Where do I start?
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From: waco
Where do I start?
I've fixed up and piddeled with 73 to 79 Ford trucks for the last several years, but I've wanted a 48 to a 52 Ford truck since I was a little kid. I finnaly got out and did some looking around and found a truck. My newly aquired truck is not quite what I wanted, but it was well in my price range. The man gave it to me to haul away. It's a 55 F100. I wanted a project truck and boy do I have one. There are no major dents, and very few little dents. The truck is almost covered in surface rust but it is not rusted through any where on the body not even the floor boards. There is no motor or transmission, but I had planned on installing a more modern engine and transmision in it any way. The only problem area I have found is some one cut the top of the radiator support out for some reason so that the hood won't latch. Does any one know where to get a radiator support for it?
Also, what other years of radiator support will interchange?
Where is the best place to even start on this truck?
I want just a good reliable old truck. I'm going to leave the straight axle in it and probably use a Ford 9" rear axle with a small block and 5 speed.
Doc
Also, what other years of radiator support will interchange?
Where is the best place to even start on this truck?
I want just a good reliable old truck. I'm going to leave the straight axle in it and probably use a Ford 9" rear axle with a small block and 5 speed.
Doc
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From: Kansas City area
Sounds like the price was right. Most front sheet metal is interchangeable from 53-56; the front air deflectors are different on 56 and of course the grills are different. Also the lower valance is different between 53/54 and 55/56 (I think). Get one of MidFifty's catalogs as it illustrates several items and will give you the correct terminology. I have a used upper radiator valance (hood latch crossmember) if you need one. Email me and I'll give you the details if interested.
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Doc,
Do a search on this forum for threads on rads. I believe you'll find a 79 F150 rad will fit beautifully. (It's what I'm planning to use).
There are several discussions on moving the gas tank outa the cab in behind the rear axle. Niolon's home page has a how to on using a mustang tank. 85 to 92 Chevy full sized van will fit also. There are several others as well. 85 Bronco looks doable.
Get yourself a catalog from Sacremento Vintage Ford. It is the single best catalog out there for showing you the breadth of reproduction parts available and giving good illustrations of parts. Not saying you want to give them all your money but their catalog is a very handy reference.
We have numerous tech articles in the tech article section above this forum on front suspension, rear ends, etc.
I think you'll enjoy it here. Just don't take every we say seriously. (We like to have fun here.)
Welcome,
Do a search on this forum for threads on rads. I believe you'll find a 79 F150 rad will fit beautifully. (It's what I'm planning to use).
There are several discussions on moving the gas tank outa the cab in behind the rear axle. Niolon's home page has a how to on using a mustang tank. 85 to 92 Chevy full sized van will fit also. There are several others as well. 85 Bronco looks doable.
Get yourself a catalog from Sacremento Vintage Ford. It is the single best catalog out there for showing you the breadth of reproduction parts available and giving good illustrations of parts. Not saying you want to give them all your money but their catalog is a very handy reference.
We have numerous tech articles in the tech article section above this forum on front suspension, rear ends, etc.
I think you'll enjoy it here. Just don't take every we say seriously. (We like to have fun here.)
Welcome,
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,017
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From: Rio Rancho, NM
Now wait a minute gentlemen.
Everyone knows that the first step is careful planning (and dreaming) so....
Step 1. drop what you are doing, make a run down to the closest liquor establishment and make sure you have a good supply of your favorite frosty beverage at your disposal
Step 2 (optional). Gather a few friends around
Step 3. Procede with normal pleasantries while sampling your store of frosty beverages
Step 4. Now this is where the real planning starts.....Start talking trucks!!
Enjoy your truck and welcome to our little slot of the Ford Truck boards
Bobby
Everyone knows that the first step is careful planning (and dreaming) so....
Step 1. drop what you are doing, make a run down to the closest liquor establishment and make sure you have a good supply of your favorite frosty beverage at your disposal
Step 2 (optional). Gather a few friends around
Step 3. Procede with normal pleasantries while sampling your store of frosty beverages
Step 4. Now this is where the real planning starts.....Start talking trucks!!
Enjoy your truck and welcome to our little slot of the Ford Truck boards
Bobby
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Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Erie, pa
OR, Sit in the drivers seat, close your eyes, start the Hmmmm Hmmmm and let the Zen Truck Gods guide you to Truck Narvana
Note After youve decided what you want, you can follow Niolon method and sit in the truck on an overturned bucket and make engine noises.
Note After youve decided what you want, you can follow Niolon method and sit in the truck on an overturned bucket and make engine noises.
Last edited by 4tl8ford; Aug 17, 2005 at 05:49 PM.
Post Fiend
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From: Erie, pa
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From: Raleigh, NC
Bobby,
I thinks you hit the nail on the head. A little discussion with your buds, floating ideas, floating suds....This step can also be repeated as many times as you find necessary during the restoration process....Fox
I thinks you hit the nail on the head. A little discussion with your buds, floating ideas, floating suds....This step can also be repeated as many times as you find necessary during the restoration process....Fox
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old and in the way
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From: Lovely Hueytown Alabama
Originally Posted by fumble fingers
OR,
Note After youve decided what you want, you can follow Niolon method and sit in the truck on an overturned bucket and make engine noises.
Note After youve decided what you want, you can follow Niolon method and sit in the truck on an overturned bucket and make engine noises.
Bucket ???? we don't need no stinkin bucket.... we sit on the seat and make engine noises.....bbbvrrrrrrrrrmmmmmm,,, eeeeeerrrrrrrrrr (sliding around curve) bbbbvvvvvrrrrrrmmmmmm (pedal to the metal) RJ says it best... a man and his truck.... it's a beautiful thing.....
don't let the nay sayers sway you Doc... do it any dang way you want... personally I like to do step 1 and 3 in cycles.....
later
john
(too cool for no buckets) so ??? the the above picture what you're looking for ?????
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From: waco
John,
I have no clue what I'm looking for, but common sense tells me that's the piece I'm going to need. Do you by chance have the width between the bolt holes so I can see if I have enough left to bolt that piece to?
56Fun, Give me a day or so to see exactly what I need and I will get in touch.
Thanks a ton for all the responses. They give me hope that I can actualy pull this off. Now....where to start...I'm assuming disassembly?
Mike
I have no clue what I'm looking for, but common sense tells me that's the piece I'm going to need. Do you by chance have the width between the bolt holes so I can see if I have enough left to bolt that piece to?
56Fun, Give me a day or so to see exactly what I need and I will get in touch.
Thanks a ton for all the responses. They give me hope that I can actualy pull this off. Now....where to start...I'm assuming disassembly?
Mike
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Doc,
One more word of advise -
Digital camera (that's two words actually).
Take plenty of pictures before and during disassembly. This thing will not go together anywhere near as fast as you think it will and you'll forget how those carefully labelled and bagged parts go back together by the time you get to re-assembly.
One more word of advise -
Digital camera (that's two words actually).
Take plenty of pictures before and during disassembly. This thing will not go together anywhere near as fast as you think it will and you'll forget how those carefully labelled and bagged parts go back together by the time you get to re-assembly.
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From: waco
Ferguson, I like the way you think. I was actualy about to check out the batteries in the camera for that reason. I also need to put a few pictures in my gallery so that ya'll can get the visual on my latest money pit.
I've definately decided to go with a Ford 9" rear end and the straight axle under the front with the addition of disc/ power breaks, and the mandatory stuff like new king pins and tie rod ends. Any words of wisdom on this approach?
Doc
I've definately decided to go with a Ford 9" rear end and the straight axle under the front with the addition of disc/ power breaks, and the mandatory stuff like new king pins and tie rod ends. Any words of wisdom on this approach?
Doc
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Exqueeze me George. I believe Moderators are to conduct themselves in a professional manner!
Doc,
The camera thing is from the painful experience of having not done so myself. George, of all people had to bail me out when I couldn't remember how to put my rear brakes back together and my headlight gaskets and my.........
Doc,
The camera thing is from the painful experience of having not done so myself. George, of all people had to bail me out when I couldn't remember how to put my rear brakes back together and my headlight gaskets and my.........
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Erie, pa
Poor George, Now he needs Artificial Persperation.
As our learned Canuk Brother has stated, pictures, pictures, pictures. When a part comes off take a picture of it in its proper orientation, and the pieces that are exposed under and around it.
I too learned this the hard way.
As our learned Canuk Brother has stated, pictures, pictures, pictures. When a part comes off take a picture of it in its proper orientation, and the pieces that are exposed under and around it.
I too learned this the hard way.