Hi everyone,
I have just joined the forum as my wife and I have decided that next year 2016 will be the last one where we will be able to visit the US due to my disability so we want to make it a good one.
We have decided to start September / October next year from the Queen Mary at Long Beach and cross country to Florida visiting as many states as we can on our 4 week safari then bring the car first back to the UK and them out to our house in France.
We want to buy a 48 to 60 Ford f100 panel truck and have it rebuilt / restored in time for our visit.
I have been looking at various topics on the forum such as fitting new front irs suspension as I need power steering and power brakes, decent v8 motor and auto box, different rear axle. I also need to be able to build a ramp in the back for my wheelchair so there is lots for me to mull over.
When I have a wish list I will be looking for someone to do the work so I hope will get recommendations through the forum and then look for the truck.
I have a 1941 Ford Mercury army staff car which is on a 70's Chevrolet truck chassis which I bought in San Diego and back in 2003 I bought a 1942 ****** Jeep in Phoenix which I rebuilt and take to Normandy June every year. So you see I am a bit of a petrol head and I hope to find other such folk on this site.
Been a bit hectic here this week-end as you can imagine if you have seen the news but we are not at one of the main centres so we may be a bit safer though where we are going to end up I just do not know.
All the best
Steve & Liz Roundhill

 

Welcome to the Forum. I am saddened by the events of Paris this past weekend and those impacted are in my Prayers. Good luck in finding a truck that lie. 1948 - 1960 is a big range, you may want to narrow your search.

 

Welcome. There are probably better options in this great big country, but here are a couple in my neck of the woods: The first one I believe is a 1959.

1960 Ford 1/2 ton Panel Truck

1960 Ford Panel Truck

 

Hi
Well visiting this site has opened my eyes to what is available and what has been done and I have thought that I may try and look for someone who has started a project with a rolling frame which has had the IFS and rear axle adaptations and adapted to take a V8 with auto box.
When I find the mechanic / business who will be doing the work he can check over the work on the frame and then we can look for the best body about and arrange for its adaption and its painting.
Any recommendations for someone near to the west coast but I suppose anywhere will be OK as there are many transportation companies about.
I don't have deep pockets but will finance as required so no one is holding out for cash.
What are your thoughts and comments
Steve

 

Well we have done it know we've booked our flights out and will be in LAX 5th September this year.
I have tried without success to find a smaller hot rod builder around LA to help with my purchase and rebuild so I am going to look around Nevada or even Texas and pay for the transport to Long Beach.
If anyone can recommend someone I would be much appreciated.
I also need to contact an insurance company for the months cover over to Miami where we will be shipping the car from.
I have at least made the decision and am looking for a 1957 to 1960 Panel. I have written up my wish list and also been looking at the idea of a new chassis and suspensions and build on that but I guess I will just wait and see if I can find someone to work with.
I know at the moment its not about the car but for us this trip will be a great chance to see lots of states and sites and with the wife shops I suppose so though it may be a bit boring for some of you, those who may be interested keep popping in the forum as we progress and of course bombard you with questions.
Bye for now and thanks for all the topics on here it really does keep me motivated.

 

Good luck finding a panel or a shop that has time to work on it. I live in the Los Angeles area and will keep my eye out for one.