1948 FORD F-1 LIGHTNING (20year project)
#32
11-08-2013, 10:27 AM
The seriously major problem that is going to be most difficult to overcome is the difference in tread width. The F1 is a very small truck compared to a late model full size pickup, more the size of a mini-truck. Choice 1: lift the sheetmetal up high enough to clear and let the tires hang out of the fenders a couple inches each side and the chassis hanging out the bottom. OK if you like the off road/mudder/monster truck look. Choice 2: widen the fenders front and rear 4-6" each side. Gives the truck a way out of proportion cartoon look. Choice 3: use some funky radical offset wheels to bring the tires in under the fenders. Does anyone make such a wheel? Changing the tread width that way will destroy the lightning's good geometry, negating the advantages of that suspension. Choice 4: widen the whole truck down the middle. See choice 2 but with much more work. Choice 5: Throw the fenders away and let the tires stick out where they may, OK if you want the rat rod look. Choice 6: ?????
Note: I'm pointing this out not to be negative, but for the benefit of those following along that might be tempted to jump into a similar swap without understanding the issues, as least as I see them. I really appreciate a good handling vehicle, see my siggy picture, and have seen a lightning or two autocross race, and have >50 years building experience, but I would not attempt this, there are far easier ways to achieve as good if not better result IMHO, i.e. use stiffened F1 frame and Jag front and rear suspension with lightning drive train.
I am interested in seeing how successfully the issues will be overcome in this build.
Note: I'm pointing this out not to be negative, but for the benefit of those following along that might be tempted to jump into a similar swap without understanding the issues, as least as I see them. I really appreciate a good handling vehicle, see my siggy picture, and have seen a lightning or two autocross race, and have >50 years building experience, but I would not attempt this, there are far easier ways to achieve as good if not better result IMHO, i.e. use stiffened F1 frame and Jag front and rear suspension with lightning drive train.
I am interested in seeing how successfully the issues will be overcome in this build.
#33
11-08-2013, 11:17 AM
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#42
11-08-2013, 11:13 PM
2002 front trackwidth - 65.4"
2002 outside to outside of tire - 76"
1948 front fender width - 73"
The tires will not fit under the fenders and I know from personal experience. This is why I traded front fenders with a wide axle truck.
1948 frame width front - 32"
1948 frame width rear - 34"
2002 frame width - 40"
I'm one of the crazy ones around here building a frameswap/custom frame and even I'm not crazy enough to go wider than 34" on the frame. Being 2" wider in the front creates enough extra work let alone 8".
#43
11-09-2013, 09:38 AM
Well, at least someone has a sense of humor around here. But no, something more like this.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_3QV538Nn...0/DSC03669.JPG
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_3QV538Nn...0/DSC03669.JPG
Most of us are not purists, but rat rods get no love around here, especially when a complete truck is cut up in the process.
#44
11-09-2013, 08:27 PM
Oh well, guess I am outta here.... Don't have to be told twice I don't belong. What waste of a great screen name too... OP, good luck with the project, and fitting in here. For future reference... www.killbillet.com Come check us out. No judging, and almost anything is welcome.
