Hello.

As I got no experience in restauration of a car I just wanted to know your opinion about the problem.

I got a 1954 Ford F100 with a 1965 289cui 4.7 Mustang engine. The problem is, that there are 2 broken pistons and the left head is cracked. So, I do think it will be smarter to put in a new engine and maybe a new transmission than rebuilt the old engine!?

As well there is body work need to be done.

But don't know yet what to do first? Put in a new engine and transmission or first of all doing the body work and new paint and after that buy new engine and put it in?

Thank's for answers!

Cheers
Christian

 

In my own opinion it would depend on whether you absolutely have to have your truck as a daily driver. By that I mean if you have to get it on the road immediately. If so, go with the mechanicals first, body work later.
If you need it ASAP, go with a long block from somebody like Advance or Autozone or whoever.
I bought a 455 Olds long block from Autozone for 1400 bucks and got 250 buicks for my core. Not a bad deal in my book.

 

I have had my truck for 4-1/2 years. I did all the mechanical stuff and drove it everywhere for 3 years. It looked like hell, but it was a gas to drive! Now, I'm doing bodywork and a bunch of body mods.

If I hadn't driven it around so much, I wouldn't have had the motivation to hang with this part of the build. It is a long and tedious road that could have easily discouraged me enough to quit the project. But, remembering the smile on my face while I drove it around keeps me going to finish it and get back on the road.

My 2 cents...

 

Randy, I know what you mean. I bought my truck in Dec '76 as a daily driver. It was a puke green color so I put it in primer as soon as possible, spraying it in my back yard!

When something broke I had to fix it immediately so I could drive it to work on Monday or even the next day. You learn to work real fast that way.

 

Yes, it's awsome to drive it!


So, it sounds if I better have to put in new engine and ride it for the next 3 - 4 years. Body doesn't look so bad, but you will never know before sand blasting.

I'm still young and got a lot of time for body work in 3 or 4 years.

@Randy: Your ride looks great!

Thank's for answers!

Cheers
Christian from Luxemburg

 

What are your plans for the truck? If it's going to be a driver, then do the mechanicals first then body and paint. But, if it's going to be a show truck, then you'll want to have the body work and paint done under the hood before you put the new engine in. Good luck, Jag

 

Daily driver.

But doesn't drive at the moment

Cheers
Christian

 

i say you should put a new engine in it or fix the 289 and drive it.because if you work on the body first you'll get sick of working on it and sell it or stop working on it.so get it driving and fix the body here and there and primer you will enjoy it more good luck.

 

Thanks for all the answers


Will put some pictures of the truck in here, when I got the new engine.

But don't know yet, where to get an engine from. Maybe you know where to get one!? Problem is, that i'm from Luxemburg.

Cheers
Christian

 

Wow, all the more reason to fix the 289. They are bullet proof engines and you can order a rebuild kit for it on line. If you don't go that way then maybe a diesel out of a mercedes?? Jag

 

Yep, that's the way to go!

See, it'll fit like it belongs there!

 

Naw, no ******* Mercedes

If I gone find an engine, I will put in a new. If not, rebuilt this one

can you give me the online addresse

Cheers

 

Since BC doesn't know a lot about working on these vehicles I'd first suggest he pull the engine down to the block and take a close look at it before buying any parts for it. Whatever event that took out 2 pistons and cracked the head likely did a lot of damage to the block itself. If the block is damaged the engine is a write off, and he needs to start looking for a replacement.
There must be some sporty rear wheel drive cars with engines in the 5- 6 L range that are much more available and familiar to the local mechanics than the 289 that could be used. Maybe a BMW?
If it needs to be an American engine, then you are in for some expense finding buying and shipping an engine (and tranny) from the US. In the long run it might be better to buy a crate engine from someone like Edelbrock or Roush who are likely to be familiar with shipping an engine overseas than to buy a used one long distance and then have to rebuild it.
If you decide to go for the used engine from the US, post again and someone on this forum may be able to help find you a good one.

 

Really, don't think that it make sense to rebuilt this engine. Because than I have to replace the pistons, head, .... and still an old engine


So, think it's better to invest a bit more money in a new engine. But no Mercedes or BMW.

I would prefer a Edelbrock or Roush.

What kind a engine would you suggest? Edelbrock or Roush?

Cheers

 

Rousch if you want to stay with a Ford motor, Edelbrock if you are interested in Chevy power. (Please let's not get into a Ford vs Chevy battle here) The choice is up to your personal taste and which is better supported by the aftermarket there.