I am wrapping things up on my 51 F1.

I need to figure out the rear shocks, stock frame, explorer 8.8, explorer springs, ranger hangers. I dont have any mounts set up currently. What is everyone running?

I need some ideas for tail lights as well. I have the stock 1953 style but they are pretty much shot. I have seen some generic ones on ebay and hot rod companies that Im up in the air about. Suggestions?

I am strongly considering some New Vintage gauges since I will be running 12 volts and my 4.6L Cobra engine. They are about $600 and I wont need to do anything extra after bolting them in. It sounds like a lot of $$ but I have an electric speedo sensor. With all of the conversion parts to get the factory gauges working with my parts and adding a tachometer (100 for the tach and 100 for the tach adapter for the Coil-on-Plug ignition) The NVU gauges dont seem like too bad of a deal I found some different NVU and other manufacturers gauges with no tach for $350-$400 but I would still have the extra $200 in add on parts. Any input?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/191422498993?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT#ht_1739wt_1124
Battery location? Not much room in the engine bay and I dont really want to put it in the bed. I am thinking in the cab behind the seat. I would use an AGM so there is no toxic fumes

Healight bulbs, what are the better ones to use with a 12 volt system?

Interior wiring....? This is one that I havent put much thought into yet. I have the Ron Francis MK97 standalone harness for my Cobra engine. I have some extra circuits in the fuse block that I can use for the cab. Would you guys recommend that or adding a sub-fuse box for interior? I dont think I need more than a few circuits. Ignition(probably will be located in the MK97 harness), blower motor and radio. I might run power and do a remote relay where I see fit.

 

Mike, you might look at dolphingauges.com they have some options for F1's
Phillip

 

I ended up shelling out the cash for the Woodward series 3-in-1 kit. Speedo with 2 gauges and tach with 2 gauges. Close to $600 but they seem very well made and its a Michigan company about 15 minutes from my house. New Vintage USA

Battery will be located behind the driver side seat and I will have to run longer battery cables due to the specific way that the stand alone harness dictates. I need a ground to the engine from the battery due to the fuel injection/PCM. This will eliminate a ground feedback loop and noise on the ground side which can cause the PCM to act funny/intermittent issues.

I went with dual filiment DUOlamp "STOP" lamps and I will be wiring them up soon.

In my other build thread I have the aux power box posted that Im going with for the headlamps/cooling fan/ignition etc.

 

Wow Mike I had never seen those before... I'm digging the setup you got and also the 3 gauge kit with the speedo/tach center gauge. I though i was set on getting classic intruments all american gauges... decisions decisions

 

I have a set of Classic instruments in my 56 and a set of Nu Vintage in my wife's 52. I like the Nu Vintage much better. Just my .02

 

 

Those gauges look nice. Ive been real happy with Dakota Digital in the past. They are pricey too, but also made in the USA. They are more modern looking which is good or bad depending on the build. I'll be using them for my 53. I think I like the ones you picked better though for your year. The DD gauges for your truck the tach is sort of small.




I think a small sub box inside would be a good idea. Mine is a 53 so I can't offer any ideas on anything else. You could also run two smaller 6v batteries in series if you are really starved for space. Just an outside the box idea to ponder.

 

I wanted a traditional large speedo and tach. I stumbled on these when I was looking at the ones in my original post. I like Dakota digital but the NVU fit my truck a bit better as far as styling.