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1959
Can anyone help me .. I bought a 1959 Ford Panel Van for my KID it's in pretty good shape over all but the suspension and steering are a mess..I would like to know are there any standard kits out there to convert these over or would it be better to rebuild?... HELP......and where can I get the parts ..?...
John
John
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Kansas City area
Like the others have mentioned, look at the tech articles that deal with suspension alternatives. Of course you could just rebuild the original suspension with all new parts, most of which should be available from NAPA or other national auto parts stores. Best bet would be to purchase a shop manual from our sponsor Motor Haven or another vendor to get an idea of what you need. If you decide to replace the front suspension with an independent unit you should be a decent welder or have the money to pay someone to do it who is a good welder. Good luck.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,231
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From: Near Fresno, California
I am rebuilding a 59 now. Redoing the stock front end was not too expensive - new bushings and kingpins ran less than $150. Most of it is not technically challenging - lots of hard work but no real mechnical skills required. You do need to take the front axle to a machine shop to fit the new king pins. Of course your steering box and knuckles may be shot which adds lots of $$$, but again well within the skills of the average guy.
If you are staying with a stock size engine that should be all you need - if you are going for a hot rod with a fast V8 then you should consider a new independant front suspension with disk brakes - very expensive and involved.
The same with brakes - the stock drums work well enough for the stock engine and you can get a kit to add power disks for about $450. Since it is for your son that is one modification I would consider.
Anyway, post some pictures - I wish I had a panel myself.
Good Luck!
If you are staying with a stock size engine that should be all you need - if you are going for a hot rod with a fast V8 then you should consider a new independant front suspension with disk brakes - very expensive and involved.
The same with brakes - the stock drums work well enough for the stock engine and you can get a kit to add power disks for about $450. Since it is for your son that is one modification I would consider.
Anyway, post some pictures - I wish I had a panel myself.
Good Luck!
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Originally Posted by WillyB
I am rebuilding a 59 now. Redoing the stock front end was not too expensive - new bushings and kingpins ran less than $150. Most of it is not technically challenging - lots of hard work but no real mechnical skills required. You do need to take the front axle to a machine shop to fit the new king pins. Of course your steering box and knuckles may be shot which adds lots of $$$, but again well within the skills of the average guy.
If you are staying with a stock size engine that should be all you need - if you are going for a hot rod with a fast V8 then you should consider a new independant front suspension with disk brakes - very expensive and involved.
The same with brakes - the stock drums work well enough for the stock engine and you can get a kit to add power disks for about $450. Since it is for your son that is one modification I would consider.
Anyway, post some pictures - I wish I had a panel myself.
Good Luck!
If you are staying with a stock size engine that should be all you need - if you are going for a hot rod with a fast V8 then you should consider a new independant front suspension with disk brakes - very expensive and involved.
The same with brakes - the stock drums work well enough for the stock engine and you can get a kit to add power disks for about $450. Since it is for your son that is one modification I would consider.
Anyway, post some pictures - I wish I had a panel myself.
Good Luck!
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Steering Over Haul and Parts 1559 van
I am looking for parts and suggestion on rebuilding the front end the steering box is a mess and needs attention I would like to add power steering!!! any idea;s out there?... it is a 1959 f100 panel van in decent shape ..
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 932
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From: DFW, TX
John,
The front suspension alternatives the others have referenced can be found here,
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/idx/10/0/
This is a good summary and description of the most common front end upgrades. The Toyota power steering conversion is quite common also. If you search this forum, I'm sure you can find some good reading. You might also try the vendors that sell the kits, such as Mid-Fifty or Bobco.
Good Luck and Welcome to FTE!
Kent
The front suspension alternatives the others have referenced can be found here,
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/idx/10/0/
This is a good summary and description of the most common front end upgrades. The Toyota power steering conversion is quite common also. If you search this forum, I'm sure you can find some good reading. You might also try the vendors that sell the kits, such as Mid-Fifty or Bobco.
Good Luck and Welcome to FTE!
Kent
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 205
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From: Southern California
59 Panel
While I left the front suspension stock in my '59 panel, I did install a front power disc brake kit. It eliminates the requirement for "mechanical sympathy" in maintaining your distance between the vehicle ahead of you and makes it safe for use in city freeway driving. I think this is the single most important safety upgrade you can install in a weekend for about $900.00. You can do it for less if you get salvage yard parts.
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Brakes
Thanks for the help Fella's I like the disk brake idea and will look into it, what is the best way to go with parts for that ?..Chevy Ford?.. I have a great junk yard in town so parts should be -a plenty, I know there are a ton of good idea's posted but it would sure help to talk to someone that has already been where I am ... if anyone is interested 805-451-0891 my name is John
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 262
Likes: 4
From: Lake Jackson, Texas
Welcome Johnny,
I have a 60 F-100 that my son drove in high school and off to college. Look at www.ecihotrodbrakes.com. We got their disc brake kit and it was a bolt on job. You can get complete kits or basic and scrounge the rest of the stuff locally.
60 F-100
95 F-150
I have a 60 F-100 that my son drove in high school and off to college. Look at www.ecihotrodbrakes.com. We got their disc brake kit and it was a bolt on job. You can get complete kits or basic and scrounge the rest of the stuff locally.
60 F-100
95 F-150
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 205
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From: Southern California
Salvage Yard Disc Brake Shopping List
Johnny,
59Fguy posted a shopping list and procedures for the disc conversion on 57 - 60 F100's on 6-28-05 titled "power brakes". Use the search function at the top right of this page to find it. Good luck, and let us know how it goes.
KW
59Fguy posted a shopping list and procedures for the disc conversion on 57 - 60 F100's on 6-28-05 titled "power brakes". Use the search function at the top right of this page to find it. Good luck, and let us know how it goes.
KW
Last edited by krautwolf; Sep 14, 2005 at 03:12 PM.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 205
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From: Southern California
