fordtrucks-digest Sunday, April 19 1998 Volume 02 : Number 109



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Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1960 And Older Trucks Digest
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In this issue:

tilt front end [Brad4dwood ]
Re: 9" Rear end's [billjhs ]
women in the hobby [MichellHC ]
55 stock wheel color ["Paul G." ]
Rear end/hood ornament [Stephen Silverthorn ]
57 truck style, 54 grill ["Paul G." ]
Re: 57 truck style, 54 grill [Randall ]
Re: women in the hobby [Randall ]
Re: 55 stock wheel color [Howard Tarnoff ]
Re: 57 truck style, 54 grill [Scott ]
Re: 55 stock wheel color [Rich Garber ]
Re: 57 truck style, 54 grill [Rich Garber ]
fmx or not [jc & terry ]
rear fuel tank for 56 [MichellHC ]
52 F-1 Chop Top [Flathead52 ]
Re: 55 stock wheel color [Howard Tarnoff ]
Re: 52 F-1 Chop Top [Howard Tarnoff ]
Re: rear fuel tank for 56 [Howard Tarnoff ]
Re: Parts Sources [Rich Garber ]

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Date: Sun, 19 Apr 1998 07:45:46 EDT
From: Brad4dwood
Subject: tilt front end

can anybody offer any hints / suggestions on the best way to secure a tilt
front end.
I.ve made up the hinges and hydraulics already but the imagination has run out
and am wondering if anybody who has done this can let me know how they secured
it in the closed position
Thank

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Apr 1998 10:22:36 -0400
From: billjhs
Subject: Re: 9" Rear end's

On that 9 inch rear, my experience showed me that you will have to get new
u-bolts, plates to hold the rear to the springs, remount the shock mounts (if you
can't find the old style that has the arm to hold the shocks, which is built into
the plate that holds the rear as the original). I used a rear that measured real
close the original, I believe it was 1/2 inch larger but works just fine. I don't
know what it came from, I bought it already removed from the vehicle, all I know
is that it has 3.00 gears in it and is perfect for highway and all around. IF the
drums and brakes need to be replaced your originals will more than likely not fit
on the 9 inch. (this was my experience anyway) I had to buy all new drums
etc...from a 1972 f150, which worked fine. Other than that., its real simple.

Bill
1951 f-1
302 AOD/FI

TNickolson wrote:

> I am planing to install a Ford 9" rear end in my 52 F1. It currently has the
> original assembly installed, but the original gear ratio is so low that I feel
> the engine works to hard just driving 60 on the express ways. Has anyone
> installed a 9" in a 48 to 52 F1? What year and model did you use and what
> modification were required? I am willing to spend the time and money to keep
> the spring, shocks and frame original, I will spent the time and money to
> modifiy the housing to fit and appear original.
>
> Thanks
>
> Tom
> +-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1960 and Older --------------+
> | Send posts to fordtrucks listservice.net, removal form on the web |
> | site. |
> +---------- Visit Our Web Site: http://www.ford-trucks.com/ ----------+

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Apr 1998 12:16:07 EDT
From: MichellHC
Subject: women in the hobby

Hello truck friends,
My name Michelle. I am a new to this list. I have a 56 F-100 big window truck
that I am in the process if building at this time. I do about 75% of my own
work, leaving the heavy welding and fab. to my brother, or husband, doing the
lighter stuff myself. I leave the paint and body to competent hands also. I
have noticed a lot of guys making post, but few, if any women. I would like to
know if there are any other women in this hobby that does a lot of there own
work. So come on girls, let me hear from you.
Michelle C.

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Apr 1998 16:23:17 -0400
From: "Paul G."
Subject: 55 stock wheel color

My 55 panel, which was found I believe completely stock, locked in a
garage for 30 years, had 16 inch wheels in that cream white color, which
was also used on the grill. The body color of my panel was meadow
green.

The only odd thing about my panel is that the horn button was the 5-star
style, black background. The other 55s I have seen had the cream/white
background regular horn button.

Also, all the information I have read states that the 55 trucks were all
6 volt. The cars were 12v that year, but the trucks changed in 56.

Regards, Paul

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 11 Apr 1998 12:18:17 -0400
From: Stephen Silverthorn
Subject: Rear end/hood ornament

I finally did a little research and came up with a few pieces of info.

In talking about rear end ratios etc. I found an article in Jan 96 Truckin
that gives you a formula to calculate
tire size, RPM, gear ratio or MPH. The formula is:

tire size x RPM / 336 X MPH = gear ratio

The 336 is a constant and you can move this formula around to find out
whatever variable you want.
Some people use 2200 as an RPM and 60 MPH.

About the "estranged" 56 hood ornament, I found a 56 options book for
trucks. Here's what it says about the Truck hood ornament

"Fleet-looking, distinctive design. Adds a sparking personal touch to your
truck. Sturdy die-cast construction, bright chrome finish. Easy to
install, Fits all models execpt Parcel Delivery. Part No. BAAA-18244-A"

It also has a picture of the ornament, but unfortunately I don't have a
scanner.
The other thing is I always thought that BAAA part numbers were for 53-55's
only

My last comment is that I notice lots of people keep looking for details
pertaining to their trucks SN.
There is a site called "Recks and Relics" for trucks that has a listing of
the SN and what the details are.
The site is www.choice.net/~truck.

Steve
Black 56.

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Apr 1998 16:34:23 -0400
From: "Paul G."
Subject: 57 truck style, 54 grill

One of my personal wonders of the world is, after making the 48-56
trucks relatively attractive, and realizing the 55+ chevys were pretty
good looking also, how did Ford make such a BUTT UGLY body style in 57?

Even though my 55 panel has what I consider a pleasant a grill as any of
that era, I wouldn't have minded at all if I would have ended up with a
54...that homely grill REALLY fits the lines of the panel! It would be
tempting to bolt a 54 grill on it, or add fangs to the 55 somehow.

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Apr 1998 15:59:53 -0500
From: Randall
Subject: Re: 57 truck style, 54 grill

> One of my personal wonders of the world is, after making the 48-56
> trucks relatively attractive, and realizing the 55+ chevys were pretty
> good looking also, how did Ford make such a BUTT UGLY body style in
> 57?


Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I have a 60 and I think it is as
beautiful as they come!Now, before the insults start a flyin' I am NOT
saying that the 60 is THE prettiest, just that it is ALSO attractive in
it's own way (the 57 however is not very attractive, in my opinion).

Sam
'60 F-100 "Phil"

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Apr 1998 16:08:51 -0500
From: Randall
Subject: Re: women in the hobby

I
> have noticed a lot of guys making post, but few, if any women. I would
> like to
> know if there are any other women in this hobby that does a lot of
> there own
> work. So come on girls, let me hear from you.
> Michelle C.

While I am a guy, I can respond for my internet deficient girlfriend.
She is an ASE certified Master Mechanic and loves to work on cars. She
just sold a '57 C***y Nomad because she does not have time to restore
it.She does all of her own work including internal engine and body. She
has been bugging me to get my '60 out of the weeds so she can work on it
(WITH me of course). Of all the people that I have known over the years
that work on cars, for a living or just for giggles, she is the ONLY
one I have met who gets excited and her eyes light up like a little
girl at the prospect of working on an old car or truck. Just one of the
many reasons I love her so much!

Sam
'60 F-100 "Phil"

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Apr 1998 17:40:21 -0400
From: Howard Tarnoff
Subject: Re: 55 stock wheel color

Thanks Paul...you are right. All the 55's did come with cream white
wheels. I am going to go with the body color though and see if I get away
with it. I just do not see that on my truck and hope that the judges will
let it slip. They certainly did not like the crome reverse last year.

Also going to get the ribbed style rings and paint a red pin strip in the
center the same color red as FORD on the hub caps.

Well that is the plan and if it does not play well in Boston, we can always
go with cream.

I also thought that 55 was a transition year from 6 to 12 VDC. Have heard
that some late 55's were 12 volt.

Love to see your truck.

Howard

Paul G. wrote:

> My 55 panel, which was found I believe completely stock, locked in a
> garage for 30 years, had 16 inch wheels in that cream white color, which
> was also used on the grill. The body color of my panel was meadow
> green.
>
> The only odd thing about my panel is that the horn button was the 5-star
> style, black background. The other 55s I have seen had the cream/white
> background regular horn button.
>
> Also, all the information I have read states that the 55 trucks were all
> 6 volt. The cars were 12v that year, but the trucks changed in 56.
>
> Regards, Paul
> +-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1960 and Older --------------+
> | Send posts to fordtrucks listservice.net, removal form on the web |
> | site. |
> +---------- Visit Our Web Site: http://www.ford-trucks.com/ ----------+

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Apr 1998 15:36:23 -0700 (PDT)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: 57 truck style, 54 grill

- ---"Paul G." wrote:

> Even though my 55 panel has what I consider a pleasant a grill as
any of
> that era, I wouldn't have minded at all if I would have ended up
with a
> 54...that homely grill REALLY fits the lines of the panel! It would
be
> tempting to bolt a 54 grill on it, or add fangs to the 55 somehow.
A guy at the end of my street has a 55 that has the 54 grill. It
looks really sharp and he also has a tilt front end. I think that is
is chopped 3-5 inches but I can't remember. The thing that I do
remember is that it has a ballanced and blueprinted blown 350 in it
with big mickeys on the back and he smokes them no prob.
Scott
==


1952 Ford Pickup
Please take a look at my 1952 Ford Pickup Page:
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/9731/
_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Apr 1998 19:31:34 -0500
From: Rich Garber
Subject: Re: 55 stock wheel color

At 05:40 PM 4/19/98 -0400, you wrote:
>Thanks Paul...you are right. All the 55's did come with cream white
>wheels. I am going to go with the body color though and see if I get away
>with it. I just do not see that on my truck and hope that the judges will
>let it slip. They certainly did not like the crome reverse last year.
>
Howard,

You bring up a good question. What does a judge look for? This is my
first orignal restoration and even though I have read book after book
on these things, I want a show winner.

I still have the orignal stamp on the crowl, done in yellow paint
stamped OK 54. Is this worth trying to preserve? If it is how?

Thanks
Rich
54 F100

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Apr 1998 19:24:33 -0500
From: Rich Garber
Subject: Re: 57 truck style, 54 grill

>Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I have a 60 and I think it is as
>beautiful as they come!Now, before the insults start a flyin' I am NOT
>saying that the 60 is THE prettiest, just that it is ALSO attractive in
>it's own way (the 57 however is not very attractive, in my opinion).
>
>Sam
>'60 F-100 "Phil"

My first was a 61 stepside.....My first love, still miss it.
My second was a 77, loved it.
Currently own a 54, love it!

It all comes down to:

A man's not a man without a Ford Truck.

Rich
54 F100

PS: Michelle, you can just sub man for woman! Welcome abord!

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Apr 1998 18:30:08 -0700
From: jc & terry
Subject: fmx or not

Last, these were great trannys and extremely tough, and very dependable, but
were never popular with the street crowd because they were heaver than the
ever popular C-6, hence all the speed and trick parts were made for the C-6
instead of the FMX. You can find these transmissions in Ford trucks and cars
starting after the cruise-o-matics were discontinued. Probably in the late
sixties, and continued to who knows, probably late seventies, or there about.
The first one I remember seeing was in a 73 Cougar convertible I bought in 73.
So really guys, just because they are step children, they aren't that bad a
tranny.
Michelle

well, as you can see we have a variety of desricptions for the fmx. it
really doesn't matter. i was told i have an fmx in my 65 t-bird. i order
parts by this description sucessfully but i had a tranny person get very
confused over the term so i use this description as it makes for no
mistakes. i believe someone else brought this one up also. my "motors" auto
repair manuel shows the 1966 year with 2 transmission types for ford. one
had a single piece case from bell housing to tail shaft made from aluminum.
it was called the c-6 or c-4 dual range transmission, brand new in 66. they
also show ford making a 3 speed unit with cast iron case, cruis-o-matic. the
bell housing, center section, and tailshaft will separate,. both trannies
had the green dot pattern and shift sequence i desribed for the c-o-m. my
book lists 62-68 and shows both being used in different models in those
years . i have an extensive list of id tags for both units and if you send
me your id tag letters i will tell you what "motors" says. as michelle said
either is a hell of a tranny and a lot better than the crap they build
today. before you whiners get upset, i say this because i had an axode go
out in my 92 merc 78k and it cost $2,000 to replace. ford themselves had so
much confidence in it that they refuse to rebuild one, they just huck it out
and sell you a new one. talking to the other tranny shops this was standard.
rebuild this old warrior regarless of cost. it will last longer than
anything you can buy now.

T-bird Terry



------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Apr 1998 21:33:20 EDT
From: MichellHC
Subject: rear fuel tank for 56

Hi, need some sugestions for a rear mounted fuel tank for my 56 F-100. I am
looking for something that will fit snugly between the 34" frame rails, and
have the filler neck on the left. I am putting a gas tank door in the rear of
the left fender. Also I am looking for something with about a tewnty gallon
or more capaicity. I am sure someone has gone this route before and knows
exactly what I am looking for.

Thanks,
Michelle C.

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Apr 1998 22:06:40 EDT
From: Flathead52
Subject: 52 F-1 Chop Top

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From: Flathead52
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To: fordtrucks listserver.net
Subject: 52 F-1 Chop Top
Date: Sun, 19 Apr 1998 21:36:28 EDT
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Hello all..

I would like to thank everyone for their input on chopping the top
on my 52. I would like to tell the story behind my truck. I bought it the
first time about 13 years ago, pulled it out of a field, and nursed it home
for 67 miles and 4 quarts of oil. It had a 53-72 bed and fenders on it and a
set of exhaust pipes coming out between the bed and cab (as in "big rig"). It
also had been hit in the front right corner but I got it home. The stock
3-speed had been replaced with a floor shift 3-speed. The stock bench seat
was replaced with a set of van bucket seats, there was a hole in the dash
where the radio and speaker went, no headliner or inner panels, the wing glass
was cracked, and the driver door glass had been replaced with Plexiglas.
Someone had put an Impala SS steering wheel on it and a set of chrome reverse
wheels that had been painted silver.
So, by no means was I getting a truck that was even close to stock. I
did drive it for about 2 years and sold it to a friends dad. I got to buy it
back from him about 2 years ago. What was surface rust when I sold it was now
a lot of holes.
After a flathead rebuild and new wiring harness, I drove it for a year and
then decided to build it in a "fifty's" style hot rod. I lowered the truck by
flipping the axle's front and rear. Then I added a dual carb intake and a
pair of "94's" and a set of headers. Next I will add aluminum heads. So, in
keeping with the "fifty's" theme, I'm thinking about chopping the top. As you
can see, I'm in no means cutting up a pristine truck. I like a stock truck,
but it's not what I want for this truck.
And the best thing has been the fact that my nine year old son and I have
had a lot of fun so far with the truck, and I'm sure we'll have more to come.

PS I have some pictures if anyone is interested.



Tom Grover
Flathead52 aol.com

- --part0_893038000_boundary--

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Apr 1998 22:14:09 -0400
From: Howard Tarnoff
Subject: Re: 55 stock wheel color

If it is the factory stamp, anyway you can. I am going to the restoration shop
to visit my truck tomorrow and will ask. What books have you been reading? I
searched amazon.com and found two titles that are out of print. I would like
to find something to read on prep for show etc.

Thanks
Howard

Rich Garber wrote:

> At 05:40 PM 4/19/98 -0400, you wrote:
> >Thanks Paul...you are right. All the 55's did come with cream white
> >wheels. I am going to go with the body color though and see if I get away
> >with it. I just do not see that on my truck and hope that the judges will
> >let it slip. They certainly did not like the crome reverse last year.
> >
> Howard,
>
> You bring up a good question. What does a judge look for? This is my
> first orignal restoration and even though I have read book after book
> on these things, I want a show winner.
>
> I still have the orignal stamp on the crowl, done in yellow paint
> stamped OK 54. Is this worth trying to preserve? If it is how?
>
> Thanks
> Rich
> 54 F100
> +-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1960 and Older --------------+
> | Send posts to fordtrucks listservice.net, removal form on the web |
> | site. |
> +---------- Visit Our Web Site: http://www.ford-trucks.com/ ----------+

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Apr 1998 22:16:22 -0400
From: Howard Tarnoff
Subject: Re: 52 F-1 Chop Top

Post the pictures, I would love to see them.
Howard

Flathead52 wrote:

>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: 52 F-1 Chop Top
> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 1998 21:36:28 EDT
> From: Flathead52
> Organization: AOL (http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.aol.com)
> To: fordtrucks listserver.net
>
> Hello all..
>
> I would like to thank everyone for their input on chopping the top
> on my 52. I would like to tell the story behind my truck. I bought it the
> first time about 13 years ago, pulled it out of a field, and nursed it home
> for 67 miles and 4 quarts of oil. It had a 53-72 bed and fenders on it and a
> set of exhaust pipes coming out between the bed and cab (as in "big rig"). It
> also had been hit in the front right corner but I got it home. The stock
> 3-speed had been replaced with a floor shift 3-speed. The stock bench seat
> was replaced with a set of van bucket seats, there was a hole in the dash
> where the radio and speaker went, no headliner or inner panels, the wing glass
> was cracked, and the driver door glass had been replaced with Plexiglas.
> Someone had put an Impala SS steering wheel on it and a set of chrome reverse
> wheels that had been painted silver.
> So, by no means was I getting a truck that was even close to stock. I
> did drive it for about 2 years and sold it to a friends dad. I got to buy it
> back from him about 2 years ago. What was surface rust when I sold it was now
> a lot of holes.
> After a flathead rebuild and new wiring harness, I drove it for a year and
> then decided to build it in a "fifty's" style hot rod. I lowered the truck by
> flipping the axle's front and rear. Then I added a dual carb intake and a
> pair of "94's" and a set of headers. Next I will add aluminum heads. So, in
> keeping with the "fifty's" theme, I'm thinking about chopping the top. As you
> can see, I'm in no means cutting up a pristine truck. I like a stock truck,
> but it's not what I want for this truck.
> And the best thing has been the fact that my nine year old son and I have
> had a lot of fun so far with the truck, and I'm sure we'll have more to come.
>
> PS I have some pictures if anyone is interested.
>
> Tom Grover
> Flathead52 aol.com

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Apr 1998 22:17:35 -0400
From: Howard Tarnoff
Subject: Re: rear fuel tank for 56

You may want to pick up an issue of Circle Track and check out the fuel cell
advertisements.

H Tarnoff
(former IMCA Dirt Track Driver)

MichellHC wrote:

> Hi, need some sugestions for a rear mounted fuel tank for my 56 F-100. I am
> looking for something that will fit snugly between the 34" frame rails, and
> have the filler neck on the left. I am putting a gas tank door in the rear of
> the left fender. Also I am looking for something with about a tewnty gallon
> or more capaicity. I am sure someone has gone this route before and knows
> exactly what I am looking for.
>
> Thanks,
> Michelle C.
> +-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1960 and Older --------------+
> | Send posts to fordtrucks listservice.net, removal form on the web |
> | site. |
> +---------- Visit Our Web Site: http://www.ford-trucks.com/ ----------+

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Apr 1998 22:19:45 -0500
From: Rich Garber
Subject: Re: Parts Sources

At 05:29 PM 4/18/98 -0400, you wrote:
>Here is a list of some of the sources I have found for parts and
>supplies:
>
>Hot Rods & Custom Stuff
>2324 Vineyard Avenue
>Escondido CA 92029
>
>F100 connection
>2606 Haynie Road
>Custer WA 98240
>
>Obsolete Ford Parts
>8701 South Interstate 35
>Oklahoma City OK 73149
>
>SoCAL Pickups Inc
>FAX 714-994-2584
>
>Bob's F100 Parts
>9372 Mission
>Riverside CA 92509
>
>Frantsen Stainless Products (Tailgate Parts)
>RR1 Box 45
>Windom MN 56101
>
>Dennis Carpenter Reproductions
>PO Box 26398
>Charlotte NC 28211-6398
>
>Concours Parts
>PO Box 1210
>Santa Ynez CA 93460
>
>Bob Drake Reproductions
>800-221-ford
>
>Glenn Marion
>3616 S. Sweeney Rd
>Grain Valley, MO 64029
>
>Hope these are of value to someone.
>
>Howard,

And they say parts are parts. Here is some more.

Auto Krafters
800-228-7346

Carolina Classics
919-682-4211

Classic Tube
1-800-Tubes-1-1 brake, gas lines pre bent to factory specs.

Metro Supersoft
800-878-2237 Weather stripping

Kanter Auto
800-526-1096 Good source for engine parts!

Marve Tomlinson Ford Parts
800-573-3260

Little Dearborn Parts
612-331-2066

Mid Fifty F100
1800-252-1956 I like these guys! 53 to 56, nuts bolts everthing!....

---

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