I've been viewing the forum for a couple of weeks, and thought I'd say Hello, as I was just informed that an acquaintance is selling me a pair of Unibodies

For a case of beer.

But, I won't get ahead of myself. First things first!

I'm 30, living in Northern Alberta, Canada, have always been big into cars, and have been a huge VW enthusiast for a good decade or so (14 cars to date!). Here's my current car; VW Squareback, tons of mods, full independent airride (front wasn't done yet in the pic)


We're doing all the bodywork and paint later this fall, and I've been thinking it's time to find a cool car hauler for next years shows.

After searching, looking, trolling forums, I've fallen for the Unibody look. Then, as luck would have it, these 2 came up for basically free.

I haven't seen the trucks, but have been told that at least one is a short box, and both are in somewhat decent condition.

Now, my question is this: I want to make a reliable daily out of this truck, that can pull a light car trailer with my car on the back (1200 lbs), longer distances, and my goal is to retro rod it similar to this truck:
(And I hope the owner doesn't mind me posting the pic, but I love this truck!)


So, how should I go about it? If I don't have to do a frame or front clip swap, I'd prefer not to. The truck will see alot of highway, and some hills, so I want to make sure I can pull. I will be swapping everything over to 12V, for ease of finding parts, etc (One rare car is enough lol)

Thoughts?

I'll be posting pics as soon as I get the trucks, but our weather went to ****, and we got snow this weekend!

(Take it easy on me, its my first time >_> lol)

 

Welcome to FTE

All FoMoCo vehicles after 1955 are 12V negative ground. Prior years were 6V positive ground. Excepting 1963/64 Thunderchickens, alternators became standard equipment on all other FoMoCo vehicles in 1965.

F100/250 Uni's (all 2WD) were offered 1961/63, so will have generators as original.

On the way home Saturday after attending an FTE SoCal Chapter GTG held in Long Beach, spotted a minty 1960's green/white Kombi-Camper (I think that's what they were called) parked in a driveway.

 

First reply, and I'm learning already! Thanks, that's alot off the to-do list lol

 

I haven't owned a camper yet, but did road trip across Canada in a 84' Vanagon for 2 months with my old drummer and no agenda. 15,000 km's (9300 Miles)!

So 12V, but will be running a gen. Anyone have experience pulling with a 3 on the tree tranny? I'm guessing, but I think that's what both have.

 

inre to 3 on the tree, what years are these Uni's? Are the F100's or F250's?

 

They're both F100's from what I gathered. I know I'm not giving a lot to go on, lol.

I guess while I'm waiting to go pick them up, I'm trying to see what kind of build I'll have ahead of me to make this truck do what I need it to do.

I won't shy away from a power train and/or suspension swap (Sorry to the purists), but the more of the original truck I can keep, I'm ok with that.

From what I've seen on the forums so far, it might be hard to get that low by taking out leafs and a beam swap?

 

The 1961/62 F100 3 M/T 3 speed does not have a 1st gear syncro like 1963's F100's do.

Two different transmissions, but they do share some parts.

3 speed with overdrive was optional, no 1st gear syncro.

 

I was just browsing LMC, and couldn't find box side repair panels...

Do any exist? what parts should I be most concerned about on these trucks, from lack of aftermarket availability?