OT: Ive got a crazy idea
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Temperance, MI
OT: Ive got a crazy idea
Ive been looking into buying a 1953 Ford truck. The problem that Im having is that I cannot find one in the condition that Im looking for. I want one that hasnt been restored for a fair price. I can find them all day lon restored but I want to build it myself the way I want it. I also dont want to reuin a nice classic by making it what is was never ment to be. So my solution to this problem is to but a newer mustang and gut the body from the chassis. Im sure I can find a place that makes reproduction 53 body parts and put the body of a 53 on a mustang chassis.
What I plan to do with this hybrid is to drive it to work most everyday, you can see what I drive in my signature now (15mpg at best). I know mustangs in stock for can get 18/24 mpg. During the winter months and bad days threw the year I would drive my truck ofcourse.
If anyone has a link that this has been done before that would be great. Any thoughts or input about this is welcomed Thanks
What I plan to do with this hybrid is to drive it to work most everyday, you can see what I drive in my signature now (15mpg at best). I know mustangs in stock for can get 18/24 mpg. During the winter months and bad days threw the year I would drive my truck ofcourse.
If anyone has a link that this has been done before that would be great. Any thoughts or input about this is welcomed Thanks
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
IIRC there is a company that builds plastic truck bodies, I just can't remember the company name. Their thinking was similar to yours, to preserve older trucks and to supply bodies that were hard to find.
Just about any roller would work for you, truck or passenger car..
A deep pocket is a must in this situation.
Just about any roller would work for you, truck or passenger car..
A deep pocket is a must in this situation.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,172
Likes: 4,772
From: Burbank, WA
My question for you, John, is have you ever looked at a Mustang chassis? It doesn't have a frame like the truck does. It has a floor pan that the body structure and outer skin welds to, which creates the "chassis" as a complete unit. That's where the term unitized construction, or "unibody" comes from. You cannot simply "gut" the body from the floor pan and expect to have anything resembling a structure when you're done. And even if you could, your truck body will not attach to it and create a strong and stable platform when you're done.
It is much more reasonable to take the running gear from your donor Mustang and install it into the chassis of your truck. That is the way it's regularly done, and there's kits to help you with correct motor mounts, trans crossmembers, and suspension upgrades as well, if you want the help. In fact, there's a whole entire industry built around doing exactly this. This is not the place to try to reinvent the wheel, so to speak.
Good luck with your project.
It is much more reasonable to take the running gear from your donor Mustang and install it into the chassis of your truck. That is the way it's regularly done, and there's kits to help you with correct motor mounts, trans crossmembers, and suspension upgrades as well, if you want the help. In fact, there's a whole entire industry built around doing exactly this. This is not the place to try to reinvent the wheel, so to speak.
Good luck with your project.
Thread Starter
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 15
From: Temperance, MI
My question for you, John, is have you ever looked at a Mustang chassis? It doesn't have a frame like the truck does. It has a floor pan that the body structure and outer skin welds to, which creates the "chassis" as a complete unit. That's where the term unitized construction, or "unibody" comes from. You cannot simply "gut" the body from the floor pan and expect to have anything resembling a structure when you're done. And even if you could, your truck body will not attach to it and create a strong and stable platform when you're done.
It is much more reasonable to take the running gear from your donor Mustang and install it into the chassis of your truck. That is the way it's regularly done, and there's kits to help you with correct motor mounts, trans crossmembers, and suspension upgrades as well, if you want the help. In fact, there's a whole entire industry built around doing exactly this. This is not the place to try to reinvent the wheel, so to speak.
Good luck with your project.
It is much more reasonable to take the running gear from your donor Mustang and install it into the chassis of your truck. That is the way it's regularly done, and there's kits to help you with correct motor mounts, trans crossmembers, and suspension upgrades as well, if you want the help. In fact, there's a whole entire industry built around doing exactly this. This is not the place to try to reinvent the wheel, so to speak.
Good luck with your project.
Thread Starter
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 15
From: Temperance, MI
Im not sure what I want to do maybe ill just ponder some ideas for a little bit, thanks for your input guys
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 940
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From: Illinois
Keep looking. You will find the exact truck you want. You can modernize anything these days to make them reliable and safe. It all depends no how far you want to go and how much money you have. I'm new to this hobby and I've quickly realized that almost anything can be purchased as a bolt on kit from someone or some vendor. Good luck.
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Phantom of the Phorum
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,472
Likes: 1,696
From: Kentucky
There are a couple of companies that build the reproduction frames, with whatever suspension configurations you want.
Bebops and US Body Source build fiberglass '56 cabs, but I don't know of anyone that builds the '53 cab. Other than that, nearly everything on the 53 trucks are replaceable new.
Bebops and US Body Source build fiberglass '56 cabs, but I don't know of anyone that builds the '53 cab. Other than that, nearly everything on the 53 trucks are replaceable new.
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 110
From: Northshore, MN
If a truck is complete, and in great shape, it's worth restoring. If a truck has been modded once already, or the truck is void of several parts, it's worth darksiding. What you find within your initial budget will dictate what way you can go at first, but you'll want to let the truck talk to you. It'll tell you what it wants to be. Good luck in your search.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 230
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From: Round Rock, TX
Persistence and patience will pay off.
Make a list of exactly what you are looking for, what price range, what condition...expand your search area as well. (Search every major city in a 3 state radius on Craigslist, for example) Tell your friends what you are looking for...
My list for example: 53-55, running 6cyl, good body, close to original, for less than $4500.
What i found: 54 F100, running 223/6cyl, excellent body, all original, for $4000.
It took a few years to find it, but i got what i wanted.
Make a list of exactly what you are looking for, what price range, what condition...expand your search area as well. (Search every major city in a 3 state radius on Craigslist, for example) Tell your friends what you are looking for...
My list for example: 53-55, running 6cyl, good body, close to original, for less than $4500.
What i found: 54 F100, running 223/6cyl, excellent body, all original, for $4000.
It took a few years to find it, but i got what i wanted.
Thread Starter
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Temperance, MI
Im looking for a 53 with no engine or trans. Just the body and chassis for as cheap as I can find, in that shape Ive found one for 3200 in texas with a chopped top on autotrader, I live in MI. Im in no hurry to get the truck I have plenty of time to wait. My friends know about me looking and my idea to take an old truck fix it up and use it for a DD and one of them in his searching found a 62 f100 and he liked my idea so much of driving it every day that he bought it for the same reason last week, its in the same condition that I was looking for but theres no bed on it.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: Round Rock, TX
We need a "Rescue this Truck" thread here...someplace where people can post the trucks they've found but don't want to buy for themselves, but may be exactly what someone else is looking for. I know i've seen what you are looking for, for less than $3k. I'll keep an eye out.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 120
Likes: 1
From: Carmel Valley
1953 Ford Pickup! - $2500 (Coarsegold)
I always like the "listed on the Web" pages for my other hobbies, like this....
Not mine but maybe for you.........
Hello I am selling my 1953 Ford pickup. THis is an awesome truck here are dome its features: it has the originial Flat Head v8 engine, three on the tree, extra parts such as tail gate, and bumper, has new tires and brakes (brake lines as well). The engine was running when I parked it. BUt as you can see in the pictures I started to take the truck apart to repair it but money ran out and so did time. This truck would be great for anyone that is looking for a project car. Need to sell it! Asking $2500 but open to all offers. Please call me at (559)706-1680. THank you so much.
1953 Ford Pickup!
Not mine but maybe for you.........
Hello I am selling my 1953 Ford pickup. THis is an awesome truck here are dome its features: it has the originial Flat Head v8 engine, three on the tree, extra parts such as tail gate, and bumper, has new tires and brakes (brake lines as well). The engine was running when I parked it. BUt as you can see in the pictures I started to take the truck apart to repair it but money ran out and so did time. This truck would be great for anyone that is looking for a project car. Need to sell it! Asking $2500 but open to all offers. Please call me at (559)706-1680. THank you so much.
1953 Ford Pickup!