Hello!

We're in the process of building a cool mashup between a 1969 Ford F100 Ranger and a 2002 Ford Lightning, a project we're calling "Thunder's Truck".

When the customer called our shop suggesting his idea of mating a 1969 F100 Ranger with a 2002 Ford Lightning, we thought it was a cool idea but thought we would be taking the engine and transmission from the Lightning and putting them in the '69 truck. After doing much evaluation of the amount of time and parts it would take to make a '69 F100 not only have the power of the Lightning, but also the cornering ability, comfortable ride, braking, and reliability, he proposed we do a complete body swap on to the Lightning frame.



He's owned the 1969 F100 Ranger for many years, and this example is a very clean truck with 54,000 miles. It has a 390 V8, and a three speed manual on the column. While attending an auto auction, he came across a 2002 Ford Lightning that had been totaled by an insurance company, but had only received minor damage from a low-speed front end impact.







We suspect the reason for the total was that the radiator, air-conditioning coil, transmission cooler, and other core support mounted items had been damaged, and they were expensive to replace.

He bought the truck, and even with the damaged components, it still ran and drove. It was then measured to make sure the wheelbase was square, removing any suspicion of frame damage and it was decided that this would be a great candidate for the body swap.



The build plan also included a few upgrades to the 1969 truck body, including a Vintage Air system, an idiot tilt steering column, upgraded audio, Dakota Digital VHX gauges, and a few other creature comforts.

When both trucks arrived in the V8 Speed & Resto shop, we were very impressed with the quality of the '69. It has been repainted and some of the trim is a little faded, but overall it is a very nice truck. The plan is to leave the exterior as it is.



Measurements were taken to compare the wheelbase, track with, and other crucial dimensions to see if the swap would be feasible.



We concluded that this could work, so disassembly of the Lightning began.

 

Cool idea, but what a shame to take apart a beautiful 69

 

It will still be a beautiful '69, but updated with modern running gear. The owner understands the dilemma, but he wants what he wants!


The electrical system was disconnected, as were the brake lines, steering linkage, engine harness, fuel lines, emergency brake cables, and anything else tying the body to the chassis.




Soon, the crew had the Lightning cab and bed off the frame.

 

Next, they brought in the '69 F100 to do the same trick of removing the cab and bed.





The Lightning chassis was slid under the '69 Cab and the test fitting began.

 

It will, and it will not

I'm sure it'll be a very fun very cool driver, but its not going to be a true 69 anymore

But its not my truck, and its not my $$$

 

I like the concept and think it will be a cool truck when finished. I don't think I could bring myself to do it on one in that good of shape. I see this as just taking it one step farther than the CV swap. To each their own.

 

Yep, there are several ways to look at this one. The owner has had this truck for years, and he wanted something clean to start with so he didn't have to spend tons of money and time putting in floors and fixing rust.

 

This is going to be awesome!! I can't wait to see it come together. Starting with a clean, complete truck makes life so much easier.

 

That 69 frame looks good for being back there in the rust belt. I hope the owner sells the 69 rolling chassis to someone who's got a badly rusted frame.

 

Any pics with the 69 cab fully on frame yet? I'll be watching this build.

 

Subscribing. This is gonna be awesome!

 

My favorite part of driving my 70 f100 is the nostalgic feeling I get when rolling down the road and someone flags me down to tell me how they had one in the 70's. Something that might be lost in this project, but still should be an awesome hot rod can't wait to see the final product

 

I too like the simplicity and durability of the old chassis and running gear. To me, half the fun Is in the old Armstrong steering and manual brakes.

And yeah, I get compliments on the classic iron regularly. I guess it does look pretty good.

 

I'm not sure why everyone is so concerned about whats underneath the shell of this truck? Saying its not a true 69 anymore? Where does that stop? If i put a mustang II under the front of mine does that make it too "less" of an original? Who gives a crap? This truck, when complete, will run circles around an "original" , drive across the country and back with ease, and drive and stop like a caddy compared to the vintage. Oh, and should we discuss the MPG's to power ratio? I think its a great idea and hope it works. I would be a little concerned the track width will be too wide for my "lowered taste" but it should be close.

OP, be sure to post pics frequently. Oh, and there was a build similar to this a while back but the guy used the original f100 frame. It turned out nice regardless.

 

very cool project, I cant wait to see how it turns out