Plans changing...
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Alabama
Plans changing...
My father has wanted an old ford truck for my whole life (30 years or so). I finally found the truck that I am going to finish up and give it to him for his retirement. I have finished a '69 landcruiser and a '67 mustang before, but with those I added and updated the truck. I was planning to do the same with this truck ('54 F100). It is tough to find out what he would like done with the truck without giving away the surprise. After purchasing the Dolphin Gauges and Sending units, I had plans to swap a 302 and automatic transmission in it. However, I was talking about doing that the other day and he said "that's where we're different. i would keep it as close to original as possible". So now I'm stuck with the Dolphin Gauges, sending units and I had already picked up an EZ wiring harness which got put on craigslist today.
Everything currently runs on 12V except the gauges. Is it easier to step down the voltage to the gauges or just buy the 12 volt original looking gauges? Thanks
Everything currently runs on 12V except the gauges. Is it easier to step down the voltage to the gauges or just buy the 12 volt original looking gauges? Thanks
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
Why not give him the truck now and offer to work with him to build it the way he wants instead of trying to second guess him. The working together will be a cherished time for both of you and he can help figure out what to do with the parts you have gathered already.
I know that's what I would want my son to do.
I know that's what I would want my son to do.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 151
Likes: 14
I had the wife of a very well known person come into the shop and wanted to buy him a motorcycle for a suprise. She picked out a Yamaha XT350 and wanted a custom paint job and everything. I sat down with her and wanted to make sure she was buying the right thing as it was a very unusual request (no one customized an XT350!) She thought a "sport bike" was an enduro. We ended letting him in on the suprise and ended up with what he really wanted, an FZR1000.
Our old trucks are just as personal as a motorcycle is to us motorcyclist (no, I'm not a "biker".) My Dad passed away last year. WWII and his following years as a Air Force officer meant we really didn't get to spend enough time together. I'd had loved to do a project like that with him.
DB
Our old trucks are just as personal as a motorcycle is to us motorcyclist (no, I'm not a "biker".) My Dad passed away last year. WWII and his following years as a Air Force officer meant we really didn't get to spend enough time together. I'd had loved to do a project like that with him.
DB
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 145
Likes: 16
From: Jonesborough, TN
I agree on the joint project even if you only end up working together on the project once in awhile. My son is 275 miles away, wish we could do more projects together. My dad probably thought the same thing when I moved 425 miles away.
Jim...
Jim...
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,190
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From: Burbank, WA
If you have the desire and opportunity to do a father-son project, even part time, go for it, and make the most of what time you have together. You'll never regret it.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: SE / NWL MI
Sounds like a great idea to let him in on the project and include him on the plans. While your schedules may not line up as far as working on it, it should give you good phone or email time planning things out. Afterall the planning it together can be as much fun as working on it. Let us know how you spring it on him.
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FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: northwestern Ontario
I'm with everyone else here, try and make it a father/son thing. The truck will be worth more to both of you this way and give you a tighter bond, niether of you will regret it the end result as long as it is a joint effort.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
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From: Iowa
You got great advice here. I have very fond memories of the time I spent working on vehicles with my Dad. I heard he had no automotive talent and should never touch hand tools, but I just don't remember it that way now.
You won't regret it.
You won't regret it.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Alabama
Thanks guys. We are working out a few weekends a month where we can work on it together. In the meanwhile, I am still going to do something to it daily. Got the wiring removed. What a rat's nest! I got the old gas tank out.....wow did that take forever! Broke a couple of bolts in the process. Oh well, at least I didn't break them on the rebuild or on the motor! Now that I say that I probably jinxed myself
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
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From: Poway, Ca.
Hi 54ford100!
I agree with the guys about doing it together. I think your thoughtfulness is wonderful for giving him such a great retirement gift. But the experience you will give him when working on it together will be the "Icing on the Cake" and add the extra magic to the gift - because you two did it together. And remember - he's retiring so the pace can be a little more "relaxed" if the schedule coordination warrants it.
As far as your original question, the gauges are a snap to convert. You will have to take the instrument panel out to work on it but it will only take you about 15 minutes to do and probably about $65 to $70 of the reducers.
Here is a thread on converting 51/52 guages. Other than the physical orientation of the gauges themselves, the adaptation is exactly the same.
If you have ANY questions feel free to ask!
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...12-volt-2.html
I agree with the guys about doing it together. I think your thoughtfulness is wonderful for giving him such a great retirement gift. But the experience you will give him when working on it together will be the "Icing on the Cake" and add the extra magic to the gift - because you two did it together. And remember - he's retiring so the pace can be a little more "relaxed" if the schedule coordination warrants it.
As far as your original question, the gauges are a snap to convert. You will have to take the instrument panel out to work on it but it will only take you about 15 minutes to do and probably about $65 to $70 of the reducers.
Here is a thread on converting 51/52 guages. Other than the physical orientation of the gauges themselves, the adaptation is exactly the same.
If you have ANY questions feel free to ask!
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...12-volt-2.html