new build
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 87
Likes: 30
From: Oklahoma
new build
hello
this is my 1st post
i always wanted a 56 now I'm going to build one before i get one i wanted to get some feed back first
i wanted it to be a weekend driver highways cruising
AC/heater
great ride
great looks
high HP EFI V8 (351 or ? open to a LS6 )
4 or 5 speed auto trans
IRS frontend (mustang ? )
IRS or a 5 link rear end or ?? (would a mustang 2015-2016 IRS rear end work?)
Would i be better off making/buying a new frame or swap it with? or rebuild the stock frame?
steel or fiberglass cab?
would love a tilt front end but would this be ok for a daily or rain driving or just stick with stock type fenders and tilt hood
basically it will to be a new modern truck with a body of a 56
i do have a home shop 50'x50' with a
CNC mill and lathe
plasma cutter
250 amp tig
200 amp mig
tube bender
i have built and raced atvs and made custom ATV's frames,swing arms, A arms, long travel shocks
never a hot rod
i am on a budget (like everyone else ) this not going to happen overnight
i just want to do it right once with out spending more then needed
also i dont want to buy a truck and then not use 95% of it
I'm open to ideas or links to get me started in the right direction
thanks
for your help
this is my 1st post
i always wanted a 56 now I'm going to build one before i get one i wanted to get some feed back first
i wanted it to be a weekend driver highways cruising
AC/heater
great ride
great looks
high HP EFI V8 (351 or ? open to a LS6 )
4 or 5 speed auto trans
IRS frontend (mustang ? )
IRS or a 5 link rear end or ?? (would a mustang 2015-2016 IRS rear end work?)
Would i be better off making/buying a new frame or swap it with? or rebuild the stock frame?
steel or fiberglass cab?
would love a tilt front end but would this be ok for a daily or rain driving or just stick with stock type fenders and tilt hood
basically it will to be a new modern truck with a body of a 56
i do have a home shop 50'x50' with a
CNC mill and lathe
plasma cutter
250 amp tig
200 amp mig
tube bender
i have built and raced atvs and made custom ATV's frames,swing arms, A arms, long travel shocks
never a hot rod
i am on a budget (like everyone else ) this not going to happen overnight
i just want to do it right once with out spending more then needed
also i dont want to buy a truck and then not use 95% of it
I'm open to ideas or links to get me started in the right direction
thanks
for your help
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 9,734
Likes: 823
From: Wentzville, MO
Not sure what you're calling "on a budget". Most of the stuff you mentioned is $$$. New Frame several thousand, fiberglass cab several grand & 1 piece front end 1,500. There was an article about building a Iffy with all new parts. Maybe some one will post it for you. It's the little stuff that you get with a donor that can save you big bucks.
I'd buy a truck, drive it for a while and then modify it part by part. That way you can enjoy it and not get burned out with the lack of progress and become disinterested. Just my 2 cents worth. Ax racer has a through build guide.
OBTW welcome to FTE
I'd buy a truck, drive it for a while and then modify it part by part. That way you can enjoy it and not get burned out with the lack of progress and become disinterested. Just my 2 cents worth. Ax racer has a through build guide.
OBTW welcome to FTE
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,580
Likes: 29
From: in a barn
Everything I build is a budget build, and I have found the best way is to use a donor car. If you want Ford parts I would keep it simple and grab a 2003 up crown vic for the engine, trans, IFS, wiring, etc..or get a 5 speed mustang GT for the drivetrain, wiring, etc and change the suspension as needed. I would also stick to a solid rear axle, the whole rear suspension can be upgraded for under $500 with smart parts shopping.
I see some builds in progress with what looks like $20K in the chassis and drivetrain without even getting to the body, I can build two whole trucks for less than that.
I see some builds in progress with what looks like $20K in the chassis and drivetrain without even getting to the body, I can build two whole trucks for less than that.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: Stephenville Tx.
Welcome to FTE. Sounds like you got the shop, tools and skills to do it all so all all you need now is time and money. A lot of folks go the crown vic front end and power plant way so thats something to check in to if you want to. Crown Vics can sometimes be picked up pretty reasonable on online auto auctions and regular auctions. The police package would give you a little more performance. There is a lot of info and pics on here so look around and see what you like. Keep and us posted and post us some pics
mike
mike
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 87
Likes: 30
From: Oklahoma
cool thanks for your posts
"Most of the stuff you mention is $$$" yes i agree thats why I'm asking for your input/help
i agree on the sticking with a solid rear end i'll stick with a 5 link 9"
fiberglass cab are they any good i assume a steel cab is going to cost a lot of time and money to restore ? Lets say if there both cost the same witch one would be better? power lock/windows, fit and finish, road nose, modern updates
i'll have more fun doing all the building and taking my time planning then build and drive as i go thats me
very basic figures
parts truck 3K plus depends on shape
new badass frame 12k complete
DYI frame kits or ?
stock frame, sandblast +, mods like IRS front end , 9" rear end with link, disks brakes all, other mods ?? 3K+ after buying a parts truck
cab
parts truck cab restore ?
fiberglass with doors 6k
front end
parts truck restore ?
fiberglass/steel 3 peace finders and hood ?
fiberglass 1 peace 1.5K plus (not sure if this is any good for a daily driver)
bed
parts truck restore?
new aftermarket 1.5K
not sure yet if stock or aftermarket steel rear finders ?
all other parts
motor trans and everything else would be replaced or aftermarket
i still have a lot of reading to do
"Most of the stuff you mention is $$$" yes i agree thats why I'm asking for your input/help
i agree on the sticking with a solid rear end i'll stick with a 5 link 9"
fiberglass cab are they any good i assume a steel cab is going to cost a lot of time and money to restore ? Lets say if there both cost the same witch one would be better? power lock/windows, fit and finish, road nose, modern updates
i'll have more fun doing all the building and taking my time planning then build and drive as i go thats me
very basic figures
parts truck 3K plus depends on shape
new badass frame 12k complete
DYI frame kits or ?
stock frame, sandblast +, mods like IRS front end , 9" rear end with link, disks brakes all, other mods ?? 3K+ after buying a parts truck
cab
parts truck cab restore ?
fiberglass with doors 6k
front end
parts truck restore ?
fiberglass/steel 3 peace finders and hood ?
fiberglass 1 peace 1.5K plus (not sure if this is any good for a daily driver)
bed
parts truck restore?
new aftermarket 1.5K
not sure yet if stock or aftermarket steel rear finders ?
all other parts
motor trans and everything else would be replaced or aftermarket
i still have a lot of reading to do
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 508
Likes: 1
hello
this is my 1st post
i always wanted a 56 now I'm going to build one before i get one i wanted to get some feed back first
i wanted it to be a weekend driver highways cruising
AC/heater
great ride
great looks
high HP EFI V8 (351 or ? open to a LS6 )
4 or 5 speed auto trans
IRS frontend (mustang ? )
IRS or a 5 link rear end or ?? (would a mustang 2015-2016 IRS rear end work?)
Would i be better off making/buying a new frame or swap it with? or rebuild the stock frame?
steel or fiberglass cab?
would love a tilt front end but would this be ok for a daily or rain driving or just stick with stock type fenders and tilt hood
basically it will to be a new modern truck with a body of a 56
i do have a home shop 50'x50' with a
CNC mill and lathe
plasma cutter
250 amp tig
200 amp mig
tube bender
i have built and raced atvs and made custom ATV's frames,swing arms, A arms, long travel shocks
never a hot rod
i am on a budget (like everyone else ) this not going to happen overnight
i just want to do it right once with out spending more then needed
also i dont want to buy a truck and then not use 95% of it
I'm open to ideas or links to get me started in the right direction
thanks
for your help
this is my 1st post
i always wanted a 56 now I'm going to build one before i get one i wanted to get some feed back first
i wanted it to be a weekend driver highways cruising
AC/heater
great ride
great looks
high HP EFI V8 (351 or ? open to a LS6 )
4 or 5 speed auto trans
IRS frontend (mustang ? )
IRS or a 5 link rear end or ?? (would a mustang 2015-2016 IRS rear end work?)
Would i be better off making/buying a new frame or swap it with? or rebuild the stock frame?
steel or fiberglass cab?
would love a tilt front end but would this be ok for a daily or rain driving or just stick with stock type fenders and tilt hood
basically it will to be a new modern truck with a body of a 56
i do have a home shop 50'x50' with a
CNC mill and lathe
plasma cutter
250 amp tig
200 amp mig
tube bender
i have built and raced atvs and made custom ATV's frames,swing arms, A arms, long travel shocks
never a hot rod
i am on a budget (like everyone else ) this not going to happen overnight
i just want to do it right once with out spending more then needed
also i dont want to buy a truck and then not use 95% of it
I'm open to ideas or links to get me started in the right direction
thanks
for your help
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 87
Likes: 30
From: Oklahoma
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 508
Likes: 1
If you're handy, you could go the same route as me. Check out my chassis etc
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
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 9,734
Likes: 823
From: Wentzville, MO
cool thanks for your posts
"Most of the stuff you mention is $$$" yes i agree thats why I'm asking for your input/help
i agree on the sticking with a solid rear end i'll stick with a 5 link 9"
fiberglass cab are they any good i assume a steel cab is going to cost a lot of time and money to restore ? Lets say if there both cost the same witch one would be better? power lock/windows, fit and finish, road nose, modern updates
i'll have more fun doing all the building and taking my time planning then build and drive as i go thats me
very basic figures
parts truck 3K plus depends on shape
new badass frame 12k complete
DYI frame kits or ?
stock frame, sandblast +, mods like IRS front end , 9" rear end with link, disks brakes all, other mods ?? 3K+ after buying a parts truck
cab
parts truck cab restore ?
fiberglass with doors 6k
front end
parts truck restore ?
fiberglass/steel 3 peace finders and hood ?
fiberglass 1 peace 1.5K plus (not sure if this is any good for a daily driver)
bed
parts truck restore?
new aftermarket 1.5K
not sure yet if stock or aftermarket steel rear finders ?
all other parts
motor trans and everything else would be replaced or aftermarket
i still have a lot of reading to do
"Most of the stuff you mention is $$$" yes i agree thats why I'm asking for your input/help
i agree on the sticking with a solid rear end i'll stick with a 5 link 9"
fiberglass cab are they any good i assume a steel cab is going to cost a lot of time and money to restore ? Lets say if there both cost the same witch one would be better? power lock/windows, fit and finish, road nose, modern updates
i'll have more fun doing all the building and taking my time planning then build and drive as i go thats me
very basic figures
parts truck 3K plus depends on shape
new badass frame 12k complete
DYI frame kits or ?
stock frame, sandblast +, mods like IRS front end , 9" rear end with link, disks brakes all, other mods ?? 3K+ after buying a parts truck
cab
parts truck cab restore ?
fiberglass with doors 6k
front end
parts truck restore ?
fiberglass/steel 3 peace finders and hood ?
fiberglass 1 peace 1.5K plus (not sure if this is any good for a daily driver)
bed
parts truck restore?
new aftermarket 1.5K
not sure yet if stock or aftermarket steel rear finders ?
all other parts
motor trans and everything else would be replaced or aftermarket
i still have a lot of reading to do
Not sure what you need an expensive frame for if you're not racing. If you're really concerned box it.
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 87
Likes: 30
From: Oklahoma
"I'm sure there are good fiberglass cabs but a steel cab will cost you less. I've seen solid cabs with doors go for $750. Especially in OK.
Not sure what you need an expensive frame for if you're not racing. If you're really concerned box it."
ya i agree at first i wanted the easy way out the more i think about it I'm building a drivable road truck not buying a show truck plus i will learn a lot and save a lot $$$ this is the reason why I'm here to help me from going overboard
Not sure what you need an expensive frame for if you're not racing. If you're really concerned box it."
ya i agree at first i wanted the easy way out the more i think about it I'm building a drivable road truck not buying a show truck plus i will learn a lot and save a lot $$$ this is the reason why I'm here to help me from going overboard
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 87
Likes: 30
From: Oklahoma
well i found me a 54 F100 in Cal. now I'm committed
i have not seen it in person just pics its a project truck still in peaces but the cab and doors are rust free
complete new Stainless steel bed with inner wheel well
fiberglass front end
new big 10" frame IRS front 9" rear end Wilwood 4 wheel Disc brake
lighting 5.4 liter engine with Supercharger
trans
truck load of parts
needs a lot of work but i have a good to starting platform
ill post pics when i comes in about a week or 2
now I'm committed i have not seen it in person just pics its a project truck still in peaces but the cab and doors are rust free
complete new Stainless steel bed with inner wheel well
fiberglass front end
new big 10" frame IRS front 9" rear end Wilwood 4 wheel Disc brake
lighting 5.4 liter engine with Supercharger
trans
truck load of parts
needs a lot of work but i have a good to starting platform
ill post pics when i comes in about a week or 2
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 87
Likes: 30
From: Oklahoma
i finally got started
theres some rust and some botched repairs that needed to be address at the same time i want to stretch the cab 4" make a new floor move the fire wall forward 3"
