1950 F-5 Cab Over Engine

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Apr 10, 2002 | 06:19 PM

JimSixT

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From: Knoxville

1950 F-5 Cab Over Engine

Just purchased a 1950 Cab Over. Seriously considering mounting the body on a newer chassis and wondered if anyone has done the same. Want to go with a bigger payload ( maybe f500 - f600 ) and go new enough to get disc brakes,etc. I've seen a few done on motor home chassis, but none on heavier truck chassis.

Thanks for the input!

Jim Pruitt

Apr 11, 2002 | 10:24 PM

truckzilla

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From: Granite Bay USA

1950 F-5 Cab Over Engine

Your challenge is going to find a chassis with the correct front tire width and then getting everything to line up. But given enough time, money and knowledge it should be a go. No matter what, you'll have to redesign the brake pedal assembly and go with an automatic to emilinate the clutch linkage problem. Maybe a mid 80's chassis (like a super duty) would be a good choice. I think the tire width would be about right and if the steering wheel lines up your off and runnin'.

Good luck. There's a few guys here who have good info on some of this stuff, but most are into the little trucks :-) so the info we need for the bigger trucks is a little harder to find.

Apr 15, 2002 | 09:31 AM

enduringexplorer

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From: WHITE LAKE, MI

1950 F-5 Cab Over Engine

The width of your dual-wheel rear axle is the same as modern day medium and heavy trucks-96". I would measure the width of your front axle. I have a 1954 F-800 and it measures about 86" from the outer edge of the tire to the outer edge of the other tire. This is within a few inches of most modern trucks. If you are looking for an entire medium-duty truck, I have a 1986 Ford CF6000 I am trying to sell. I was going to use the axles myself and sell the rest of the truck, but if I sold the entire truck, I could buy some axles. This truck is a cabover with a 6.6 diesel and a 5 speed trans. New clutch, starter, flywheel, alternator. Good brakes all around that are hydraulic with air assist. Power steering. It runs and drives excellent. 168,000 miles on it. The cab is solid, but a little rough. No A/C.

Apr 15, 2002 | 05:55 PM

JimSixT

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From: Knoxville

1950 F-5 Cab Over Engine

Hadn't thought about going deisel, but it might make an intersting setup. I'll get the track measurement. If you would be kind enough to pass back the wheelbase and overall length, I'll see if I can find a shop manual with the typical measurements in it.

Obviously, the condition of the cab is not material. I'm in Tennessee, where are you?

Jim

Apr 17, 2002 | 10:38 AM

enduringexplorer

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From: WHITE LAKE, MI

1950 F-5 Cab Over Engine

I am in Michigan. I have the truck parked at a storage facility. I will get there this evening and take some measurements and send them on to you. I was considering putting my 54 F800 on this chassis, but the engine is too long for a conventional cab, without major modifications. A cab over would be ideal.

Apr 18, 2002 | 08:27 AM

enduringexplorer

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From: WHITE LAKE, MI

1950 F-5 Cab Over Engine

The wheelbase is 188". There is an additional 40" of frame past the rear axle centerline to the end of the spring mounts. The frame could be cut off at that point or anywhere beyond. The width is 84" from center of left front tire to center of right front tire. Rear is 84" from center of right outer tire to center of left outer tire. The engine is approx 48" long from fan to the bellhousing mounting surface of the block. I was mistaken about the gvw rating- it is 26,500. That is 9000 front and 17,500 rear. It has 22.5" steel disc wheels with 8 lugs. Let me know what you think. If interested, I could help with delivery. Tim