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1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Slick Sixties Ford Truck

Moving Firewall Forward

Old May 30, 2021 | 09:25 PM
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Moving Firewall Forward

Hi guys,

I'm in the middle of a restomod on my 64 F100. I've got the truck torn down to bare frame plus cab at this point. I'm about to replace the floor pans and I got to thinking, it sure would be nice to have a bit more leg room in this thing when I'm done.

Now, I'm not Shaq, but I'm tall enough to make driving my truck a bit uncomfortable. Feels like my knees are in my armpits sometimes, especially when lifting for the brake and clutch pedals.

I'm curious if anyone has ever moved the firewall forward for some more room. Can't really go any further down since the cab sits pretty much on top of the frame already, and can't sit up higher, because I'm already looking through the top of the windshield.

After putting a wheel and tire in the wheel well, there is a ton of room between the back of the tire and the front of the footwell, somewhere around a foot, depending on the size of the tire. Even half that would make a huge difference for me.

The hood hinges would need to stay of course, but the entire firewall wouldn't need to be moved forward, maybe just the bottom 12-16". I'd need to redo all of the dash mounts, because I'd want the pedals all to move forward as well.

So, thoughts? Anyone done this? I'm kind of surprised I've never even heard of this being done. Anything I'm not considering, difficulties, issues, etc.

Appreciate your thoughts, guys.

Luke
 
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Old May 31, 2021 | 02:07 PM
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Did you check for clearance with the motor in? What about clutch linkage? Steering column? Column shift for that matter? There is a whole lot going on in that footbox I think you would be better served pushing back. Maybe look into some racing buckets. They are really thin and could give you six inches back and down.
 
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Old May 31, 2021 | 03:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Thunderkiss1965
Did you check for clearance with the motor in?
No, I've got bare frame right now. Definitely going to check when the motor is in. Motor is a 4.6 and the trans is a TR3650 5 Spd from a Mustang

What about clutch linkage?
The TR3650 I'm using has a cable operated throwout bearing, so that won't be an issue.

Steering column?
Going with an aftermarket tilt column to connect to a crown vic front. I'm going to move it up from its stock location.

Column shift for that matter?
Floor shifted 5 Spd. Only thing going on with the column is the steering and turn signals.

There is a whole lot going on in that footbox I think you would be better served pushing back. Maybe look into some racing buckets. They are really thin and could give you six inches back and down.
No doubt there's a lot going on there, but not so much it couldn't be done. Thanks for the feedback, that's what I'm needing.
 
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Old Jun 1, 2021 | 06:26 AM
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I think it would be easier to add to the back of the cab and make frame a little longer to fit.

There was a car show on TV that they did make the cab bigger but think they added it to the doors & frame?
Dave ----
 
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Old Jun 1, 2021 | 10:26 AM
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Perhaps consider other seat options? A later model low profile seat as opposed to the stock seat may provide a bit more room?

Perhaps member who has relocated the fuel tank can advise whether it provides any additional room?

Anyhow, food for thought?
 
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Old Jun 1, 2021 | 11:47 AM
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Here's an interesting thread with a couple of extended cabs.

1965 f100 Extended cab? - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums (ford-trucks.com)
 
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