Kicking off a build thread for my 1955 F100. I picked it up a few weeks back at the end of January. The goal by spring is to get it stripped down to the rolling chassis, then I'll probably work on the frame on and off through out summer (rainy days) but not a lot of activity will occur until fall. I tend to use the spring / summer months for playing with the toys as well as doing projects around the house and then the fall / winter months for working on car projects. This will be my first truck.

The plan (we all know how plans change) is I'd like to keep the body stock and the interior looking stock with modern touches, but do a complete modern drive line & modern electronics. I'm teetering between converting the existing chassis to a Mustang II type suspension in the front and a 4 link system in the back or just getting a new chassis all together with everything already done. I still need to look at the pros and cons of both directions, as well as the cost of piecing the suspension systems together myself, doing all the work verses just buying the new frame turnkey with all the suspension all ready mounted. It came with a 9" Ford rear end so I'll need to go through that as well since I'm not sure it's history.

The power plant will be a SBF (289, 302, 351,etc.) with most likely a C4 transmission, maybe a C6. I want to stick with a SBF & C4/C6 combo since I restore 60s mustangs so I already have spare engines & transmissions sitting
around that I just need to rebuild.

So far it's coming apart pretty well. Only took about ~45 minutes each side to get the running boards, rear fenders and tail lights removed. I was somewhat surprised how smooth it went for the hardware being 65 years only. I only had a couple bolts that fought me.

Lots to do. I'll update the thread as I get stuff done.

 

I am eager to watch your progress!

 

Welcome . Pretty solid looking starter you got there . Fully prepped frames are big $$$$ but your time , expected use and skills also play a big factor . By most accounts installing most of the m11's is fairly straight forward and many with little or no experience have managed it . IMHO the most important thing is to decide its intended use , daily driver , weekender , show , high miles or short trips . Good luck and keep the pics coming . WE LIKE PICS .

 

Yup...spendy is right for a new turnkey chassis, the good news is I won't have sticker shock since I've been doing research on them. I've been MIG / TIG welding for years so that piece is not a problem regarding modifying the existing chassis. I'm more worried about the geometry on the suspension kits and engine / transmission mounts if I do it myself. Of course if the instructions are good and I can find some hints / help through forum posts and videos I'm not scared off by it. I figure it's not different than trying anything else new in life.

This will be a weekend driver, maybe some long trips, definitely some shows / parades but more importantly a future hand me down to kids so I do want to make sure it's done right and long lasting and worry free.

 

That is a nice truck to start with. What color are you going to paint it? Will you keep the two tone scheme? It was first available in 1955. Are you keeping the side mount spare? It was first available in 1954.

And what is under those 6 car covers? That is some garage you got there!

 

Thanks Abe

Color..... not sure yet, i will probably keep the two tone (I like it) and I'm leaning towards the more classic colors (maybe lighter blue, popsicle type orange, maybe a beige, not sure).

I was leaning towards keeping the side mount spare, I kind of like it, but I know it's not hugely popular in the masses.

Like I noted above, we have a few toys.....That is my storage garage so a lot of cars are in hibernation, I also have a shop a few buildings down where I do the bulk of the work (pic of shop attached - they are a bit out dated, I've added another lift to the mix and a work area where the small trailer is in the photo) . Under the 6 covers are my son's 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer I'm storing until he is home for college in May, then I have a 69 Austin Healey, a 1966 Mustang Convertible, two 1968 Mustang Coupes, and a 2015 Dodge Scat Pack.

In the work shop I have a 65 Mustang Coupe, a 69 mustang convertible, a 67 mustang convertible (currently restoration phase), a 70 Dodge Challenger a 75 vette, and finally at home I have s 2008 C6 vette convertible, and a 2016 Mustang GT/CS convertible. I'm not brand biased as you can guess.

 

You have a very nice space to do this project! The list of other vehicles you own is also impressive.... thanks for sharing you truck project with us.

 

sure thing

 

That looks like a solid truck to start with. Your passenger fender has similar damage to mine. Actually that is an extremely common look for fenders.
I look forward to seeing your progress. Be sure to post lots of pictures.
If you wanted to keep things simple, you could just go with disc brakes and power steering and leave the suspension stock. With the engine you are going with and the amount of driving you will be doing, that would make a solid combo. Of course I'm more of a stock guy and I'm cheap.
The new chassis are very cool though, if you have the money.
You don't see a great deal of two tone, so that would be neat to keep.

Whatever direction you want to go, it will be fun to watch. Did I mention to post lots of pictures? Don't be afraid to post some of your other projects as well on occasion. We are a Ford truck forum, but for the most part this group just loves old iron.
By the way, beautiful shop.

 

You're right, Joe. My left front fender had a similar dent. We've talked this before. I think it's because the fenders are so fat and the front wheels were set back to allow for a tighter turning radius. So when backing and turning the front end swings around more than an inexperienced driver expects.

 

Yeah, the passenger fender I think is savable, at least I can get the majority of the dent out. It will just take a little time

Yes, I will post lots of pics of the truck

Since you asked for some pics of the other projects, here are some pics of the 67 mustang convertible in progress...she was a mess. I basically had to replace the floors & rockers (can't find my photos for those) and then then entire back end was rotted away so I started over... literally.

 

More of the 67. I'm close to all the metal work being done. first time in 3-1/2 years she's seen all the doors, fenders & hood.

 

Wow, you really did start all over on the Mustang!! Good job.

 

Nice work on the Mustang. The truck should be a piece of cake after that work.

 

Thanks Greg & Harrier

Yeah, it was a ton more work than I had planned on. Attached is a pic when I first bought it....one would say why did you touch it, it looks pretty good but after i started looking into it, the sins of the past started showing, the previous owner did a lot of "masking of issues"...look at the 2nd pic where the PO glue a good section of the tail light panel onto the rotted tail light panel.

I knew it had "some" body work which is why I got it on the cheap, but I didn't however know the guy bought stock in body filler and panel glue.

Also found a couple pics of the completed floor w/ suspension installed