I've just got an idea stuck in my head with the future of Morris's 53 M-350 being uncertain. It has a pretty straight 9 foot box and I have a box that requires some surgery. See pic:

Although it would be nice to keep the raised bed panels as the 53+ are flat sided. My plan is to make the truck look like a stock 51 dually pickup. The F-1's used a flat sided box so using a later box isn't too much of a stretch. Both beds are the same width and height. Here's some diagrams:

48-52 M-3 box

53-56 M-350 box (I modified a 53 F-250 box)

Box inside dimensions

As you can see 9 foot box just has the extra length in front of the fenders so it would be easy to shorten it to the required length. I also would narrow the box to 49" to allow clearance for the inner dual. I don't want to have big wheel tubs. Modifying the tailgate isn't a problem for me as this is what I currently have:

I also think my 51 fenders will almost bolt on the 53 box.

What do you guys think of my idea? I think it will fit the theme of the truck well. I know, ultimately the final decision is Morris but if I may say so. I don't think would hurt anyones feelings to see the 53 body on his 56 frame. I would love to see it as a driver rather than a project. Right now there are some chocolate eggs calling me.

 

Interesting to say the least Nathan.
If I put the cab on the 56 frame I would have enough parts (except for a box) from the M350 to get the 53 M250 done.
Seems like a lot of time to do all this, the 56 M100 will suck up alot more before it`s done.

 

So the 53 M350 with the flathead with little compression on the 56 you're sayin?
If I'm doing my math right that means there may be a 239 runner up for grabs......

Aslo Morris would you be having a box for a 53-56 for possible. My 53 could use one.

 

Technically the swap could be done in a day and have it running as long as it will start. This would be one of the few bolt on affairs. If I can strip a 78 F-250 to the bare frame by myself in TWO days so with three guys it would be a snap!

 

I am thinking of putting the 53 M350 Flattie, rad ect. and other parts into the 53 M250 and the cab on to the orginal M100 56 rolling frame that has the orginal 272 running power train still in it. One dies and two are reborn.
Anyone up for this on this weekend?
Confusing enough yet?

 

But what are you gaining with a Yblock in a flattie, I understand putting a 302 in a 53 so then it will be a reliable affordable truck but the 272 is no more obsolete or easier to drive/maintain then a Flat motor.

But whatever not my trucks

 

wow...thats a pretty impressive plan of attack...an aspireing draftsman i think,,,

 

To ease the confusion the reason I want to put the 53 M350 rust free cab is the 56 frame/power train ect. is ready to drive with a running Y-block, tansmission, rad, exhaust and steering all in place.
The Y-Block was running when parked and the 56 cab was pulled off for rust repair and on to the modified frame.
The Flattie can go in the 53 M250, I`ve wanted to get it up and running for the last 6 years, just could never find a stock power train.
Make any more sense now Ryan?

 

Oh I forgot to mention that you can keep the fenders and I'm going to steal the spare tire bracket off the other box if we have a deal...

 

Hopefully my plan will work, we`ll see this weekend.
Are you able to make?

 

Well i like your idea Nathan i think it would be cool whoa im getting lost you guys are changing up everything lol!

 

Yep, I can come out this weekend. I might be in a t-shirt and shorts as it's supposed to be 21'C!. Better have that coca-cola ice cold.

 

Wow alot of stuff going on lol.