My '51
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Joined: May 2011
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My '51
Hi All
I just picked up a 1951 Ford F1 basket case. I traded an old toolbox I haven't been using, and bought used for almost nothing so it didn't cost me more than lunch for 4 people.
Complete 1951 Ford F1 body still has original VIN, it has a shiny new title too YES! it is missing seat, tail lights, bed floor.
1978 Mercury Marquis rolling chassis (and title), 460ci, C6 trans, 9" rear end, disk brakes, coil springs, new Flowmaster 3" dual exhaust with X pipe/cats/mufflers, wiring, etc.
I'm new to this generation of project. During my research I found this site to have a LOT of good info so I figured I'd join. I've had many many projects, A couple turbo/supercharger projects, a few v8 compact pickups.
I'm still trying to figure out the actual direction I want to take this truck. I know I want daily driveability, and cost is a large factor.
Most likely option: Follow the current parts list and make a Cheap Overpowered Street Rod
Less likely option: Pick up a rolling awd mountaineer chassis so I can get better gas mileage and have a year round daily driver.
-Joe
I just picked up a 1951 Ford F1 basket case. I traded an old toolbox I haven't been using, and bought used for almost nothing so it didn't cost me more than lunch for 4 people.
Complete 1951 Ford F1 body still has original VIN, it has a shiny new title too YES! it is missing seat, tail lights, bed floor.
1978 Mercury Marquis rolling chassis (and title), 460ci, C6 trans, 9" rear end, disk brakes, coil springs, new Flowmaster 3" dual exhaust with X pipe/cats/mufflers, wiring, etc.
I'm new to this generation of project. During my research I found this site to have a LOT of good info so I figured I'd join. I've had many many projects, A couple turbo/supercharger projects, a few v8 compact pickups.
I'm still trying to figure out the actual direction I want to take this truck. I know I want daily driveability, and cost is a large factor.
Most likely option: Follow the current parts list and make a Cheap Overpowered Street Rod
Less likely option: Pick up a rolling awd mountaineer chassis so I can get better gas mileage and have a year round daily driver.
-Joe
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: victoria
welcome!! and there is no such thing as overpowered,,,I believe..you sound like you have everything you need for a great toy ...I think the guy's here call it the "darkside"so ...my ongoing question...GOT PICTURES????..I have several old fords ..and enjoy seeing how others work out problems I can't figger out..this is a great site ..enjoy ..and come often !!
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,669
Likes: 13
From: San Jose, CA
Welcome! Nice to see another 51 being resurrected.
Not that it can't be done, but full (newer) frame swaps are hard to do. I'd suggest looking for at least a stock frame (48-52 F1 are almost identical) and modify it with your choice of running gear and suspension.
Not that it can't be done, but full (newer) frame swaps are hard to do. I'd suggest looking for at least a stock frame (48-52 F1 are almost identical) and modify it with your choice of running gear and suspension.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 19
From: Austin
Hey Arb - Welcome aboard - You'll get lot's of ideas hanging around this place - You have the ultimate low rider in those first pics.
It actually looks pretty nice - guard those doors in the Bed - they don't make those any more & those look pretty good. I'm jealous of your cab floor it looks pretty complete & you have some glass. Be interesting to see what tack you take to get a chassis under there.
Ben in Austin
It actually looks pretty nice - guard those doors in the Bed - they don't make those any more & those look pretty good. I'm jealous of your cab floor it looks pretty complete & you have some glass. Be interesting to see what tack you take to get a chassis under there.
Ben in Austin
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Thanks for the welcome and input.
My planned order of operations is currently:
check engine/trans.
verify actual ride position on wheels/tires with body and accessory weight.
Make sure I like this position/height
Use cardboard to make templates- weld steel to frame to use stock body mounts.
The frame is wide enough it won't fit between the running boards. I like the look with fenders and running boards and would like to keep them. So I have taken a couple measurements. It seems like everything will sit wonderfully and clearance will be abundant with the body about 5" higher off the frame than it is in the picture, the actual ride hight of the cab would probably be about the same off the ground as it is in the picture seeing as how it is sitting on jacks. I'll probably run thick rubber for ground clearance and to fill the fenders.
FYI, You can buy doors, floors, and most sheetmetal, I'll pull up the retail site again and forward the link if you want it.
I do have all glass, most in poor condition, also everything that isn't bolted down is locked up in my shed.
-Joe
My planned order of operations is currently:
check engine/trans.
verify actual ride position on wheels/tires with body and accessory weight.
Make sure I like this position/height
Use cardboard to make templates- weld steel to frame to use stock body mounts.
The frame is wide enough it won't fit between the running boards. I like the look with fenders and running boards and would like to keep them. So I have taken a couple measurements. It seems like everything will sit wonderfully and clearance will be abundant with the body about 5" higher off the frame than it is in the picture, the actual ride hight of the cab would probably be about the same off the ground as it is in the picture seeing as how it is sitting on jacks. I'll probably run thick rubber for ground clearance and to fill the fenders.
FYI, You can buy doors, floors, and most sheetmetal, I'll pull up the retail site again and forward the link if you want it.
I do have all glass, most in poor condition, also everything that isn't bolted down is locked up in my shed.
-Joe
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Correction: 3" higher, not making a monster truck. Just the thickness of the height of the running boards.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: East KY
I agree with Ilya. I'd seriously consider looking for a stock frame. They're out there. You'd be surprised.
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Thanks for the welcomes and information.
I was raised in the darkside, so big block and new frame would be a choice of mine before trying to find another original.
I'm trying to decide if I do want to use this frame or go with another one. First step, I need to see if I like how it will sit. So I set it down on it's own suspension on the ground, prop up the body where it will sit and take a look to see if it is something I can live with.
The rear fender is from the other side I was just looking to see if it would look good backwards so I wouldn't have to shorten the frame or modify the fenders.
I was raised in the darkside, so big block and new frame would be a choice of mine before trying to find another original.
I'm trying to decide if I do want to use this frame or go with another one. First step, I need to see if I like how it will sit. So I set it down on it's own suspension on the ground, prop up the body where it will sit and take a look to see if it is something I can live with.
The rear fender is from the other side I was just looking to see if it would look good backwards so I wouldn't have to shorten the frame or modify the fenders.
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It sits a bit high for my vision of this as a hotrod and I can't really lower it much as it's sitting on top of the frame instead of the frame being tucked inside.
I can still live with this height though. If I had any skill with photo shop I would do a chop top to see if that's any better. I don't suppose anybody has photoshop and a few minutes to spares?
I can still live with this height though. If I had any skill with photo shop I would do a chop top to see if that's any better. I don't suppose anybody has photoshop and a few minutes to spares?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,294
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From: NM
A chopped top on a high-riding truck won't look right at all.
Just my opinion, but I think about half of all frame swap projects end up on Craigslist less than half complete. The advice to get and modify a stock frame is the best you'll get. I can't see the Merc frame very well but as I recall it really isn't a very stiff frame. Even if you are going to do the frame swap, I don't know that it's a good one to use.
Just my opinion, but I think about half of all frame swap projects end up on Craigslist less than half complete. The advice to get and modify a stock frame is the best you'll get. I can't see the Merc frame very well but as I recall it really isn't a very stiff frame. Even if you are going to do the frame swap, I don't know that it's a good one to use.