I could use a little input from this community about future work on my 1951 F1. The truck currently has a Volare front clip, which works OK but has been installed very poorly. I am considering cutting it out and installing a Heidts Mustang 2 unit in it's place. It appears that parts and labor from a quality rod shop would run around $5K to do this right.

The truck also has a Ford 460 out of a 1973 Lincoln. If I go with a new IFS, it makes sense to me to swap out the motor for something more modern and not so big/heavy. Friends recommend a Ford 5.0 with a an AOD transmission. I'm not looking for tire smokin' performance as much as reliability, ride quality and economy. One can get a good used 5.0 motor and trans around here for $1200-$1500. I expect some additional funds would be required for steering column, wiring, fuel delivery etc.

So I figure spending around $10K to build the truck I want, or selling it as it is and buying a finished truck. If you do the math, both options are around the same in terms of total cost.

My truck has a rust free straight body with very little cosmetics needed to make it a fine daily driver. Not crazy about the color, however can repaint for minimal expense since the bodywork is so good.

Sorry about the long post - and I appreciate your opinions.

 

If I had a truck like that of known quality, I wouldn't sell it to buy someone else's problems and start over. You know what you have, and what you want. I say keep your truck and upgrade it to your liking. An EFI 302 with OD trans will give you great reliability and economy, and fit in perfect with your plans. My 2c.

 

can you post up some photos of the "bad install" on the clip? if we can get a better idea of the complications we all can give you better advice. if it were me i would tackle the drive train issue separate from the front clip. the 460 may not bother you as much if it has a decent front clip under it.
All said and done what do you want out of the truck? daily driver or a show truck.

 

Can the poor installation of the Volare be corrected? If so, you'd save thousands. Have to agree with ditching the 460, but I'd go with a truck 351 with the AOD. Depends what axle you have in it. If your axle is 3.50 or below, save the aggravation and just slap a 351 with a C-4 or C-6 in it.

If you go for a quality re-paint, your budget is way low. You'd have to strip the entire truck down to do it right, including the interior.

 

Agree with Ross on the possibility of saving the Volare front end provided a certified, reputable shop thinks it can be done properly and nothing else is cobbed up.

If not, make the change. No compromises regarding suspension. $5K includes disk brakes, plumbing, shocks etc.? Your wheel bolt pattern may likely change?

I'll just throw out another option for consideration. Weights and cost are "ballpark" after browsing a bit. Let's say your 460 is in good shape.

A 460 weighs about 720 lbs.

Aluminum Heads - loses 80 lbs. $1000
Aluminum Intake - loses 45 lbs. - $220
Aluminum Water Pump - loses 15 lbs. ? $100
Headers instead of cast iron manifolds - I dunno, lose another 20 lbs. ?

So lets say for $1500ish bones, you get the weight to around 560 lbs.

A 302 runs about 460 lbs. and a 351 is about 525 lbs.

Not a big financial benefit but perhaps much less hassle. For what it's worth,

Dawg-a-roo

 

I always think about resale when putting money in a vehicle. I fell in love with every vehicle I have bought and said I would never get rid of them, they are all gone and I'm working on another. Don't put any more in your project than what low resale market will support.

 

Hey Mr. Precision,
A few thoughts back out to you in Arizona:

o If your truck is rust free & you like the paint job - You are miles ahead in the restoration. A paint job alone is at least $7K if you have someone else do the work. If you don't have to do any of the grinding, sandblasting, sanding, painting, etc. for your whole cab, fenders, & bed .. I'd stick with that truck.

o We have a 5.0/AOD - actually it's a 351W/AOD. It's a very nice cruiser with our Explorer 8.8 rear end with 3.73 gears. I took out a tired 289 to put this engine in & I overbuilt the engine to more of a hotrod. I'd fight that urge - A nice stock 289 or 302 would be a great cruiser engine with plenty of get up & go. The AOD is nice - just get someone who knows what they are doing install it - getting that cable right is painful.

o We have a Mustang II IFS from No Limit Engineering - the Wide Ride Kit with coilovers. It was about $2500 for the kit with the brake system upgrades. $5K installed is a pretty accurate number if you get others to help. Is it that great? The disc brakes are nice. This is expensive major surgery. Personally - I'd try to get your existing front end working. I'm just not sure the After market Mustang II IFS is worth the headaches & cash. (I'm still screwing with mine after 2 years).

Good luck on whatever direction you take.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1 (351W/AOD)

 

Thanks to all for good ideas.
The Volare clip has to go or I will sell the truck. I've already had a competent shop do some welding and fab to strengthen the backyard installation..... it's cobbled together and I am **** about this type of thing.. It does drive good, however., it just doesn't look good from the underside.
The 460/C6 combo works well, has a Edelbrock intake and carb, acts like it makes maybe 250HP. Yeah it looks and sounds cool but I'd rather shed some weight and improve the fuel consumption. This truck was built in 1979, had travelled 19K miles since then. The PO kept pretty good records.
Rear end is a 3.50:1 posi unit.
The truck will definitely get a repaint. At least the 36 year old paint job reveals that rust isn't an issue.
So yes my numbers are probably low. if I were to sell it.....$16K would be my estimate. It's got new AR wheels, BFG tires, exhaust, rotors and calipers, and 1411 edelbrock carb.
I appreciate the input.

 

• 351 Pros/Cons? I'd go with a 351.

https://products.kitsapsun.com/archi...hree_vers.html

• 460 Pros/Cons? You'll pass everything but a gas station. 427s are cooler but expensive.

• Carb vs Holley EFI? Carb works, efi works. I would just use a carb.

• Opinions on best vendors to buy crate motors/transmissions? Usually better to build it yourself or to have a machinist do it with / for you.

If you do end up keeping that tranny remember you can give it some legs with a different rear end. I like a 5 speed for freeway tho

Remeber to do what you want for the use you intend.

Good luck, Arne

 

I’d vote for 302. Clearance (frame, steering, etc.) issues are a lot less. Plenty of parts available. Easily get 200+ hp. I like carburetors though (again easier to work on, for me). I’ve got a C4 which is simple and works well (no AOD cable to “get right”). If the steering is set up for the 460, then I would guess the 302 will not be an issue (not have to change).
Good luck!
51 F-1