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GTS onto Crown Vic Platform?

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351Fastback View Drop Down
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    Posted: 18-June-2015 at 10:42AM
I've decided to take a new direction with my '73 Project.
Having an almost identical wheel base of 114.7" (compared to 114") and seeing As how I need a new everything from the pans to the drivetrain. How impossible would it be to do a body swap onto the crown Vic platform? I'm a risk taker, and I don't care if it takes 3 years to build honestly. I just want to get some feedback before I go off the deep end.

Thanks guys! 👍
1973 GTS 351c Auto
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GTW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18-June-2015 at 11:03AM
All I know is I'd love to see it happen.
Griffin
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lynchster Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18-June-2015 at 11:40AM
Jump! Jump! Jump!
 
I've often envisioned skinning the body and grafting it to the Vic floorpan but you still have to mate (at least) the Gran Torino rear outer wheelhouses. That and mating the Vic floorpans to the front bulkhead (firewall). After that there is the matter of the trunk floor and whether or not the double mounts at the front have to be altered.
 
You got my vote though. Thumbs Up
Chuck
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 351Fastback Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18-June-2015 at 11:54AM
The trunk pan needs to be replaced anyways, so I could always custom fab something if clearance was an issue.
I think the only thing that really makes sense at this point, is to buy a crown Vic at the next police auction and chop the body off.
Then I can start taking measurements and cutting the rust and fiberglass out of my fastback floor.

I bought it as a project, why not make it a bigger project than it needs to be? 👍
1973 GTS 351c Auto
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1968 Ranchero 302 Auto
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lynchster Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18-June-2015 at 12:21PM
I'm curious what the pinch weld measurement from rocker to rocker is for both vehicles.
Chuck
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Big Bird Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18-June-2015 at 12:23PM
"What we do in full frontal view, is more honest than your cleaned-up mind."
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pdw72 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18-June-2015 at 3:15PM
I considered that but side by side the mounting points especially the front of body points needed a lot of modification for generally the same frame. I grafted the front frame crossmember from a 94 vic to my frame replacing the front suspension and brakes. If I were to do it again i would use a 2003 up vic dropout crossmember and straight frame rails.


Edited by pdw72 - 18-June-2015 at 3:32PM
Paul Welch
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote unlovedford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19-June-2015 at 1:43AM
I have the 2003 Crown Vic I'm parting out. Want a cheaper way to find out? Get the body shell of this one cheap, LOL.
Joe
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kychevyguy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19-June-2015 at 1:49AM
It sounds like an interesting project.
Who was the first person who saw a cow with it's utters hanging down and said, "I think I am going to drink whatever comes out of those."
Someone always has to be the first one. Go for it!
JT, USAF Ret./Architect
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote unlovedford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19-June-2015 at 2:21AM
One thing to remember about the Panther chassis (Grand Marquis, CV, Town Car) is that beginning in 2003, the track of the car is wider, it uses a R&P steering setup, and wheel offset will be different. If I had not already taken the plunge to a big block in the base '72 Formal, I would have stuck that body on this chassis and used the complete drivetrain.
Joe
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Nomadlife Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19-June-2015 at 4:35AM
Sounds like a good project...since you have no issue with it taking longer, I vote to DO IT!!!
Marilyn - '72 Ranchero 500 - known her since I was born, and traveled across the states in her; first in the back, then as the driver. Under restoration (and a little modification)

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote legend onirot Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19-June-2015 at 8:25AM
i say do it.  we have discussed this on here before.  i know ive discussed it with joe on multiple occasions.  i got the idea from watching west coast customs (i think).  they dropped old bodies onto new platforms several times.  like a 69 charger body onto a 2010 charger

i actually came close to trying this when i came across a cvpi that had been slightly rolled and had access to a 72 that wouldve been a prime candidate.  i WILL attempt this one day.  if you try it, document as much as possible so that when i and others may attempt it please.
---------------------
malcolm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote unlovedford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19-June-2015 at 8:50AM
Here's a thought if I had the time, which I don't.

Cut the body off the Panther platform I have and mock up a GTS body out of all the parts from some of the cars I've Joe'd. I have all the exterior skins, structure, doors, fenders, roof, cowls, Torino frames, etc. Complete cars I just quartered up. Basically have a 1:1 Revelle/Monogram scale model kit, with the way I cut whole sections apart in large chunks.
Joe
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote unlovedford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19-June-2015 at 8:52AM
Boys, that might work. Since I cut them down the middle, I could add or subtract width without compromising anything. Mere inches, if that. Length would not be a real issue, a welder can fix that and stitch it all back up.
Joe
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Regul8r Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21-June-2015 at 10:28AM
We have discussed this a lot and just no one has jumped.
 
the idea we talked about was like said earlier...
cut the body skin off the CV.
LEAVE the firewall in place and slip a body on to the CV frame, chassis, floor pan, firewall.
 
like was said West Coast customs did it with a Charger.
They cut the new Charger OFF and were actually driving it around as a chassis, motor, firewall, dash, floor pan and a driver seat. Then the dropped a 69 Charger on to it and BAM welded it up and fabbed the smaller parts and sheet metal to make it all meet up.
 
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