Hi guys,
I have been lurking here on the site for a couple of years now. Every now and again I post some drivel or other. I am building (re)building a 1950 F1 but am updating/ hot rodding a lot of the driveline. I was originally going to narrow a crown vic front end and have decided to install it as is. this will allow me to get off the fixture building bus I have been stuck on for the past 6 months and proceed with the build. I am in need of some measurements for a stock F1 on flat ground. I want the top of frame to ground and the center of axle to ground measurements at the ends of the frame front and rear of the truck. Ideally your truck would have everything installed and completed so I can get an idea as to where I weld in the attach points for my 3 link rear suspension. My original idea was not to go overboard on the rebuild but that idea seems to have been thrown out the window. This project is secondary to my business and Bonniville speed week project so it is taking a while.
While I am thinking about it if anyone out there has a 351 Cleveland with a C6 trans would you have the weights at each wheel and possibly the C.G. info?

Thanks in advance.
Marty

 

Hello Marty

If I understood correctly, the measurements you wanted are:

Top of frame to ground: 22 3/4 (taken between cab and bed)

Center of axle to ground - front: 12 1/2 rear: 13 1/2

'49 F1 with 650 - 16 bias ply tires

If you need anything else (or if I misunderstood) let me know.

DW

 

DW,

What I am trying to do is install a complete suspension that you would see on a modern car. I will be using coil springs on all four corners.
To that end I need the frame height off the ground with every thing mounted at the corners of the frame. Where the bumper mounts would be ideal. That way I can install fixed length links where the springs would be at ride height and set all the geometry for the control arms, track bars etc. Then after I get the frame setup with the solid links I can install the coil over shocks and springs with the calculated values for spring rates and be fairly close on ride height.
As you can see I suffer from overengineeringitis! I found this can be controlled with fermented beverages and a lot of horsepower.

Thanks, Marty

 

You shoud find what you need in this album - Check all the pages

Tech pictures by smedly_dunlap - Photobucket

 

All those pictures are from the factory service manual. Problem is - - the numbers are not anywhere near the measurements I took b-4 I tore the truck down. Now I am second guessing everything. I can take a wild guess or I can get a couple of sets of measurements and average the results.

Marty