Hello, I have recently purchased a '54 F-100 that is in running condition, although tired. It is the bottom of the line model with the 223 6 cylinder, 4-Speed Synchro with the 3.91 rearend. Drive train is original and I don't believe it has ever been out of the truck. I have been wanting to tackle a project like this for a long time and now have the space to work on it, however I am lacking in the experience department. I need to find someone to rebuild the engine as that is a little beyond my skills. Does anyone out there know of anyone in the Dallas, Texas area I could contact who does quality and reputable work? I really do not want to just pick someone out of the Yellow Pages!

Thanks for any suggestions.

Craig

Dallas, Texas

 

Welcome to FTE, Craig. Glad to have you on board. Looks like a nice truck to start with. Don't know much about the Dallas area but my brother lives in Ft. Worth and there is a lot of resorces there. My suggestion is to make some of the car shows and swap meets and talk to the people there. I'm sure they will recommend someone in your area. There are a few members from the Dallas area on the forum and may chime in with some information. Looking forward to following your project.

Gil

 

Welcome Craig, you came to the right place.

I bought my rebuilt 351W from Blaines in Dallas and have been very happy with it. Opinions on engine shops or any vendor are always 'for what its worth'. You will always find happy customers and unhappy. From a cost standpoint it may be cheaper to go with a newer model engine depending on your plans. Of course if that causes you to have to go to a different transmission etc it may offset. This site and the fine members here will be your best source for anything F100 related. Don't be afraid to ask questions but do try search as well, often there are pages of similar questions where you can get your answer immediately.

website for Blaines Rebuilt Engines by Blaine's Motor Supply, Inc.

Good luck,

Scott

 

Gil I think that the Early Ford Club still meets in the B B Q place up on West Division street in Arlington . I used to use the N A P A shop on W Division . Also isn't ole Brown still over on Colorado Lane ( Antique Auto Supply )? Ed Shaver

 

Otis, Welcome to FTE! Looks like a very solid stock truck from your pictures. What is your plans for your new (old) ride, keep stock, mild rod, all out custom? If you have not picked up parts catalogs I would get a call in to the major suppliers, Mid-fifty 800-252-1956, Dennis Carpenter 704-786-8139, or any of the sponsores of this site. Also a shop manual is a must have. Good luck with your truck and keep us posted on your progress.
brian...

 

Check out City Motor Supply. I bought a rebuilt short block from them about 4 years ago for m Fiero. Although I've only put about 6,000 miles on it. I'm quite happy with it and they're pricing is VERY competitive. I'll be ordering a short block (5.0 L)for my truck from them when the time comes. They're in TX too, so that'll make it possible to exchange a core and save on shipping(less than $100.00 to GA).

Remanufactured Engines by City Motor Supply - Domestic and Import

 

Hi Craig
I agree with Scott, Blaines has a very good name for
their motor work. Best of luck with your project, looks
as if I am going to have to sale my 57 Styleside
Take care Bob

 

Uh Stacy at Antique is a Dennis Carpenter retailer . Why pay all that frieght from CharlotteNorth Carolina when a trip across I-20 will get him to Bowen Road and ten over to Colorado lane where Antique Auto Supply is ? Common Gas is 2.50 a gallon here and climbing ! Ed Shaver

 

Welcome aboard, Otis 54. Looks like you have a nice original stocker to start with. I am in Waco so can't help with D/FW area. Hope you decide to restore it back to original. Good luck.

 

Thanks to everyone that responded. I have purchased the shop manual and have catalogs from all the major suppliers and am ready to get going. I am familiar with Blaines and City Motor Supply but have never dealt with them, I will check them out. Also thanks for tip about Antique Auto Supply, I will try to find them. I am not looking to do a complete restoration but rather get it mechanically and electrically sound so I can drive it around the ranch and county roads where I live on the weekends. My son and I wanted an old farm/ranch truck, I believe we found it!

 

Hope you and your son have a ball stirring up dust in the old truck.
brian...