Radio is a 1953 Ford, so despite the axe cut in the dash at least it was period correct

 

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Wow....subscribed

 

10 days into the build..more pics from the other day.

Firewall cleaned up, getting ready to pull the cab. You can see where the PO had installed a master cylinder on the firewall with swinging pedals, but the master was gone as well as the pedals. Pedal mount was there but I tossed it, holes will be filled and I will do it over with another pedal set and power brake booster.




Bye bye cab! Think I have enough junk all over the garage? No matter how many times I empty it out it seems stuff appears
on its own.






Moving along but things are going to stall, I need a set of rear leaf springs and mounts and have not located anything yet. Was going to try explorer springs but it looks like they do not mount to the side of the frame so may end up with another Dakota set.

 

Why don't you like the OEM springs? With leafs removed?

 

Maybe I would consider it if the springs werent 60 years old and needing a rebuild. Removing leaves would get the look but kill the load capacity, the stockers are 10 leaf rated around 1000 pounds. My Dakota 3 leaf springs in my first F1 build are longer than stock for a better ride and rated at 1800 pounds with no compromise in ride height. I would never load it that high but if I want to throw an engine in the back it will be nice not to have the truck hit the bump stops.

Besides check out what this F1 has now, someone thought it was an F350!

 

Few more pics to keep the thread alive!

All that is left from the trans crossmember, now scrap.




Since the crossmember is gone for good I boxed the frame on both sides in that area to add some stiffness to the rails.






Still working on what I am going to do for rear springs, Ranger springs and mounts may be the ticket this time.

 

Went and looked at a Ford Ranger as a possible rear suspension donor today, NG, rear leaf springs only had 2 main leafs! The hunt continues for a Dakota donor.

Just for fun I measured a camaro trans crossmember, I think it was from a 67-69 but could be from a 2nd gen, been on the shelf too long to remember. But anyhow the thing fits the F1 frame perfect, so I may be using it instead of making one from scratch.




So until I get the rear suspension stuff I have to do what I can do, so next the bed comes off. This is what is left of the bed floor. Not much!

 

Hey Dave,
Here are some pics of our 2001 Explorer rear spring set up. I hope this helps. Let me know if you need any more specific pics. These are from lying under it on the hot pavement - no lift here - focus could be better.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

I'm subscribed!

 

hey Ben,
Thanks for the pics, if you could get shots of the hangers looking from the outside of the frame that would be great, I am thinking they are ranger pieces. Trying to see the placement of them on the frame. I assume you had to move the rear most running board mount forward?

 

Subscribed. Awesome work on this and the previous truck.

 

 

Thanks guys, work pushes on.
Hit the boneyard looking for dakota leaf springs and hangers, couldnt find anything in decent enough shape to use. Found some springs but all the rear most hangers were too rusty to use.
So I punted, to save some cash I am using the rear leaf springs off my 1995 S10 parts truck and I ordered new Ford Ranger leaf spring hangers front and rear and rear shackles. Mock up will start next week, still racking my brain on what gear I want to use in the rear based on the selection already in stock. Practical vs. Tire smoke