Hey guys. I am new to rebuilding/restoring trucks. I’ve always wanted to do it, and decided that I’d do it with my dad because he doesn’t have many years left. He seemed pretty knowledgeable before I started. Well now that I’m starting to get the thing torn down I’m doubting he knows what he’s talking about. So I have a few questions (because I know almost nothing).

The first question would take care of pretty much all of them. I was going to just order the complete chassis from TCI, but come to find out, they don’t sell enough for the 1950 Ford F1, so they stopped making them. Are there any companies out there that still make them? I liked TCI because they made it specific, from the type of front and rear end you wanted, all the way to putting in the mounts for the engine and tranny.

If I’m not able to get a complete chassis, will the old from on the ’50 hold up to a 302 pushing 330hp? If it won’t, is there another chassis that I could use? Or is there one that would be better to use even if the chassis is good?

If I do stick with the chassis I have, I’ve already got a TCI Mustang II front end. Ill try to find someone to weld it in for me. Would leaf springs be enough in the rear with a Ford 9” rear end?

I’m sure I’ll have more questions as I get further into the project, but I figure if I can at least get the chassis started, then I’m one step closer to driving my dreams. Thanks for the help!!!

 

welcome to the board,
alot of folks here use the factory frame and swap in what the want, but some box in the whole frame, (i just boxed in sections) to make it stronger/stiffer.

leaf springs with a 9" rear is a good setup, been used 1000's of times... just remember all 9"s are not the same, different widths - strength - etc.........

 

Welcome tiger_698-

Looks like we are neighbors. There are several places you can purchase a complete chassis. Some that come to mind are Cornhusker Rod & Custom and No Limit. Locally, you could call Jason at Pete & Jakes in Peculiar, Mo. They can probably build a new chassis for you or weld in the TCI IFS you already have. If your original frame is in decent shape Pete & Jakes can set it up for you. They are good people to deal with and can do most anything your pockets can afford. Good luck.

 

I sent them an e-mail and they reply back very quickly. I am taking my frame to a shop on Monday to have it looked at to make sure it's straight and then if it is I'll get back with Pete & Jake's. Haven't gotten a quote out of them yet, so hopefully they're reasonable.

 

Just remember, I didn't imply they were cheap, just good people. There seems to be nothing cheap (or for that matter very reasonable) in restoring old trucks. Good luck.

 

Welcome to the forum tiger 698. Dad won't have all the answers but it will be time well spent. These guys on the forum are very knowledgable. They should be able to fill in the gaps or verify info as needed. Good Luck with your project.

 

I agree! In years to come you will cherish this time. My Dad passed away and left me a 1950 F-1. Looking back, I wish I would have spent time with him working on the Joker.
Joker50

 

You always get what you pay for, but I'm trying to get it restored with only $10000. the front and rear suspension and engine are gonna eat up almost all of it.

A '56 has always been my dream truck. When I was in Afghanistan my dad said he found one in decent shape for $500. So I sent him the money to get it. I got home and found it was a '50. And I would probably try to sell it to look for a '50, but my dad doesn't have much time left so I wanted to get started while I could. I'll just have to learn what I can from this one, and then get the '56 later.

 

Hey Tiger, I am 66 years old and me and my son are doing a complete make over on my 48 F-3. We have installed an IFS , IRS, engine, transmission and a lot of other parts from a 95 T-bird. We should be finished by next summer and I plan on driving it all over the south. Hope you and your dad will have as much fun as we have and that he will be around a long time to enjoy it. Good luck.Larry S.