Hello All,

Had this crazy notion to see if the front turn (clear)lenses from like a 57-58? are the same size and hole pattern as the rear stop/turn lenses(red) from the Fleetside/styleside???

Thinking of the clear tail light thing using red led bulbs and blue dots...to get the hitech/nostalgia thing going on.

any one else try this??

Thanks
Bruce (Glack)

 

Wow, looks like none has a 57. After a bit more research on MY own it looks like they are the same size and pattern according to the parts books...use the same gasket, so I ordered a set of 57 front clear lenses to be drilled and blue dotted covering a new set of the 1157 led replacement bulbs. I hope this works....cut into my motor money. Im also thinking of the 2000-2002 mustang orange for the color of the truck.

Thanks
Glack

 

Glack,
Don't be put off. Lots of '57 folk on FTE. Some threads draw more heat than others. The screw pattern of the lenses is easy to determine. BTW, how does it look? Should be a nice contrast to the '0-'02 Orange. Nice choice of color, BTW!

Hang in there, and don't be too upset if no one replied. Heck, you found out for yourself anyways!

Way to go!
Daryl
'59 Styleside (the '57-'60 era family of Refrigerator-shaped Fords!)

P.S.- how 'bout some pix? Let's see this '57!!!

 

I havent received the lenses or bulbs yet, Im hoping that it works the way I want it to. The truck is still the stock White on Turquoise, stock 292(nice boat anchor) still a stocker...working on the front IFS pretty soon and designing a 4 link for the rear. Paint is phone call away....connections are great.

By the way I have a 60 with wrap rear window and chrome front grille. Any ideas on how the straighten the aluminum part of the grille??? have a section that is tweaked

Picking up a 351W this weekend...road trip. Hoping this all falls in place as I imagine it.....Bad *** orange with clear tail lights and shiny chrome front....with a nice low stance......Now to find some decent wheels.....thinking of some 17" angled multi spoke....Hmmmm

Thanks
Bruce

 

Hi Glack,
I like your idea! I wish I was able to assist on the lenses, but my fronts are rectangular, and I can't remember the diameter of the '57-'58's.
Sounds like you have some great plans in store. Would like to see some pics when you get them as well. Please let us know if the lens thing work out.

 

Glack,
OK, now you've REALLY got my attention... Not just with the road trip thing, but the fruits of the road trip: a 351W ? Nice. Will you keep it stock? or build it? I was just shopping engine blocks (for the fun of it, not cuz I could actually afford to get a new one!) and saw that a 351 can be bored out to a 427. Hello, Betty!!!

Regarding pounding out the grill? Usually the place that does the chroming for you can do that. That stuff is REAL finicky and it takes knowledge, finess, and the right tools to get it right. If you're not absolutely certain how to cure that crease problem on your grill, I would caution you from trying and opt to let a professional do it. The cost to replace the grill is far greater than what they'll charge to repair and then chrome it.

And I agree 100% with your plans for the color, chrome offsets, lowered stance and wheels. Should just scream "bad *** truck"; clean and simple, but with attitude! Big thumbs up here, Bruce.
I think I know the type of wheels you're talking about. Thinking of same for my '59 if I have to change out the wheels after the Dakota IFS install this next couple of weeks. But, with my "cherry Red" paint, I'm wondering if I should stick with a chrome finish? or go to a polished finish? Chrome is such a stark contrast with the red and the polished rims might tone it down a bit but still provide me with the "attitude" I want from my rims. Hmmm... ???

BTW, don't discard the 292. There's lots of folks here that love the original motors, and the 292 is a strong workhorse. It has value, so you might want to see if you can generate some interest and sell it. Post it in the classifieds here on FTE and/or on E-bay. You'll sell it... and recoup the money to help build the 351 or paint the truck!
So, do you have a way to post pix? I'd really like to see whatcha got to this point. Catch ya later....

Ah, from the mind of an obsessed truckster,
Daryl

 

Hey guys, I'm going to try to build the crap out of that 351w..more connections...Machine shop buddie too. I think I found a similar wheel or the whhel Im looking for. I will take a few photos of the truck as she sits now....stock and needing some attention.. here is a pic of the wheels, Damn cant post a pic

well here is a link(www.hrewheels.com) and look at the model 540 then goto style 542

Thanks
Bruce

 

I just took the lens off the front of my 57 and put it on the rear. Your lens idea will work. I wasnt sure before so I didn't want to say and didn't have time to try. Sorry to hear about the y block I hope it goes to a good home.

 

Dude, thanks for the double check, I am thinking that I will paint the rear panels of the bed, 1 orange and 1 yelloe to see which one will be the best contrast for the lenses.....Dang Am I crazy or what...deciding the color of the truck by the best look of the tail lights....NAH...Im pretty sure on the orange although I was pretty sure on the yellow too.

Well, I am going to get some pics of the truck in a few days as well as go digging in the storage for the pics of the old truck(the I wrecked 15 years ago.. was a 60 wrap around as well) and after the painting of the rear panels...more pics and a poll?? to see what everyone elses opinion is too

Thanks again for checking
Bruce (Glack)

 

I think the orange and yellow will look good. Are you planing on 2 toneing the whole truck or just the back? I think the yellow around the clear tail light will make it stand out, rather than the orange. Looking foward to seeing the pic's.

 

was thinking one panel orange and 1 yellow to see which one will look better against the clear tail lights. then the better color will cover the whole truck...single color

Bruce

 

Bruce,
Define "build the crap out of" as it applies to your plans for the 351W. What modifications do you have in mind for it the motor?
Daryl

 

Hi DS59f100

Im thinking of 400-450 HP, I really dont know whats in store for it..its going to be in the hands of my buddy in the macine shop. He said to find a pre 75 351W and bring it to him, he said we will make it go for a decent price. He did mention heads(aluminum) and porting, balancing extensivly, talked about boring and stroking. we were trying to keep it under 2K for the whole deal for now.

I posted a pic in my gallery of a few whell ideas as well as a pic of the old truck

Bruce

 

Glack,
If your buddy at the machine shop is talking NEW aluminum heads ($1000-$1100 a set minimum) and the WHOLE build up for $2000, that's a heck of a good price. He must be providing the labor for free. Nice guy! The 351 can be bored out to a 427; the 351 also has some great high performance parts available to accomplish over 400hp. Among all the other key components (such as the crank, harmonic balancer,cam, rods & pistons), don't forget a STOUT gear drive to keep the insides turning true with as little play as possible. Probably a double roller would be a good idea, but confirm with your buddy at the machine shop. He should know what'll work best in conjunction with the other internal working parts.
Sure would love to see a list of "goodies" that your 351W is comprised of once it's all said and done. I love to live my dreams vicariously through the successes of others; at least then I can "ooh-and-aah" with something tangible to refer to....

Excited for you and the motor (ok, and a bit jealous, too),
Daryl

 

Update on road trip...well I didnt make the trip. funds were tighter than expected. But I did come across a nice looking 1966 429 P.I motor locally, going to look at it in the morning..was told it is in a car now and runs...HMMMM


Also Pics are now in my gallery of the old truck....pics are kinda grainy...taken in late 86 with the great kodak disc cameras

Bruce