New F5 Short Bus Owner looking for new motor advice
 

Hi All!
I just picked up 1951 Ford F5 short bus. We own a small tour company using antique vehicles and we are looking to get it back on the road. I am contemplating getting a crate 351 windsor to drop in. My question is will I need to get an adaptor plate to mate up to the transmission? Would I be better putting a new transmission in as well? Is the motor to big or should I go for a 302?
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...4cc3019cfe.jpg


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...5f243e9aee.jpg


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...a856d00631.jpg

First, welcome to FTE, the best darn place for help, advice, answers and support.
That is an ambitious project but the body on the bus looks to be fairly good condition.
To answer your questions, there is room for a 351, many have gone that route on these trucks. Regarding the transmission, since the engine in your bus is not the original engine, it's hard to tell just which transmission you have. that will take a little more research on your part.
Since you intent to use this as a commercial project, carrying passengers, you should be aware of the wheels on it. They appear to be the original 'widowmaker' wheels AKA Firestone RH 5° rims. We advise everyone with these trucks of the dangers of the wheels and in your case it should be a major concern. There are one piece tubeless replacements available, but it will require some hunting on your part.

Welcome! In addition to Joe's comments - spot on as usual especially on WMs - you would want to look at the differential to make sure that the gearing is going to support the use you have in mind. Chuck at Chuck's Trucks is your new best friend.

That bus body has some great lines and marker light features. Enjoy the journey.

Welcome to FTE!
That's a great looking bus. I have always wanted something like that.
As the guys said, there are tons of different engines people have put in these trucks.

If my 1 minute research is correct, give tours of San Francisco. This bus will be a great addition. Be sure to take lots of pictures and ask more questions. I look forward to watching your progress. It won't be easy, but we will help all we can.

Is this your current bus? Very nice!
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...4fecc40438.jpg

I would go with the 351 and a modern automatic transmission. IMHO, the 302 will be a little underpowered for a bus...:)

WM and the transimission
 

I totally agree with replacing the WM. There are some articles on the forum about using 19.5's from American Wheel as great replacement... basically motor home wheels. While not ideal for looks they seem to do the trick and will be safe.

The VW is part of our current fleet :)

@greatnorthwoods As far as the Automatic transmission will this bolt right in place or are we going to have to change the mounts. I know with the 351 we will have to change the motor mounts but I was wondering if the same would go for the transmission.

I'm no expert, but I think it would all depend on what transmission you get as to what work would be needed for mounts. You will most likely have to do some changes to get it to fit.

Have you found Classic Haulers yet? If not you need to get a catalog from them (free).
Here is the motor mount for a small block ford including the 351.
1948-64 Ford F-100 Crossmember Engine Mount, Ford Small Block 221-289-302-351 Windsor

The bus apparently has already had a drivetrain swap done at one time, as the Y-block engine in there currently is not original. You will have to investigate further to see what really is there and how the change was done, if it was good or not. Guaranteed, though, if you want to swap again to a Windsor-based small block, everything currently in place will need to be removed and all new mounts fabbed. Nothing will interchange. The Y-block was a huge power increase over the flathead, so you might consider working with what you have if it's useable at all and done well. It could save you a lot of time and money.

American Wheel Specialist also has 22.5s having the same wide face styling as the 19.5s you've seen in threads here. The 22.5" is the tubeless size equal of 20" tube types. Your bus has a mix of wheels. The pictured right front is not a widow maker while the outer right rear dual is a widow maker. You might be money ahead to first learn about the other wheels that aren't pictured. Stu

Ford F-5 Bus Update
 

Hey There Formum,
Just thought I would share some updates on the bus. We decided in the end to move the bus body onto a 1994 Ford SuperDuty frame. Great idea in theory, but we had to get rid of the kick-up in the frame so that it could fit. The motor fits well but we have had to flair out the fenders to make it more of a stock look for the width of the front end. We went with some newer vintage style gauges, new steering column from Brizio's as well. Bill out of Dream Ride Builders in Idaho is doing all the work. Here is a link to see all the work thats been done so far. Dream Ride Builders
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...ec90cbb1d2.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...9fa9b6f9f2.jpg

Y

Wow! DRB did an incredible job, it would be overwhelming to do something like that.

Amazing work and so much of it. Did you determine who manufactured the body?

It was built by Hicks. Love the styling a bit better than Wayne for sure

at this point i'd say it was mfg'd by dream ride builders...
holy smokes that is a lot of work (i.e. skill and patience)!

end result will be killer (glad i'm not signing the checks for a project of that scope).
:-X22

keep us updated.

Very nice. Great build!