Found my Donor.

JFCDeuce · Post by **JFCDeuce** » February 3, 2008, 10:48 pm

Walking through Nevada Pic-a-part yesterday looking for a few bits and pieces, I found my '04 police package Crown Vic.
2.5 hours and $250 lighter I went home with a full x-member, discs calipers and a power steering rack, that bolts to a 34" wide frame...... hmmm I think my Slick is about to get a little lower... and it might stop a bit quicker too.

So all ye who've made this swap, I'm going to bugging you all hoping for tricks and advice.....
[albumimg]3601[/albumimg]

Post by **Greg D** » February 3, 2008, 10:55 pm

COOL!!

Johnny Canuck · Post by **Johnny Canuck** » February 4, 2008, 9:26 am

Muy good deal. Got any more in that yard? they go for 4-8 times that up here, IF you can find one.

jakdad · Post by **jakdad** » February 4, 2008, 10:10 am

Man, That is a nice looking piece. Sounds like a fun project.

Unibodyguy1 · Post by **Unibodyguy1** » February 4, 2008, 11:09 am

Deuce,
make sure and take lots of pics. I'd like to see how that goes. Possibly help you with it if I got time since we're both in town. Like to try the same on one of my trucks too. I don't think you got ripped off on the price. Did you go to Henderson or up on Lamb??

Michael

GDG · Post by **GDG** » February 4, 2008, 3:12 pm

You scored a good deal!! I have a few pics in my gallery. I'll be happy to answer any questions regarding the installation.
Doug

JFCDeuce · Post by **JFCDeuce** » February 5, 2008, 2:58 am

I thought the price was pretty good, I still need to turn in something that resembles a set of calipers and a steering rack to get my core price back... They don't care what they're off of.

If any more show Up i'll pull them and send to the more expensive locales.

Michael,
I picked it up at the Pic-a-part on Lamb. They have another, a UNLV police car, but it was hit in the pasenger side front wheel, so the A-arms and linkages are all bent up, however the crossmember looked to be okay. Mine came out of a car that had been in a bad front on collision, (I wish I'd taken a pic of it) but the frame stayed straight and the huge pushbar/cage on the front took most of the abuse.

It's going to be a few weks before I get to crazy on this one, but we will be pulling in into a friends garage and I'll let you know when we do it.

Unibodyguy1 · Post by **Unibodyguy1** » February 5, 2008, 9:31 am

Deuce,
ya let me know when you start, I'd like to see that. I'm going to wait quite a while before I start something like that. I always wondered too how that set up would work on a 57-60. Since its still straight axle, I would think it would be pretty much the same. Any other members started/tried doing this??

Michael

JFCDeuce · Post by **JFCDeuce** » February 6, 2008, 12:22 am

My biggest concern right now is the track width. For those out there who've done the swap, what did you go with for wheels and tires? (do you have a finished pic?)

My spare staight axle measures up about 63" or 64", I know I have larger front brakes on mine, but I've never measured if it affects the track)

the CV is 67.5" from surfave to surface so just about 2 additional inches on each side... I'm going to have to use a positively offset wheel, and it's got to be 16" diameter. So with the approximate 5-6" drop... i've got to keep the track narrow and the tire diameter low to be able to steer.

If anyone doing the swap has found any other oddites please let me know. Thanks.

GDG · Post by **GDG** » February 6, 2008, 6:33 am

I have the CVPI frt module in my 64, with the 16" CVPI wheels and 215/60/16 tires it is 72" wide (outside the tires). The top of the tire is about even with the top of the wheel opening in the frt fender(I cut one wrap off of coils) and I have about 2" inside clearance. It is going to be close but I have run a wheel sweep test on it and I don't think it will be a problem as long as I don't go super low . I'm putting 17" Bullitt wheels on mine and so far everthing looks good
When you go back to the donor site have them cut the mounting sleeves out of the CV frame and get the big bolts that secure the frt module. The sleeves are threaded and give you the proper spacing when mounting it into your Slick. I cut mine out of the CV frame with a hole saw, they are welded in at the top of the frame, they are not welded at the bottom so the come right out from the top. Also get the frt sway bar if you don't have it now.
It is a very easy installation once you get everything located.
Good luck, Doug

JFCDeuce · Post by **JFCDeuce** » February 6, 2008, 3:50 pm

I did grab the sway bar, and the mounting bolts, I didn't think to cut the frame up to remove the sleves, bu that may make the entire job a little bit easier. I am probably going to box the frame right at the crossmember as well.
If you want to part with the wheels and tires for it I'm still looking for a set to make it a roller. Although getting them here could be more pricey than it's worth.

GDG · Post by **GDG** » February 6, 2008, 7:49 pm

Sounds like you have a plan Deuce, I'm using my CV wheels for rollers during the build. I'll probably need them till next fall, I have a lot of work to do.
Doug

MrEvil · Post by **MrEvil** » February 6, 2008, 10:09 pm

Nice find, the pick-a-part here that has new stuff takes front suspension components off first thing and sells em piecemeal. So getting an entire front clip from a P71 is an expensive proposition.

Arlington PD just had an auction though and a P71 that had been rear-ended went for $220. Though it had no engine or trans....but all I'd want is that front crossmember and any other usable parts for my '98 Beater.

61 Merc · Post by **61 Merc** » February 7, 2008, 9:20 pm

Just priced out the front end, piecing it back together, since it was all stripped apart for the shelves, and I would get a deal at $1000 for it. Problem with this one is I'm not sure if I will get all the pieces.

Good find.

JFCDeuce · Post by **JFCDeuce** » February 7, 2008, 11:23 pm

I was stoked to get it for the price I did, I had a lot of quotes from some central california yards, they wanted 600, plus the freight... So currently I'm exploring all my options for wheels etc. I'm even debating going back for the rear... 3.55 Posi w/12.4" discs ( I think their chart read $80.00 for a rear end with brakes, just got to wait till payday.)

61 Merc · Post by **61 Merc** » February 7, 2008, 11:47 pm

That quote I got is also a 5.5 hour drive to get it, shipping would also be expensive. The local quote I got was for $1500.

Like they always say, "shop local". If you run across a couple more, let me know.

GDG · Post by **GDG** » February 8, 2008, 6:29 am

For that price latch onto that rear axle, while your at it get the master cylinder and booster then you will have a well matched, compatible brake system. Plus matching bolt pattern front and rear. I had to pay almost twice that for a CV rear axle here in Michigan.
Doug

Unibodyguy1 · Post by **Unibodyguy1** » February 9, 2008, 12:25 am

Deuce,
if they've got that rear end for $80.00 I'd grab it and you should get the brakes too as mentioned. What days you off, sounds like a recon mission in order.

Michael

JFCDeuce · Post by **JFCDeuce** » February 29, 2008, 11:58 pm

GDG wrote:I have the CVPI frt module in my 64, with the 16" CVPI wheels and 215/60/16 tires it is 72" wide (outside the tires). The top of the tire is about even with the top of the wheel opening in the frt fender(I cut one wrap off of coils) and I have about 2" inside clearance. It is going to be close but I have run a wheel sweep test on it and I don't think it will be a problem as long as I don't go super low . I'm putting 17" Bullitt wheels on mine and so far everthing looks good

Doug,
I've been doing some more measuring, and with the stock "flat" cop wheels (they have almost no backspacing) I'm at 72" outside of the wheels (which is exactly where my 15x7 fentons with 225/70/15 sit (stock non flat wheels add about 1" to 1.5" I'm worried its too close for comfort.

The kingpin pivot is actually 53" c-c on the stock ford and is just about 51" on the CV that may help for the sweep.

Have you tried to fit the 17" Bullit wheels yet, I was considering using them and just found a smokin deal on a set.... ($200 for all 4 with tires 7000 miles on them) BUT, I'm just worried that they wont clear. 17x8 with a 45mm offset adds 4.46" to the 67.5" hub to hub width, thats
71.96" without considering tires. I'm afraid it will be too tight.

Let me know how your progress is going.

Also what engine are you using, and did you have any clearance issues with the crossmember (I know I can't keep my 223 (all my speed parts are for sale in the 'for sale' section, so I'm hoping the 289 will fit.)

JFCDeuce · Post by **JFCDeuce** » March 1, 2008, 12:07 am

Doug, I just checked your Profile and I see the images, I think I'll be buying some wheels tomorrow........