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.
I am totally new to this forum. In fact never been on a forum, but here it goes..
I have a 55 Ford F-100
that my dad and I bought when I was 15. I am now 56. Recently retired and now I have the time to Do this thing right. I posted an earlier post but I think it went to the wrong place so I’m trying this. Somebody let me know if I’m in the right place or not please.
Guy
Welcome aboard Guy! Yes you are in the right place! And you are starting out right.. . you posted a picture😂 If that trailer is your truck you have quite the challenge ahead of you😂
Hey df85732,
thanks for the quick reply.....
yeah, I started on the frame last year and life took a quick sideways on me...back on track now and just got home with the frame. The rest of the truck is still at my nephews farm as my space at my new place here is limited....sure am looking forward to getting to work on it.
Smile
Guy
I have a somewhat similar story to you. My grandfather gave me a ‘56 at 15 and I had to sell it after college. In my 40’s now and about a year into my new ‘56 project. It’s been an awesome experience. Please keep us informed on your progress with pictures and updates. And don’t hesitate to ask for advice, there is an amazing amount of knowledge in this forum.
Thanks Waygonner.....
I will for sure take pics of the progress.
I do have a question....Is there a waiting period before I can ask a technical question from the forum?
Guy
Thanks Waygonner.....
I will for sure take pics of the progress.
I do have a question....Is there a waiting period before I can ask a technical question from the forum?
Guy
Hey, Guy, another welcome to FTE.
I got my truck when I was 15, way back in 1976.
If you have questions, ask away, no waiting! This is a very knowledgeable bunch. If they don't have the answer, they'll know where to find it.
Hey Effierucker.
Got mine at 15 in 79.....means a lot to me as my dad has passed away now and he and I drove 4 hrs to see it....Bought it....started overheating the original 239 about 45 mins from home (sprung a leak in the top rad hose) let it cool, put ditch water in it, taped it with black tape like a hockey stick and made it home...Smile
I want to make truck a long hauler (do a North American tour (all states and all the provinces) when it's done.
My question is what is a good engine to use without having big cross member changes to make?
302? 289? want to keep it small enough for decent mileage....
Guy
Hey Effierucker.
Got mine at 15 in 79.....means a lot to me as my dad has passed away now and he and I drove 4 hrs to see it....Bought it....started overheating the original 239 about 45 mins from home (sprung a leak in the top rad hose) let it cool, put ditch water in it, taped it with black tape like a hockey stick and made it home...Smile
I want to make truck a long hauler (do a North American tour (all states and all the provinces) when it's done.
My question is what is a good engine to use without having big cross member changes to make?
302? 289? want to keep it small enough for decent mileage....
Guy
If you are sticking with the stock front suspension transdapt makes a crossmember for Ford v8’s that bolts in and is really easy to install. 302 roller motors from late 80’s mustangs and 90’s explorers are popular motors as parts are plentiful and they run well and are reliable. I will say that if you want to put a lot of miles on the truck it may be worth looking into the IFS front suspension setups. They are pretty straightforward to install and only require a bit of welding.
A lot of guys stick with the old Y-blocks and they run well too. I would leave it to one of the guys running them to comment on reliability and parts availability.
The first things you need to decide is expected usage ( which you have already indicated ) overall look , skill level and budget . If " as you indicated " you want to put lots of miles on , upgraded brakes , steering and engine-trans are a must . As far as mileage your not going to get anything fantastic but a good 302 with the right gearing should get you into the 20mpg range . If you haven't rebuilt your stock front end yet I would very seriously consider some of the m11 front end kits which will have everything you need for your power steering , power disc brakes and very superior and adjustable ride . Hope this helps and as others have mentioned ask away .
Welcome Guy, You can put just about anything in your 55, as you will see on this site. Only thing is, in your truck engine is mounted with mounts-1 in front and 2 in back (at bell-housing) Newer engines are 2 at side and one in rear( at rear of transmission ) You will need to make or buy (they are available) different crossmember mounts for motor and trans mounts if you go to later model. Usually the crossmember that was used for the bell housing mounts will be in the way also. Lots of guys have done it. You can look at my thread below if you want to see what I did- but skip thru it- it's long. Mounting of the engine is towards the front of thread. You can also look at lots of build threads to get ideas.. Welcome again and keep us posted on your progress!!
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic 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.
frame
