When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hello, I'm new to the forum but spent some time searching for info on the project I'd like to start on. I've got access to a fairly complete 1950 F2 with the engine removed that's been sitting for 30 years. I'd like to swap the body/box to a modern 4x4 frame and drivetrain. Have a beat up 2000 Excursion that runs great with V10 EFI, basically a F250. Looks to be wider in back than the F2, but I think I can fix that with some cutting and welding as well as the shortening of the frame, drive line, and rear axel. Has anyone on the forum done something like this?
Welcome to the forum. That project you suggest would be an interesting undertaking. Lots of planning and fitting. I have seen a very clean installation of such truck body onto a Mercury Mountaineer chassis.
Hi, I am replying to your thread asking how to post a new topic for help about my 2010 F-250 that is wearing tires crooked on the right front. I do not see anywhere instructions for posting a new thread, Can you help me?
Thanks, Rich
Rich, on the 1999 to 2016 Super Duty main menu there is a "new thread" button in the upper left corner. Click on the button and go.
Welcome to the forum. That project you suggest would be an interesting undertaking. Lots of planning and fitting. I have seen a very clean installation of such truck body onto a Mercury Mountaineer chassis.
Yes I thought about the Mountaineer/Explorer platform but the wheelbase is only 3 inches longer and I think I'd need to cut more than that to get rid of the raised transition in the frame and the curved portions. That means sectioning in large C channel to extend back to the correct wheelbase and I still end up with a 1/2 ton chassis. With the Expedition/F250 donner I've got a monster 4x4 chassis that can pull a house. (especially if I swap to a diesel down the road). But I do worry about the engine and steering column fitting in the F2 engine compartment.
So when you register a project like this, do you Use the VIN from the body (1950 F2) or the VIN from the chassis and drivetrain (2000 Expedition). Obviously I'd prefer to use the F2 if possible as the emissions checks go away with an antique vehicle.
It depends on the state. Some require the stamp on the frame as a the means of titling a vehicle. Do you have a current title for both vehicles? Check with your Motor Vehicle department to find out what they required for titling? I would do anything to keep it registered as a '50 F2!
A lot depends upon your skills and pocketbook. What we usually find is that many of these projects are started and never finished. It would be far easier and cheaper to keep the strong and simple F2 chassis and just modify it as you wish. There are lots of aftermarket parts available to modify that chassis.
Make sure that you consider what you want to do with the truck. You won't need a 600 HP engine in a street cruiser. Just make a plan and if you need help just ask.
The other issue is resale. Your truck will be worth far more in stock or restorod condition than as a hermaphrodite.
10X on what petemcl said. Also keep in mind these trucks are somewhat historic artifacts that are becoming increasingly rare in unmolested condition.
No, I get what Pete is saying about Value, however Rare does not necessarily equate to Valuable. The final goal truck I've pictured (4x4 F2) could easily pull $20K from the right buyer. More if it is running on a turbo-diesel powerplant.
Making it a drive and go FI project vs. a restoration of the carburated V6 that retains the fickleness of that design greatly increases the market. And that can be accomplished for much less, and quicker than a restoration for which the parts and now made of unobtainium. Assuming you have the necessary welding skills.
For resale you need to look at margin on the sale not just the final price.
No, I get what Pete is saying about Value, however Rare does not necessarily equate to Valuable. The final goal truck I've pictured (4x4 F2) could easily pull $20K from the right buyer. More if it is running on a turbo-diesel powerplant.
Making it a drive and go FI project vs. a restoration of the carburated V6 that retains the fickleness of that design greatly increases the market. And that can be accomplished for much less, and quicker than a restoration for which the parts and now made of unobtainium. Assuming you have the necessary welding skills.
For resale you need to look at margin on the sale not just the final price.
-=Phyber
I'm not sure to which V6 you refer? But a flathead V8 or I6 can be readily upgraded to eliminate any "fickleness". The "Flattie" V8 can be made to turn 600 hp with the proper modifications. And the historical significance of this engine in all its forms, modified or unmodified, is amazing.
I think that there are many here that would disagree that a chassis swap "can be accomplished for much less, and quicker than a restoration". It really depends upon the vehicle with which you start. And most key parts for these 1948-1956 Ford truck are not made of "unobtainium" (unless you insist on NOS parts) rather are readily available from a variety of vendors.
There is a lot of experience here on this particular forum. You came to us for advice and I'm not saying that what you are proposing can't be done, I'm just saying that we have seen many guys try and fail. Maybe you are an exception?
No, I get what Pete is saying about Value, however Rare does not necessarily equate to Valuable. The final goal truck I've pictured (4x4 F2) could easily pull $20K from the right buyer. More if it is running on a turbo-diesel powerplant.
Making it a drive and go FI project vs. a restoration of the carburated V6 that retains the fickleness of that design greatly increases the market. And that can be accomplished for much less, and quicker than a restoration for which the parts and now made of unobtainium. Assuming you have the necessary welding skills.
For resale you need to look at margin on the sale not just the final price.
-=Phyber
I totally disagree... I just spent literally months looking for my project truck... during my search, I found ads for dozens of decent looking trucks that were advertised as being "built on late model S10 frame" or something similar. I refused to call about or look at any of these...
The main reason is because I understand that if the builder knew what he was doing, it MAY be a decent truck... if he was an incompetent idiot, I may spend the next 10 years chasing problems in a 'can of worms' that I paid too much money for to start with...
IMO, if it is an older truck mounted on a later model frame, unless I know who built it and know they are competent, I am not interested at any price over its scrap metal value.
Merely my personal thoughts, but, original '32-'40 Fords were not Valuable 'back when'. Also, this from extensive experience, Flathead V8s are not 'fickle' & I have no hesitation about driving them.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
