When I was a kid I remember several 50s Ford pickups with Olds, Buick and Caddy engines. Seemed like the cool thing to do.
So this week I bring in a 65 Lesabre headed for the crusher. I turned the engine, not stuck. So I replaced the plug wires the rats had eaten, put it on a jug with electric fuel pump and it came to life, sounded pretty good. Tranny went into drive and reverse (it was still tied down on the trailer) It has the switch pitch (dual stall speed) convertor. Engine is the rare 4 bbl version of the 300 cubic inch, 250 hp and 355 torque.
So I got to thinking, this might be a fun little drivetrain to slide into my 58-60 F-100 project. what do you think? Haters ok because I've been dishing it out to those sbc engines in Fords guys for years.

 

Would you still be able to call it a F100 or would it now be a C10?

 

There is a nice 59 F100 in classic truck mag with a LT1 motor & 4L60e as well. I believe use whatever you got. Me personnelly; Ford in a Ford etc.

 

you would ruin your truck

 

[quote=Customcab;12570239]There is a nice 59 F100 in classic truck mag with a LT1 motor & 4L60e as well. I believe use whatever you got. Me personnelly; Ford in a Ford etc.[/quot

I have a Caprice just sitting upstairs in the barn with a running LT1 and tranny, I would never humiliate a Ford truck and put it in one of them. Now if I had an old Chevy truck sitting around I would love to put it in there!

 

I would drop that nailhead in there in a heartbeat - classic power for sure and a real attention draw. Only a Chrysler Hemi (first version) would trump that.

Steve

 

Here's a photo of a 40 ford 1 1/2 ton I bought about 10 years ago. It had a nailhead buick in it. I was told it was 401 cu in. It wasn't running and owner had no history. When I fired it up you could hear it knocking in the next county. Local farmer gave me his old '69 f100 with a good 302 and a 4 spd. That was my first engine swap. Was a real good truck after that. I agree, a nailhead would be cool and a sort of 'period' engine swap. But who am I to say ford only? I just put a cummins turbo diesel in my '59........So there's yet another option

 

I'm not talking about a chevy engine, I'd never do that, ever. The truck was already saved by my grace, should have been in a junkyard. Engine is a big chunk of rust. grill mashed in and a basketball sized hole in the windshield. Plan is for a nice 59 grill, the 58 hood, new glass, seat and brakes, attend to the wiring and make it go...with what ever I find cheap or free.

 

I like yer thinkin'. Not everyone is made of money. Just build the truck your way and have a good time with it!

 

This one isn't exactly my "dream" truck. I have my dream truck in the parts gathering stage. 57 big window shortbed on a modern front suspension, probably be a 4.6. I have the cab, frame and bed, but a good 57 front is a little elusive.

I should have the 60 running and driving for under $1500, and that's with all new brakes and a new windshield and side glass.

 

My 59 has a plymouth 318 backed by a 904 auto. Front clip is a volare and the rear is a 8 3/4

 

Where are you located? That yellow truck looks familiar!

 

There should be a " Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy. LOL!