Replace or repair bad frame rails?

Hello,

I was really impressed with the 68 Ford Galaxie feature story. A little history on mine. I own a 68 Gal XL orig 390 HP Model that has 44k act miles, was 11 yrs old when my parents and I went to the Dealership & bought her. I then bought the Gal from them at age 16, had her since. Thru many years of storeage, a not so good tuck under garage that was damp, the frame rails & 2 frame boxes rusted. The body & underbody held up very well. I recently bought a solid replacement rolling frame. It was a 302 model, told it has lighter susp, rear end etc then my 390 HP does. I had a quote to change out frames, driveline and susp, sandblast & paint frame. When I went to make a deposit the shop quote changed from 1700-2k to an unexpected 3k without susp, rear end swap and said that quotes a start point. I'm now thinking a welding/fabrication shop would be much less. Any ideas or feedback on this?... Help!  

some musclecars did indeed use upgraded framerails--for instance, the original SS396 Chevelle used a convertable frame in 1965, Hemi's had gussets, etc.  Not sure if the Galaxy used a special frame for anything other than say the 427...considering Ford never likes to spend money where it doesn't have to (4 bolt mains, drum brakes on Fox body V8's, etc), I suspect you could use that 302 frame and swap over your big block rear axle, springs, fuel lines, driveshaft, etc.  Also change body mounts while you are there.

Of course, there's also a problem if your 302 frame turns out to not be so straight.  Do you plan on letting that 390 be all it can be, or are you just looking for a cruiser?  I'd stick with a frame shop, b/c they SHOULD be able to make sure your vehicle stays safe by tracking straight, etc.  A fab shop may just give you an "As-is" repair, and every problem is up to you to solve.

Go to your local car shows...get advice on what other people have done.  They may be able to recommend a good local place that can handle what you need.  Try repair shops, etc.  They may not want to do an old car like your's, so they may actually recommend someone good, rather than just try to steer your business into their registers.