Options for complete front frame for 68 coupe

[1st68stang]

Hi,

I just bought a 1968 coupe and I'm starting the restore on it. Looks like I'll be replacing the complete front end as the
car sat lo to the ground is very rusty and in not so great condition. I was thinking about going with a complete weld in
front subframe section like the one Total Control has instead of going the route of replacing each frame rail and so fourth.
Only thing is with the Total Control unit you have to use their ifs suspension components which to me is very pricey and not worth
it.
Does anyone know any other complete subframe kits rails and all ready to weld in other than Total Control?

 

[2Blue2]

I know you said front clip but,
complete sub chassis are offered by Schwartz performance, The roadster shop, and Scotts hot rods
Some will even go under the existing floor with little modification depending on drivetrain choice.
badass but all are pricey.

 

[1st68stang]

Thanks, I will look into those. I assume all will be pricey but maybe the others you mentioned will be worth it. I just don't think total controls kit and having to use their pricey suspension kit on top of that is worth it. Heck I might even stay with original replacement rails. Just weighing my options for less labor.

 

[2Blue2]

cheapest way to get disk brakes, big block room, and modern suspension on the front is a Mustang 2 crossmember hub to hub kit.
I think most early stang front crossmember kits need decent stock front rails to weld to though
Post a pic of that car, We all here need our voyeuristic tendencies satisfied.

 

[1st68stang]

pictures attached. Best I could get right now. Car looks rough but its very restorable. Few areas have issues that might be a pain.
The inside quarter panel frame is all rusted as you can see in the pictures so I hope they are saveable. I could not find any replacement sheet metal for them. Inside roof is rusted pretty good but sounds solid.
Engine bay looks the best the with minimal surface rust but all the suspension that's on it is shot and being trashed.
Best pics I could get of the frame rails. Looks like the rails underneath the floor pan are flat out rusted but the front portion at the aprons are decent and savable.
Already ordered floor pans. Should I get new frames rails or wait until after it gets blasted? I'm just blasting the inside. The outside I can take care of as the fenders and hood are trash and already removed along with the trunk lid. Rest of the body was sanded and coated with red paint but some areas have surface rust but again the outside sounds really solid.

Yes I was either doing a complete front clip like Total Control or new rails with a mustang 2 full crossmember. I'm just not knowledgeable on frame rails and torque boxes to replacing them. Beyond my skill level.

 

[2Blue2]

I see a lot of surface rust which isn't to bad. A lot of that will just sand blast and finish fine.
Your front rails might be just fine.
Hard to judge from a couple of pics though.
We expect the floor pans to rot out,
Blast and epoxy prime and start from there.
Always liked them early coupes a lot.

 

[1st68stang]

Sounds good. It's getting fully stripped this weekend and hauled to the blaster to do the inside. Got a pretty decent price for just the inside so I might have the outside done just to get that over with and he's only. Picture of the entire car is attached. I bought it without doors for 400 bucks with a title so I consider it a good buy at least lol. 68 is my favorite. Still has that small sports car look but with better muscular lines than the previous years. Plus they fit bigger engines lol. I'll be sure to update my progress. This is my first full on restore since when I got my 74 lemans when I was 16 back in 99. Oh have the years have past. Dang kids. It came with 4 good centerline rims I'm going to sell I like them but not my style for a street cruiser.

 

[2Blue2]

Decent shell with clear title is worth $400 bucks for sure.Of the 64 to 68, the 68 is the best looking imo.
I have this dream of a White with black California Special clone, just saying.

 

[1st68stang]

Nice! Mine actually came with that hood but it looks like its to far gone to save. Going to use it as wall art in the garage.
I lucked out when it had all the power steering components came with the car in the trunk that's usable. I just need to find doors now....

 

[horse sence]

Progress Thread - Front Frame Rail Fixture ...and More

A friend brought out a 67 fast back in need of repair, someones attempt at an Eleanor :confused: Very rough and in need of a lot of sheet metal replacement ,including the entire front clip . I built a front frame rail assembly fixture some time ago , for 65 -70 rails . The rails i will be using...

www.stangnet.com

 

[2Blue2]

Progress Thread - Front Frame Rail Fixture ...and More A friend brought out a 67 fast back in need of repair, someones attempt at an Eleanor Very rough and in need of a lot of sheet metal replacement ,including the entire front clip . I built a front frame rail assembly fixture some time ago , for 65 -70 rails . The rails i will be using...

www.stangnet.com

Dang horse sense, Once again you have impressed me.
That is awesome.

 

[1st68stang]

awesome. Guess ill stick original rails and use a mustang 2 set up.

 

[rustaddict]

I wish I had used a Mustang 2 set up on mine. Fat Man Fabrications sells a weld in stub that I think attaches to your factory frame rails.