Hello, fellow truckers.
How nice it is to be able to say that!

I'm importing a 54 Black on Black F100 here to the UK, later this year. Having restored a 68 Mustang Coupe, this will be my second build, but hoping it doesn't take as long as my Coupe did,which was 7 years due to financial circumstances changing part way through!



I'm hoping you can all swing me some advise etc on the following subjects, with photos ideally. I'm looking to have the truck here by December, latest, and start work on it shortly after Christmas. The sooner I've got my head around the options available, I'm hoping this will be one amazing project to work on.

1. IFS
I'm looking to install IFS, which having scanned forums alike, I read an old Jaguar XJ6 clip can be used, but given I'm looking for something that keep the truck as close to "FORD" original as possible, I'm looking at Mustang II kits on eBay and MidFifty, which I can ship over in the truck of the bed. If those whom have installed Mustang II IFS could share their opinions, knowledge and advise, I'd much appreciate it. Especially in relation to the stock spindles, or 2" drop spindles. Having not seen the truck in the metal yet, I'd love to see photos of different setups. Looking for a nice stance, but with bumpy UK roads here, I wouldn't want too low!!

2. V8 Install
As well as the IFS, I'm importing a 69 V8 Ford Block, with ancillaries, to install in the truck. I've been told the old Y Block is seized, and pending condition and parts here in the UK, it may be restored. However, if not, the V8 will be employed. Should I have any foreseen issues, from others' experience, with relation to the 54 truck, the Mustang II front clip, and a 69 V8 block?

3. Wheels and Rear Axle
In relation to the above two parts, I'm looking to consider all wheels having the same PCD. Therefore, can anyone recommend re rear axle options. I'd love a 9" but may have to opt for something close. Is it possible to have the same Mustang II PCD, on a rear axle, that fits the truck without too much engineering. I'm already looking at the 4way rear axle linkages, so any advise re what axle units can be used. Would be greatly appreciated. If funds permit, and the seller agrees, is there a slim chance I can get it in the truck bed, to import it at the same time. Some forums have advise a later Explorer axle, but ideally I'd prefer the same PCD all round. Admiringly, I could take the axle to a machine shop and have the redrill the PCD to match

I'm truly looking forward to having the truck arrive, and start work on it. With the 68 Coupe, these two Fords are my dream vehicles whilst I was growing up in my teens - can't wait to get my hands dirty and get busy. With some advise, and guidance, I hope to restore it to Black on Black, with some modern touches (IFS and possibly aftermarket power steering) and breathe some live in to a truck that truly deserves to be back on the road...

thanks in advance.
looking forward to hearing from my fellow truckers, soon.

 

Welcome to the best FORD truck site around. Guys that know a lot more than I do will be along soon. Number one thing to do is have fun! Don't forget FORD owned Jaguar at one time. It may also help to know which new engine you are getting also. Ford Explorer rear ends work well. The best way to get answers on this forum is to post plenty of pics and give as much detail info as possible once you get the truck. Again welcome and have fun. It

 

thanks for the kind hello, advise and encouragement.
the engine I'm having imported at the same time, is. 1969 Ford 302, with some ancilleries included (starter, etc). Looking at MidFifty site, they sell a nice IFS kit, Mustang II based, and motor mounts for the 302.

Hoping that there are several on here with the expertise and guidance re IFS and rear 4way linkage.

i certainly intend to have fun!! Gruelling as the Mustang was to restore, in temperatures below zero and above 28 Celsius at times, it's an experience I cherish to this day!

thnaks again.
Dan

 

Dan- there is a search process at the top of the site - click on the seacch then go to the advanced search option. Put in key words and you should find build threads of what you are looking for. I put the Jag front end into my 49F3 before I sold it. They let me still hang around even though I'm driving the 38 Studebaker as my daily driver. I keep telling them I'm trying to change it into a F10 (since you're accross the pond I'll tell you it is never going to happen). If the search doesn't help someone will help as it looks like you have some time before you are shipping it over. Good luck with it. Dave S

 

1969: There are SEVEN different V8 engines, what size did you get?

302 - 351W - 360 - 390 - 428 - 429 - 460.

 

Dan, most of your questions have already been answered somewhere on this site.M2/302/5 link is a very common setup. Where are you in the U.K.?

 

Welcome . I too have had some success with the search but often a lot of reading to find what you want . There will be some very knowledgeable people will come along shortly . I have c4 corvette front and rear but I put a ford sticker on them . You might want to put your location in your profile so it comes up with your posts , it will save you a lot of time . And be aware these people on here will increase the cost and time of your build (far too many great ideas that you just have to have ) .

 

Hi folks,

thank you you kindly for the comments and advise.
I shall search the forum again, and try to get some ideas of what people have done re IFS and rear axle.

Just to clarify, I've got a 1969 Ford 302 engine block coming with the truck, and hoping to squeeze an IFS kit in the truck bed, during the import process.

I have somewhat of a budget close to £1000pcm a month, and have dedicated 6 months (£6000) to complete the truck. Hopefully I won't have my arm twisted to spend more!! Haha.

thanks again.
I'll upload the photos as soon as the truck arrives, and as per my mustang project, document it all for others to advise/share/guide.

 

Hi Danny, I asked where you were in the UK, as I have a M2, rear 5 link, but have a 460 in it. You're welcome to have a nose if it helps. I'm on the south coast.

 

Welcome from another Brit
This is a great forum with lots of helpful information
Are you aware of the issues registering a modified vehicle in the UK
I would recommend getting your truck registered before you modify it

 

Apologies.. I was in work earlier.
I'm based in South Wales.

Having read up, I'm now leaning towards the Jag XJ front setup, as parts are easier to come by here in the UK, and it seems like not much is needed in modifying the original frame, to make it fit. The rear however, I'm still looking to decide upon. One thing I'm looking more towards is a better ratio, as roads here in the valleys are rather long, windy etc.

What axle setup do you run?
If I can get a couple days of this summer, I'd love to pop down to have a nose!

Regards
Dan

 

Are you going with right side steering or left with the jag

 

I read on FTE a guy had a left side truck and changed it to rt side can't remember the name

 

Hi Steve,
Nice to meet your virtual acquaintance

I'm somewhat aware of the issues. But does the car need to be in a working state, for it to be registered as an imported classic vehicle?

In relation to the Mustang forums, I read some guys registered their car before it was on the road, stating they needed it registered for insurance purposes during restoration, which with the US title, and someone with authority stating it's a correctly dated vehicle, it can be registered with the DVLA?

I'll give the DVLA a call. Best to get it directly from the horses mouth!

 

Hi Schoo,

Leaning towards LHD, after eyeing up the steering racks in the US. Will get one bought in and shipped over with the truck, at the ready