1953 F500 Project Begins

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Jan 5, 2025 | 06:48 PM

#31

ColbyS

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: Jan 2023

Posts: 25

Likes: 34

Quote:

Originally Posted by M2HB

It is looking good.

I am enjoying watching your build.

You are at about the same place I am, except I have been on mine for another year.
I have too many projects.

Thanks. I have also been doing an old boat restoration, which is now complete. Hopefully I can pick up the pace on this one a little bit. But, I found hail damage on the roof when I blasted. So I’ve got some work ahead of me.

Apr 21, 2025 | 05:44 PM

#32

ColbyS

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: Jan 2023

Posts: 25

Likes: 34

A little more progress. Driveline, radiator, exhaust, and fenders.

Feb 26, 2026 | 07:01 PM

#33

Chap71

5th Wheeling

Joined: Apr 2024

Posts: 37

Likes: 11

From: Bland VA

This thing looks awesome. I have an F5 but am pondering now what to do with it.

Mar 1, 2026 | 06:51 PM

#34

HT32BSX115

Logistics Pro

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 3,952

Likes: 117

From: Upper Left Coast

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColbyS

Progress on this build continues to be slow, but it is moving along. It has evolved into a much more involved build that I expected. Decided to go with a 5.9 12v Cummins and 47rh transmission. Found a deal on axles out of a 1995 F SuperDuty with disc brakes. Had to fab all of the steering components. At this point, everything has been mocked up, and torn back down. Just got the frame back from powder coat.

I think you'll like the Cummins engine in there. you'll need to heavily insulate the cab for sound deadening or you'll need to drive with earplugs! That 12V is louder than my 6.0L Power Stink !! (It's NOT noise though, it's beautiful music!!)

What axles did you finally get? DANA 80 in the back? F450/550 axles?

I did a complete rebuild on my F600 (orig) brakes and they actually work very well! I just didn't like the old vacuum booster they used and I really didn't like single circuit brakes in any case! I switched to a hydraulic boosted (dual-res) master cyl and will have separate front and back systems like modern cars and trucks.

Keep those pictures coming!!

Cheers,

Rick

Today | 05:16 AM

#35

ColbyS

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: Jan 2023

Posts: 25

Likes: 34

I can finally see the finish line! I have been able to do a few road tests and everything performed as expected. Still a few things to do, but the list is getting smaller.

Today | 05:22 AM

#36

ColbyS

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: Jan 2023

Posts: 25

Likes: 34

Quote:

Originally Posted by HT32BSX115

Rick - Axles are from a mid 90’s F Superduty (not to be confused with an F350). The rear axle was easy, same frame width and one hole in each corner even lined up with the superduty mounts, which made it easy to square up. I had the front axle shortened 3” and moved the shackles to the rear of the leafs. Used a mid 90’s Land Cruiser power steering box, had to fab the drag link, track bar, tie rod. I did a healthy coat of lizard skin inside the cab and the noise isn’t bad at all. For the brakes, I ordered one of the modern boosters/master cylinders that mount in the factory location. After testing, it didn’t provide enough volume for the huge super duty calipers, so I ordered a master cylinder for the donor truck. Adapted it to the booster and now have excellent brakes.

Last edited by ColbyS; Today at 05:28 AM.

Today | 07:09 AM

#37

M2HB

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Dec 2021

Posts: 1,265

Likes: 521

That is a beautiful truck.

You certainly can be proud of the way it turned out.

I really like the engine you chose. I had one in a 94 Dodge dually and it had plenty of power and got great fuel mileage.