MS85 Toyota Crown to 1946 Dodge pickup

[NeddyBear]

Hi Guys, Last week end we purchased a 1946 Dodge pickup and since we have 2 1975 Toyota Crowns that are no longer registered but are still in very good condition we plan to use as much as possible from the Crowns and build a retro type hot rod.
The Dodge body is in very good condition with very little rust so I'll leave the body standard and build a new chassis using a HG Holden subframe fitted with VP Commodore disc brakes that have the Ford stud Pattern, we'll then fit a 4MU Crown engine and automatic into the chassis and also use the Crowns tailshafts but since the Crowns diff is to narrow we'll use a 21 spline differential from an EB Falcon but weld on all the suspension fittings from the Crown rear end so to use the airbag suspension we had fitted for towing.
We'll use the front seats, the complete wiring loom, the guages, airconditioning, handbrake, braking system, lights, rear tail lights, as many nuts and bolts and the fuel tank, firstly to keep the costs down and since the Crowns are very strong and built to last the parts will be perfect.
Actually I'd like to use the Crowns front disc brakes and suspension so we'll have to see an engineer about what we can do to fit the Crowns subframe and suspension, that way we'll already have the engine mounts setup and we can use the gearbox mounts.
Sure this project isnt everyone cup of tea but we are very excited about starting the work as soon as we see an engineer and get the approval to build from the Australian Street Rod Federation.

Update 11.08.11 We have the body off and the chassis completely stripped and have had a HG Holden crossmember professionally welded in and am working on all the body work. After fully boxing the chassis we'll start setting up the engine and gearbox position for the welding in of the mounts.

[Joshstix]

I'd be trying to use the whole crown chassis for this. It will be a lot easier than mixing and matching.

[xa-mont]

is the crown on a full chassis though?

[Joshstix]

Yep the old crowns are full chassis.

[xa-mont]

easy peasy then. just change some body mounts and bobs your uncle

[NeddyBear]

Hi Guys,
Qld rego will no longer allow rebodied chassis and besides the Crown chassis is to wide in the middle and again Qld rego won't allow front end grafts but when fully engineered they do allow new front ends to be made using other front end components which will suit us since we will be making a new chassis from new steel.
The wife and I spent until 11.30pm last night removing the body from the chassis so to sand it down with 80 grid sanding disks and then we will get a coat of sealant over the body.
We are also thinking about using a Toyota Hilux 5 speed manual transmission to regain the use of the original pedals.

Cheers Fred

Update 11.07.11
We are now seeking a 4 or 5 speed Toyota gearbox and it looks as if I may have a W50 bellhousing to purchase.

Purchased a full rebuilt Crown housing and W50 gearbox for 500 dollars.