve! She should be better than new!