New
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, USA
New
This is my first post as the new owner of a 1951 F1 with a '71 Torino 351 engine, transmission and 9" rear end. The rear is lowered with removed leaves, and front is (will be) lowered with a dropped axle. I aim to keep as much of the original steering and suspension as practical so I am rebuilding the steering box, king pins etc. A recent survey of the frame indicated I will need to add some frame boxing, motor mount corrections, and fish plates to address some rigidity, cracking and capacity issues. A power brake booster is planned after the rear motor mount is remodeled to make it removable (welded in now). Since the transmission will be removed, I figured this will be as good a time as any to try rebuilding an automatic transmission which I have thought about for years...I'm 68 so I guess it is never too late to learn and I have lots of time now. I'll discuss further plans in a later post.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,995
Likes: 422
From: u-rah-rah Wisconsin
Welcome! Sounds like you know your challenges from the previous owner (PO). We certainly want to get you back on the road soon. Thanks for checking in. Where in the world are you?
DW
DW
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,298
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
Welcome! Watch out when lowering the front, you can end up with some drag link geometry problems:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ump-steer.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...s-springs.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ump-steer.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...s-springs.html
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, USA
ocation
I'm in Vancouver USA. Yup, it's a C4. PO did present it as somewhat better than reality. Not totally unexpected I guess. I personally couldn't let something go with all the issues I have found so far without a heads up. I would not want anyone to think that was my level of expectation or skill.
Phantom of the Phorum
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,472
Likes: 1,696
From: Kentucky
Welcome from Eastern Kentucky!
Congrats on the new "baby". I hope you enjoy working on it and driving it a lot.
Congrats on the new "baby". I hope you enjoy working on it and driving it a lot.
Trending Topics
FTE fan
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,674
Likes: 11
From: paradise, northern calif.
Welcome, welcome, welcome, it's always nice to have another F1 amongst us, along with there handler LOL. Looking forward to your progress, we love to watch (pics) and help if needed.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, USA
Discoveries
Exploration on the new 'baby' has revealed all sort of interesting findings. Probably most nerve wracking so far was the thin zip ties holding things in place at the e-brake pivot assy. After the 9" install, modifications were not made to connect the late model e-brake cables to the O.E. pivot. (Sigh). Improperly clamped fuel lines from an electric pump could have proven insufficient.
Phantom of the Phorum
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,472
Likes: 1,696
From: Kentucky
Exploration is a good thing. You don't want surprises if you're out on the road. Even if you do have a problem, at least you will be familiar enough with the truck to know what you're looking at.
We would love to see some pictures. Of the truck that is.
Before I had grey hair some friends and I used to come to your corner of the country and do some hiking around the big mountains. Once we spent July 4th at a campground called Deer Park and watched the fireworks at Port Angeles and Victoria. It was interesting to see the fireworks below us.
We would love to see some pictures. Of the truck that is.
Before I had grey hair some friends and I used to come to your corner of the country and do some hiking around the big mountains. Once we spent July 4th at a campground called Deer Park and watched the fireworks at Port Angeles and Victoria. It was interesting to see the fireworks below us.
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, USA
Future plans
After examinations so far, it looks like I'll be be pulling off the box, cab and front clip to better access the repairs I feel are needed. At that point the frame will probably get wire brushed and painted with Por 15 or something of that nature. It looks like I need to start with a proper radiator and proceed rearward. Details to follow......
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 9,734
Likes: 823
From: Wentzville, MO
Exploration on the new 'baby' has revealed all sort of interesting findings. Probably most nerve wracking so far was the thin zip ties holding things in place at the e-brake pivot assy. After the 9" install, modifications were not made to connect the late model e-brake cables to the O.E. pivot. (Sigh). Improperly clamped fuel lines from an electric pump could have proven insufficient.
I'm pretty sure my panel has the same setup you have but from a Mustang. My 9" is a 2.75.
I had the same problem with the eBrake. Bought a rear cable from MidFifties and that solved the problem. Be sure to get the one with the yoke. Should hook right up to your front cable no problem.
Phantom of the Phorum
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,472
Likes: 1,696
From: Kentucky
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,188
Likes: 4,796
From: Burbank, WA
Welcome to the forum, neighbor! 
It sounds like you've got quite the project on your hands. Post up some pics when you get a chance.
It sounds like you've got quite the project on your hands. Post up some pics when you get a chance.
