'55 project
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Senior User
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'55 project
Joined not to long ago with some questions but didn't have a truck. Now my son and I just purchased a '55 F-100 project in a "basket". So here goes. It has a Volare front end already installed and a small block chevy mounted in.(don't laugh) Can the Volare rotors be changed with something that matches the bolt circle of the origional rear axle ? And, will our '87 tuned port 305 bolt up to the same mounts as the 70's 305 ? Also, any sugjestions on a wiring harness for the engine / computer other than painless wiring ? Thanks, Joe
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,561
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From: Earth
What rear axle is in there now, stock? It might be easier to look for a different rear axle rather than changing the Volare rotors. I'm running a Painless wiring kit in my '53 and I really like it as it was rather easy to install.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
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From: Riverside, So Cal
You could just have your rear axles re-drilled to 5 X 4.5 BC, like the volare fronts. If you are thinking of running any wheel other than the stock steel ones that came with it, you'll have a very hard time finding the 5 X 5.5 bolt circle in them. Changing to the 5 X 4.5 offers a huge selection of rims and is a lot cheaper than new rotors.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Joe,
Like the others said change the bolt pattern on the rear...much easier. The 87 engine will bolt in the same place as the 70's 305. Ron Francis is another source for the wiring harness you seek...
Vern
Like the others said change the bolt pattern on the rear...much easier. The 87 engine will bolt in the same place as the 70's 305. Ron Francis is another source for the wiring harness you seek...
Vern
Last edited by GreatNorthWoods; Mar 2, 2006 at 07:55 AM.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
Go to your nearest newstand and pick up the latest copy of Street Rodder and Classic Trucks there are many of their advertisers selling wiring kits and plug in harnesses with a small dedicated engine management computer that eliminate the need for a stock ECU with all the extra interlock sensors you don't need like seatbelts buckled and doors closed. The aftermarket and even FoMoCo has finally recognised that rodders want to use EFI engines too.
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Thanks for all the good info guys. I did get a later model ford 8" with the truck that has the 4 1/2 bolt circle but suposedly is a 2 something to one ratio. If I use the overdrive trans I think this could be too high a gear. So thats why I'm considering the origional rear end. I don't know its ratio yet but I figure its in the 3 something range. It is a rear loader and origionaly was a V-8 truck if that tells you anything. Don't really want to mess with changing ring and pinions if I don't have to. Is re-drilling the rear axles as easy as having a shop accuratly put them in between the 5" circle holes ? Will it be strong enough with twice the holes in the hub ? I'm thinking yes with just a 305. May get on it a little or tow a trailer at the most. Do any of the available wiring harnesses also plug into the trans for the tourque converter lock up ? Joe
