Ground Effects?
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Ground Effects?
I got some input on drop I-Beams from you guys, TY. How bout some ground effects? I've seen some nice body kits on a few vans but I don't like how they put flares on the fenders. If ya look at some of the conversion vans you'll know what I'm talking about. I can't believe how few aftermarket parts there are out there for us Ford guys. I see alot more old and new fords out and about and being restored than I do Chevs. But when ya look for stuff for our older Fords all ya can find is stuff for Chevs and 350's. That really girnds my gears! I see more stuff for us Ford finatics as time passes, but I still see most of the manufactures catering to GM owners. OK, enough sobbing. Thanks in anvance for any links to some goodies for my 78 F100.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 3
From: Eustis FL
There is nothing new in the world when it comes to Ford being the underdog. Ever since other makes began to appear, there has always been an envy toward Ford, including (not limited to) NASCAR. It will take dedicated Ford people like you and me (except with a whole lot more money to invest) to get parts out there for Fordnatics. It is slowly happening. I like my cars on the rare and obscure side, where parts often have to be made or found on hidden parts cars. It is a challenge I enjoy. I don't care to have a car that everyone else has, like a camaro, nova, chevelle, etc. with parts galore in the aftermarket. It is still the same car as the guy down the street.
Fords are SPECIAL that way. I even like the old Mustangs, though parts are more plentiful, probably because that car started the pony car craze. The rest of the carmakers, as usual, just followed Ford's lead. Nothing much has changed today.
Try making your own ground effects. That is my plan. Not sure if I will build from steel or fiberglass. Get some good books on fiberglass or welding if you have no experience and make us proud!
Fords are SPECIAL that way. I even like the old Mustangs, though parts are more plentiful, probably because that car started the pony car craze. The rest of the carmakers, as usual, just followed Ford's lead. Nothing much has changed today.
Try making your own ground effects. That is my plan. Not sure if I will build from steel or fiberglass. Get some good books on fiberglass or welding if you have no experience and make us proud!
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
My thoughts exactly. I don't want the same thing that everybody has either. What fun is that? The thought of making ground effects myself have gone through my head too. I'm planning on going with fiberglass if I do. When I'm done with my truck and I'm sitting at a stoplight. I want the guy next to me with the rat under his hood to think of Dirty Harry. Do ya feel lucky punk? Well... Do ya?
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 3
From: Eustis FL
That's the way to think! LOL I like the Dirty Harry thing...
I like a clean roll pan in the back, flush with the tailgate, and maybe a recess for tag. That I would do in steel.
The trick is to make the effects tasteful, to try and emphasize the lines of the truck. And no, I don't care for the flares either, unless it's a 4X4 with lift and big tires.
I like a clean roll pan in the back, flush with the tailgate, and maybe a recess for tag. That I would do in steel.
The trick is to make the effects tasteful, to try and emphasize the lines of the truck. And no, I don't care for the flares either, unless it's a 4X4 with lift and big tires.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
From: southern Indiana
You can make any ground effects kit work with some cutting and fiberglass work.I cut a set of ground effect from a chevy cavaliar z24 to fit a 1992 mazda navajo.Too bad I sold it before I got it bolted up.It would have turned out so good.
Tim
Tim
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 0
From: Madison, SD
I too like to build my own. Maybe we should feel sorry for the chebbie guys.....Just what could you possibly do to your red Camaro to make it stand out from the crowd???? Rolled pans are fairly easy, usually the tank off a mig welder will render just the right contour for the rolled bottom of the pans. Ground effects for the sides could be made in much the same manner as the pans, then put the bend to go back to the bottom of the truck with a sheet metal brake and weld it on. I get a 5' X 10' sheet of 20 ga. sheet metal for about $30.00. so even if you mess up a time or two the fabricating doesn't get all that terribly expensive. There are some excellent sheet metal fabrication books available to help with the basics, after that is is all up to your imagination!!!!!
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 3
From: Eustis FL
Hey, where does one look for a 5X10 piece of sheetmetal? That's a great price! Heck, some stores sell small patch panels for half that, and they are only 12 inches by 12 inches!
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 0
From: Madison, SD
I get mine here locally from a company called "State Steel". They are a huge warehouse, buy lots of goodies from them. I'm sure there is a similar company in your area, might want to try the Yellow Pages, or perhaps ask around at a couple of shops and see where they get their materials from....
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 0
From: Madison, SD
Originally Posted by trinogt
Thanks for that... It is a great idea to buy in 'bulk' like that! I am always needing sheetmetal.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,064
Likes: 245
From: Fresno, CA.
Not sure what is more plentiful red Camaros or red 5.0 Mustangs? In any case, there are enough parts for both at any parts store. Now, a 73-79 Ford pickup? Not too many of those around here, unless you take a ride around the farming community here. Then you will see them, all dirty, dented and doing what they do best. Working. Built Ford tough, and earning that reputation. 
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 0
From: Madison, SD
Originally Posted by Nighteyez
Not sure what is more plentiful red Camaros or red 5.0 Mustangs? In any case, there are enough parts for both at any parts store. Now, a 73-79 Ford pickup? Not too many of those around here, unless you take a ride around the farming community here. Then you will see them, all dirty, dented and doing what they do best. Working. Built Ford tough, and earning that reputation.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
