Frame swap?

[RJGarza]

I searched and searched before I decided I would just post a new thread. I have a '66 U13 that in currently fixing up as my budget allows. It's a project, it's nowhere near being complete anytime soon. It's a 6 cylinder w/3 speed column shift. Anyways, I have a complete '74 U15 frame with a Dana 44 front axle and 9" rear axle. Bigger brakes, Dana 44 and power steering on the '74 frame is a BIG plus compared to the '66 frame. I don't plan on keeping my '66 completely original (drivetrain wise) as I would love to swap a 289 V8 under the hood along with a 5 speed manual transmission. I actually already have a 289 short block and I also picked up a 5 speed manual transmission out of a '90 Ford F150 4.9L which was my girlfriends grandpas ranch truck. The problem I have is I'm stuck between which frame to use. I would love to weld in V8 motor mounts and swap the '74 axles onto my '66 frame but after comparing both frames and axles I noticed the '66 frame has different rear shock mounts compared to the '74 frame. Would it be a bad idea to put my '66 body onto the '74 frame considering it's a '66 U13? Sometimes I hate having U13, things get too complicated with it lol. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you guys in advance.




Also, today I bought a T-Style Shifter Cover/Indicator for 66-72 Broncos. Were these used on the 66 U13s?

 

[broncodriver99]

I wouldn't do it. The VIN is tracked by the # on the frame. So your '66 U13 will then become a '74 U15 for all intents and purposes.

Honestly you are probably better off just leaving all of the U13 gear as it is and just clean it up or restore it. If you want something to upgrade and wheel you may be better off finding something different.

As far as the shifter I believe the early '66's used a different shifter than the standard t handle.

How do you intend to use the Bronco? Unless you are going to wheel it there is really no need to upgrade to a D44 or the heavier duty 9".

 

[RJGarza]

How do you intend to use the Bronco? Unless you are going to wheel it there is really no need to upgrade to a D44 or the heavier duty 9".

I seriously bought it just to fix up with my dad and eventually use it as a daily driver (back and forth to work) and also a small play toy. After buying the bronco and doing a little bit of research on it I found out that it was a U13. I originally thought an early bronco was just a plain early bronco, I didn't know there were different models. After talking it over with my dad and discussing the rarity of the roadsters we agreed that we wouldn't cut the rear fender like I had originally wanted to, to allow 33" tires with a very small lift. I don't plan on doing any serious off-roading so I see where the D44 wouldn't be needed. The most off-road this bronco will see is driving it at my girlfriends ranch or taking it to the beach and playing in the sand.

 

[jckkys]

I'm doing something similar in Az. and DMV say's I need a dismantling permit and new title if I don't keep the tub and frame together. The VIN numbers have to match for the title to be legal. Texas may have the same laws because proximity to the border brings high auto theft rates. The collector value of the roadsters has to be considered too. The V8 engine mounts aren't hard to weld on and there's no other difference between the frames.

 

[RJGarza]

I'm doing something similar in Az. and DMV say's I need a dismantling permit and new title if I don't keep the tub and frame together. The VIN numbers have to match for the title to be legal. Texas may have the same laws because proximity to the border brings high auto theft rates. The collector value of the roadsters has to be considered too. The V8 engine mounts aren't hard to weld on and there's no other difference between the frames.

Nobody checks stuff like that here in Texas nobody has to know I even switched frames in the first place. I heard that some people who did the I-6 to V8 swap didn't even switch engine mounts, that just made homemade brackets to mount the V8 onto the I-6 engine mounts. If that's possible I might even go that route.

 

[Explorer]

If you have the matching vin# title for the 74 frame, then placing the 66 body on it wouldn't be a "big" deal. Body/glovebox plates are reproduced. Personally, I'd keep the roadster together. True roadster's are getting hard to find.

 

[needabronco]

Nobody checks stuff like that here in Texas nobody has to know I even switched frames in the first place. .

That's all good until you try to sell it to someone who lives in a state that cares! There are plenty of Bronco's around to build I'd just find a new tub for your 74 and leave the U13 original. Sell it or keep it around for another project... In a few years you'll want another Bronco anyway's.

 

[PaveBronco]

I’d have to agree with needabronco, plenty of folks would love a U13 to restore, heck they may even trade with you for one that’s in better shape for what you want. I’d put it in the classifieds forum and see how it goes, cant hurt to throw the question out there.

 

[Crawdad]

Here is something you may need to check just in case you have not. If you have a registered Title, check it against the stamped VIN on the frame. For your u13 I believe there are two spots to check much like the rest of our early broncos. You never know if someone changed out your 66 bronco with a 67 frame in years past. Lots of DMVs go off of the glovebox or other temporary VIN tag on the tub. But some states like mine want to physically see the stamped VIN on the frame before registering it in a new owners name (I went thru this with an out of state purchase). I asked all kinds of Qs about frames that day. Its illegal to cut off VIN from one bronco frame and transfer to another. Could you imagine paying $50k for an original bronco only to find the stamped VIN was expertly welded on outside, but as see welds found inside frame??? Not so original and lawsuits could follow.

Now putting a 74 body on your 66 is fine, very few body differences. Still be a 66 if the glovebox or temp VIN tag, or stamped frame VIN matches the Title. Sliding a 74 drivetrain under a 66 is fine too, just be forewarned on the implications of selling it down the road. A new owner wants to get it registered and DMV wants to see frame's VIN and they see it as a u15 and the glovebox door says u13. Lots of red flags!

Here is the thing, frames get bought and sold all the time on here with and without Titles! Some states only go by the glovebox door, some do not. My DMV says I'm not allowed to modify the frame what so ever, but lots of us do it to some degree. Pretty easy to order new temporary VIN plates from Marti for your 66. I'm in the process of doing that over the holidays for my piece-meal 77 build. Nonetheless, build to your hearts content! As long as you are upfront ten yrs later with the new potential owner all should be good. A 66 roadster is rare and some on here may be willing to trade for it! Good luck in your build!

 

[RJGarza]

There are plenty of Bronco's around to build I'd just find a new tub for your 74 and leave the U13 original. Sell it or keep it around for another project... In a few years you'll want another Bronco anyway's.

The '74 had a tub but it was completely rusted out. The previous owner also pulled the engine/transmission/t-case all before I bought the bronco. He cut all of the body bolts and lifted the body off of the frame by the roll bar and the body completely folded during the lifting process. I guess if all else fails I can always start a tube buggy build with the '74 frame.

I’d have to agree with needabronco, plenty of folks would love a U13 to restore, heck they may even trade with you for one that’s in better shape for what you want. I’d put it in the classifieds forum and see how it goes, cant hurt to throw the question out there.

I tried selling/trading it for a cut bronco. That lasted about 2 months and I never had any serious offers. I had it posted on Craigslist and also in the classifieds here in classic broncos. I figured I would just start tearing the bronco down since I had no serious offers.

Crawdad, that was some serious helpful information and I appreciate everything said. It does make a lot of sense. I don't plan on selling it so it kind of doesn't matter but you never know.. Things may change later down the road. I may be forced to sell it one day and the swapped frame may cause a red flag with a potential buyer. It's something serious to think about.

 

[moses_m]

RJ Garza if you have vin plate from glove box and title you are good to go. Most inspection stations here will not crawl under bronco to check vin on frame. Most inspectors dont even know they are stamped on frame. They are more interested in where you got it and what you are going to do with it. In Texas you first need insurance then you take the bronco with title and insurance to inspection station (texaco). Then you go to local courthouse and register vehicle and transfer title if needed. I registered a bronco this year.
The only bad thing that could happen if you swapped frames if the bronco got stolen and the vin plate on glove box was switched. Then you would need both titles.

 

[RJGarza]

The '66 is registered under my name, the '74 didn't come with a title so that will become a problem. I live in a small town with like 4,000 people. I doubt anyone will check the frame. I actually bought it from a small local dealership that's only a few blocks away from my house. The original owner traded it in around 1970 for a new Jeep. The dealership never got rid of it and used it as their ranch truck. It only has 19,9XX original miles. Just to be on the safe side I don't think I'll end up switching frames. I don't plan on selling the bronco but if an emergency were to ever arise and I needed the extra cash, the different VINs will cause a problem with a potential buyer. I'll just swap over the axles onto the '66 frame and stay legal

 

[Explorer]

I think you are making a wise decision.

 

[RJGarza]

I think you are making a wise decision.

Hopefully I am. I saw in your sig that you're running a 6 cylinder motor. How's the power?

 

[BRONCROB]

Check out this six.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQKvdHkfTms&feature=player_embedded

 

[RJGarza]

Check out this six.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQKvdHkfTms&feature=player_embedded

WOW. That's sick!!!

 

[Explorer]

Hopefully I am. I saw in your sig that you're running a 6 cylinder motor. How's the power?

More than adequate. Engine was purposely built for torque curve and only thing I would like to have is a NV3550. Just getting too old to change it now.

 

[Crawdad]

Wow! A 66 with 19k miles on it! If that's correct you may have a gem that some on here may ask you about it. Texas is pretty dry unlike SC so rust shouldn't have eaten that 66 frame too bad I would think. You may also have a rare eyebrow grill. Your 66 may have a rare third stamped VIN on top of frame under driver seat. You may have a special 66 and I look forward to seeing some pics of it!

 

[RJGarza]

Wow! A 66 with 19k miles on it! If that's correct you may have a gem that some on here may ask you about it. Texas is pretty dry unlike SC so rust shouldn't have eaten that 66 frame too bad I would think. You may also have a rare eyebrow grill. Your 66 may have a rare third stamped VIN on top of frame under driver seat. You may have a special 66 and I look forward to seeing some pics of it!

Yup, 19k original miles is correct. The bronco was traded in at a local dealership in 1970. They only drove it around town and on their ranch. It stayed in the dealerships possession from 1970 until September of this year when I bought it. It does have the eyebrow grill and also the 66 tailgate. I'm not sure about the VIN stamped onto the frame but I will double check whenever I pull the body off of the frame.