Hi all, my dad 63, just got a 55 F100 customized truck from California. It has a 5'' chop top, Moon guages, Mopar 440, 4spd, flat black, red wheels, red interior steel, roll & pleated interior from TJ(supposedly). However, there is no power streering or A/C. Nor Power Brakes. I think. I didnot see a brake apparatus underhood, but pops says its underneath truck. ok. So what are some improvents we can do to make it easier for him to drive. He's not an old fart, but muscling around that beast is hard, espc w/ 440. Send me links, pics, sites, drawings, whatever you think would help out. Thanks for the help and info, I will post pics as soon as I get another camera. havocnoir@yahoo.com.

 

Hi Joey - Welcome to FTE!

I have a 51 so my suggestions would be of little help - probably. But I wanted to say hi and let you know lots of other folks will be by.

In the mean time it would make it alot easier on him if you were to drive him everywhere!

 

Hi Joey and welcome to FTE-

It would help to know what front suspension modifications have been made if any.

Does the 55 still have the straight front axle or has it been updated with an IFS?

 

Take a look on the frame rail under the driver side, TCI makes a brake setup including brake booster that mounts there so nothing is up on the firewall.

 

A chrysler power steering pump would work fine, and, assuming it's still straight axle, there is a kit available for installing a rack and pinion to the straight axle. Other wise, the toyota box kit would be easiest, if it's the stock column. You should be able to find info at various places

Mid Fifty F100 Parts
Classic Ford & Thunderbird Parts Supplier - Concours Parts
Sacramento Vintage Ford :: 1.888.FORD.100
Speedway Motors - Street Rod Parts, Race Parts, Ford Flathead Parts, Sprint and Midget Racing Parts, Pedal Car Parts
JW Rod Garage mustang 2 32 ford frame

check the links of our site sponsors.

 

Ok thank you all for the responses. The steering column is from a 70's-80's ford, stock front suspension and drum brakes. What is the deal with the Volaire parts. Chrysler pump mentioned? What catalogs are good to get, and who is really reputable. Thanks to all for the info and help. Joey.

 

Joey-

Get yourself a Midfifty F100 catalog. It will give you information and ideas for your dad's truck and they are good people to deal with. Go back into your user CP and add your location. It will show up in your threads and you just might have someone close who can give you in person help.

 

Joey,

Go up to the top of this forum and find all the FAQ articles. Many of us spent hours and hours researching and writing them to help out people such as yourself. There is a very lengthy 11 or 12 part series on most of the various IFS alternatives. Do a search on the JAG IFS alternative as well - there are some very informative threads on it.

There's tons of info there ....

 

Believe it or not, the stock flathead engines weighed as much or more than the 440, so the real problem with steering effort is likely wide tires and wheels. If your truck has a later column, did they retain the stock steering box?

 

I called up Pops & told him about the site and helpful responses ya'll have given. The Steering Gear Box is original, he says. Original front end. Maybe different rear end. 9" possibly, since it has 440bb and 4spd. I think this was a partial vehicle that was chopped and filled, then add a big drive train and leftover hop-up goods. Had big old Holley electronic pump and cheezy fuel pres. reg. and gauge. I replaced the system with metal line going to the Demon carb., improved f.p.r. and smaller,quiete fuel pump. I also added Bosch style relay throughout for the horns, lights, fp, cut dead wires & ez'd up the goofy wiring, left over from previous goofballs. Found a cool roll pan for rear end, looks good, but no chrome bumpers. Looking for a license plate frame WITH a LED lights built in. That would look smooth. no bulky lights, gonna do the same on my 82 Fiat X1/9. Lic. lamps are too big, look like jap add ons. Anyway, dad says thanks to all, me too.

 

I have used the lights that are built into the bolts that hold the license plate frame on. I like the look and they are plenty bright enough to light the plate at night.