New member question.
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2013
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New member question.
Hello all. I inherited a 1951 Ford F1. Was previously restored in the 80's and has a 289 from a 71 model mustang in it. Has a k-member from a 80 Chrysler in it. Also has a spool and axle rear end in it. I've been looking at mustang II IFS and leaf spring set up from Zigs. Anyone used this set up? Thanks. Trying to make this Franken-ford right.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,153
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From: Burbank, WA
Welcome to the forum! It sounds like you've got the beginnings of a fun project. My first question would be is there a problem with the Mopar front end? Is it installed correctly? Does it drive good? If the answer is yes, it's probably not worth messing with. Drive it and enjoy. If it is a bad and dangerous install, you may need more help than we can give in a quick forum answer. Most Mopar K member installs require a certain amount of frame mods and notching to have them fit right. It's difficult without having above average fab skills to restore the frame rails to accept the MII crossmember. All that said, Zigs has a reputation of selling quality stuff. It's likely either a TCI or a Heidts kit. You can inquire with them for more details. Good luck with your project. Send along pics first chance you get. 
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
Spool rear axle? are you sure? Was this a drag racing only truck? You don't want a spool rear for street driving. I've never heard of Zigs? Where is their MII IFS made, is this a Chinese import? What is special about their leaf spring setup?
Classic Haulers Classic Haulers F-1 Parts - Home is an excellent source for anything F-1.
Classic Haulers Classic Haulers F-1 Parts - Home is an excellent source for anything F-1.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,153
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From: Burbank, WA
If it's the Zig's I'm thinking of, they're a big speed shop out of Portland, OR. See above note.
Zig's Street Rod - Catalog
Zig's Street Rod - Catalog
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I was told that the k member was welded in with no frame mods. Doesn't mean it's true! I'm taking the front clip off this weekend to asses the damage. I'll post pics as soon as I can. It wasn't a drag truck, but a spool and axle is what I was told is under the rear. The zigs kits are tci. It drives and steers ok, but Id prefer ps.
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From: Crossville, Tn
YES, most use a site like photobucket.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
Damn nice looking truck!
'51's like yours had the FORD on the nosepiece on the hood and the V8 symbol on the valance; '52's had the F-O-R-D letters on the upper valance and the V8 symbol on the nosepiece.
'51's like yours had the FORD on the nosepiece on the hood and the V8 symbol on the valance; '52's had the F-O-R-D letters on the upper valance and the V8 symbol on the nosepiece.
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Thanks for the info. I searched on this site and was able to decode the VIN. came originally with a flathead(long gone). I'm debating between rebuilding the 289 and putting a 408 in it. 289 would be cheaper but I read on the mustang forums that getting good HP from the 289 would significantly shorten the life of the block. any thoughts/ advice from anyone that's faced this decision?
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
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From: Austin
Hey Killa,
Hmmm.. We also started out with a 289 & we replaced it with a
351W with an Edelbrock top end kit - 400HP - nice but not the greatest
gas mileage. If I had it to do it over I'd stick with that 289 - it puts out enough HP & get's pretty decent gas mileage - making it more of a daily driver.
If you do a compression check & there is something wrong with the 289 - then pull it. 289's are a nice engine as there is a ton of after market
support for it - thanks to the mustang guys.
Why not drive it a while & see how it runs? Once you start taking these things apart it just seems to take forever to get them back together. Where are you at in Texas?
Ben in Austin
1950 F1 (351W/AOD)
Hmmm.. We also started out with a 289 & we replaced it with a
351W with an Edelbrock top end kit - 400HP - nice but not the greatest
gas mileage. If I had it to do it over I'd stick with that 289 - it puts out enough HP & get's pretty decent gas mileage - making it more of a daily driver.
If you do a compression check & there is something wrong with the 289 - then pull it. 289's are a nice engine as there is a ton of after market
support for it - thanks to the mustang guys.
Why not drive it a while & see how it runs? Once you start taking these things apart it just seems to take forever to get them back together. Where are you at in Texas?
Ben in Austin
1950 F1 (351W/AOD)