I recently picked up this solid 1953 F500. As far as I can tell, it’s all original except it has lock ring wheels and an electric fuel pump. It runs and drives, but the brakes need attention.

The plan is for a 1-2 year project to make this a safe reliable truck. I have found a lot of great information on here already. Brakes are first on the list and I’ve already talked to Chucks Trucks. Lots and lots of options going through my head. I wanted to keep the flathead, but after talking to some engine builders very familiar with the 239, that’s all but off the table. HP is just too expensive. I haven’t ruled anything out, but thinking about trying to find a donor truck with a mechanical 7.3. Swap over the engine, trans, and axles.

 

A 7.3 would be a nice combination.

 

I think so. I was initially thinking a 12v 5.9 just because my buddy has an extra one, but looks like it’s about 10” longer than the 7.3.

 

Nice old truck, looks like that paint might buff out to a nice shine yet. Looks like a good one!

 

Nice truck...good start for a project. abe will approve of the color!

 

The paint isn’t bad. I will end up painting it just because I’m probably removing the cab to blast and paint the frame.

Found a donor with a mechanical 7.3 to look at tomorrow.

 

It looks like you have a really good base truck to start with.

 

Keep the Flathead it will serve you well

 

Will be fun watching your progress.

 

I sure do!

Just a heads up, swapping stuff on bigger trucks is not as easy as it is on F100's.

I saw keep the flathead and the original paint.

Welcome to FTE the best Ford truck forum on the World wide Web. And thanks for the pictures.

 

Thanks Abe, that’s what I’m learning. How effective are the drum brakes if rebuilt and working properly? Safe for the highway? Since it already has the lock ring wheels and practically new tires, I’m considering scaling back the build and keeping the axles.

I would like to keep the flathead, but just not sure. Once I get the brakes working good and can take it down the road I’ll see how she runs out.

 

Still trying to develop a build plan for the 53 F500.

- According to the vin plate, looks like I have the 6.8 axle ratio. I haven’t been able to find any information on ring/pinion sets. Has anyone pulled the gear set and checked to see if anything is available? I would like to think that there may be something that matches. If nothing is available, keeping the axle is all but out.

- Has anyone be able to convert the front brakes to disc while keeping the factory axle?

I added a few more pictures for attention.

 

Keeping to one thread on your truck will help others see where you're at with the project.

It looks like you have a single speed axle--but even the two speeds would have had a high range of about 6.8.

If you are swapping to a diesel, and you want disc brakes, swapping the axles is probably in your future.

 

Thanks! That’s how it’s looking.

 

Making slow progress…..

I met with two builders very familiar with flatheads. After discussing what I plan to do with the truck, and what it would take to get there, we decided to do a swap. It’s not all bad though, I found a local who has been searching for a 53 Flathead for his 47 build. He wanted a 53 for the changes, mainly the distributor location.

So, current state is still tear down. Got the 5.9 Cummins and auto trans mocked up, mounts built, cab off. The flatbed is welded on, so I’ll have to cut that off. Then the chassis will go to the fab shop who is going to box and sand blast the frame.