Hi all - I've been kicking around a project idea for my dad (he's 65, I'm 40), as kind of a payback thing for everything he's done for me. He builds replica supermodifieds (currently working on an Edmunds - has a new body on a brand new frame built off of a copy of the original plans!), and wants to tow with a truck just like he used to tow with - which was a '53 F100. I'd like to somehow get the ball rolling for him, and I've been kicking around an idea. I'm probably nuts - but that's why I'm asking.Anyway - I'd like to get him new running gear under it, and he wants something with EFI. Would it be possible - or maybe probable - that I could fit a 97-03 F150 short box frame/engine/ - well, everything, under a 53-56 body? I don't have the scratch to buy something that's totally restoreable - this would be a "barnyard find" kinda thing, where I'd be on a rescue mission. The wheelbases are pretty close - within a few inches, I believe. I'm not sure about frame widths/heights, etc. - it would take some fabrication, I'm sure. Other part of my question is, I see parts trucks for sale without a title - how much of a pita is it to get one? I probably need a NE boy for that one, I suppose. Anyway, food for thought. Thanks!

 

welcome to FTE!! You'll find the newer trucks have a wider track width than the 48-72's. However, the work in doing a full frame swap isn't easy, and doing a subframe graft or swapping in the drivetrain isn't any harder. Some faves are 57-72 F150 9" rear ends, as these give better gearing options and are a near direct bolt in. The track width stays the same. A disc brake conversion kit like that from Speedway , CCP, etc... are fairly easy to do, too. In short, you can make a '53 F100 drive like a newer truck without the need of a complete frame swap. The EFI isn't too hard either, if you're familiar with how EFI works.

 

Hi Welcome to FTE....You ought to fit right in. Good luck with your project. Your Dad is a lucky guy to have such a conscientious son.

 

Thanks for the info, and glad to be here. I noticed you both have 48-51 F1s, and I've thought about doing one fo those for myself - but one project at a time (okay, no project, just dreams - but that's where they all start . . .)

I think for now, I'm going to lurk some more, read some more, and keep an eye out for a borderline basketcase pickup that needs a home. I never thought about the differences in track - what is the track for a 53-56?

Anyway, thanks for the welcome!