First post, going to be a lot of questions
 

Hi all. I'm looking at a '59 f100 to buy. It's an I6/3 on the tree. My wife would be driving it too. It might be a cruiser but I would be selling my '97 f250 at some point so it would be "our truck" and do truck stuff and have to be driven by her from time to time.

To start, I've done several column to floor conversions on autos but never a std on the tree to auto on the floor. Is there a lot of difference?

Also, I don't weld so how much is involved in putting a v8 in it? Is there a bunch of cutting and moving crossmembers and such or is it as simple as new motor mounts? I love the 300/6 but probably will go with a v8. There are a bunch of 302s around here and also some 5.0FIs. I've never swapped from a carb to computer so will probably stay with a carb. While a 460 would be cool I think I'd be happier with a 302 and the 4-speed auto.

I'm sure I'm just scratching the surface with my questions but I guess another would be swapping to a more modern set of gauges. Never done that. Does anybody make one complete other than Dakota? I like dials but could live with digital if it'll shut her....I mean, make her happy. She has trouble seeing old gauges at night. Something backlit would be better. We tried those led replacement bulbs in one of her mustang builds but I think that made it worse than it was.

Anyway, I've enjoyed reading some posts today and look forward to pestering you guys a lot.

There are bolt-in kits for swapping to all manner of ford V-8's, as well as trans crossmembers for putting in a C6 auto. I know LMC truck sells these parts.

About 1-1/2 years ago I ought a nice billet gauge holder and analog Dolphin gauges on eBay, but I don't see them posted right now. You could put your own set together starting wit this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/57-58-59-60-Ford-Truck-Billet-Aluminum-Gauge-Adapter-Panel-Dash-Insert-/300976730793?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1957%7CMake%3AFord&hash=item46139c72a9&vxp=mtr
But be prepared to spend some quality time adapting the new gauges to whatever combination you happen to run.

One of the companies selling those bolt-in cross members Byrd mentioned is CPP. Here is how easy it is...and they have them for Ford engines, too.

Have A V-8

Did you buy it?
 

So, what happened? Did you buy the 59? Does it already have power steering and power brakes? If you haven't driving one of these trucks before, you might want to try it and see if your wife can handle it without these upgrades. BTW if you keep the front end greased and keep narrow tires on it, the steering is much easier.

I know this post was really about engine swaps but I will agree with keeping the original front end in tip top shape and running original spec tires, something like 205's of today, the steering is not a problem. You just can't sit in the parking lot and spin the wheel idly, you have to be rolling!