'51 Ford
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Joined: Jan 2001
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'51 Ford
I'm getting a '51 Ford from a friend for $50. All the windows are cracked or gone. It is complete. Someone stole the wheels and maybe stole some of the steering components because nothing is attached to the pitarm. I waited a week while he looked for the wheels. He is a Dodge guy. Looking around the farm I found that the wheels on our old grain cart were the right size. It rained on the weekend so the roads were wet. So I have to wait another week and we still have to find a trailer. I thinks I might buy my brothers '73 Ranchero and use the front and rear suspension. I'd put in a 300 I-6 with an AOD Tranny. I want the body to look stock. I'd like to hear your input and opinions.
Thanks
Nathan
Thanks
Nathan
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
'51 Ford
Hello It sounds like you have one heck of a project on your hands.In my opinion the simplest thing to do with the front end on the 51 is rebuild the stock unit. Installing a subframe is hard enough even in kit form much less when it is done from scratch. I'm a big fan of the 300 six but you might find a problem with it's length and the way it mounts. The first OHV 6 cyl series of engines, 215, 223, and I believe 262 would be a better fit. The 1952 F-1 6cyl truck came with one of these engines, the 215. These engines were put in Ford cars and trucks up to 64. They were known as the Milage Maker 6cyl. Another thing thats great about these engines is their bellhousing should bolt right up to the 51 transmission. You may have a problem with 57 to 60 models with their hydraulic clutches. Of course a V8 and automatic is an option and there is more afermarket support for mounting and hot-rodding these engines in old ford trucks.
'51 Ford
