Hey guys, Back in 2000 I got my 54 f100 on the road. I created a web site in 2001 and put several pictures and comments about my restoration. I must have put over a hundred posts on this site about it. Since then, I have retired, build (mostly by myself) a new house, etc. I just noticed that the site had gotten corrupted, so I made some quick fixes.
The site is www.winfordr.com. In summary the truck is powered by a fuel injected 92 Mustang HO engine and has Thunderbird steering column and Mustang II IFS. I have lots of experience in making different things fit together, so if I can help, just let me know.

 

Sweet ride, nice gallery and web site. Congrats on all three!

 

Winfordr

Enjoyed your website. I'm a ways from the body work part of my 54 project but I saw you used a older tail gate. When I get to that point, I will be buying a new bed. A freind gave me a tail gate like yours in real good like new shape but I have assumed that it wouldn't fit and I would be including a new one with my order. Did you do anything to yours? Dimension, hinges, latches or did it bolt right in? Thanks.
Bob

 

Very cool site man!! I'll have to be talking to ya about my newest project. It's a 89 F150 with a 300 6 cyl. and a 5 speed. I bought it cheap, and right now I'm in the process of fixing years of neglect. It also has the 2 tanks and the front pump is dead. I've already replaced the high pressure pump, and it runs fine, but it leaks everywhere I park it!! I call her puddles. As far as I know, the gas gauges work but like I said, I've not had it long yet, I'm working on leaks, and for now the heater dont work! Of course, it's not cold here yet but it's comming?

Again, nice site man, very cool!!! You do nice work!

 

Turnrjr. I used the '52 tailgate because I like the script Ford better than the block letters. I didn't install the chain hooks on the bed sides (the whole bed is new), but I didn't cut the brackets off the tailgate either. I bought some internal chrome latches from Mid-Fifties Ford. They just don't show in any of my pictures.
Winford

 

Very nice site awesome truck keep us posted.

 

I just wanted to add that I used my truck to pull the Christmas Float for my Church in 2006 and 2007. We won first place both years.
Here is a picture of our 2007 float.
http://www.winfordr.com/FordTruckStuff/178.JPG

I feel pretty good about the way the truck looks after almost 7 years on the road since restoring.

 

You did a good job. I do need to ask what vehicle did you get your mirrors from and could you show a close up of the mounting.

I have a set of early ranger mirrors and they seem to need a very thick spacer to make them look right on my 56.

Thanks Chuck

 

Very COOL pic with the float man!! I drive my '56 to church when it's purty outside. I've got some scriptures on the tailgate, and I'm constantly amazed at how many folks will come up and wont' ask what they say, but WILL write them down, so they can look them up later. I tell them I'm just advertising for the LORD. I think you were too with your float, good job!!!

 

Merc: I think the mirros are a universal type, I don't remember for sure. I'll have to look at my old notes. They didn't come out too well. The drivers' side works ok, but it's really hard to see anything in the passenger side. I didn't like the original round style. At one point I was going to buy used electrics like were on my '92 F150, but I learned that they required a support inside the door at the bottom. I will post a close-up soon though.
Thanks to everyone for the comments.

 

Nice Truck....Gotta love a '54 !!!

Hey Merc., tyr Bob Drakes for the mirrors, I have something similar to Winfordr's and the P.O. had gotten alot of things thru Bob Drake's. ???
later, Ed

 

If you are buying bed sides, MAR-K has an upgrade that you can add to your bed side order that makes the bed sides for a 53-72 work with the 51-52 Tailgate. It is an additional $30/side but worth it compared to what you would pay a body shop for alterations.
Hope this helps!

 

Thats good to know. What is the required difference?
Bob

 

The 51-52 Bed Sides have a notch for the latch ear on the 51-52 Tailgate. This is added to the 53-72 bed sides. There is also a difference in the space between the hinge and the eyebolt holes (for the chains). You also have to use 51-52 chains.

 

I will get some pics of my internal latches and post them, hopefully, tomorrow. That will eliminate those bouncing chains. But you will still have to figure some way to keep the tailgate from bumping the rear bumper, if you plan to use it open.