Just started to finally dig into the 1953 Ranch Wagon which I have been wanting to build for some time now. The plans are to attach a gen 2 camaro front clip along with some other suspension modifications. Will be powered by a 5.3 Chevy ls motor which will receive a carb conversion with a Holley 670 street avenger and will be backed by a 700r4 transmission putting power through most likely an 8.8 inch rear. I also plan to switch the dash for a 1954 ford unit. Other than this I plan to restore most everything else to it's original form, save for my wheel selection which is yet to be determined.
PicsArt_1407036424836 by surfin posted Aug 2, 2014 at 8:30 PM PicsArt_1407036484179 by surfin posted Aug 2, 2014 at 8:30 PM PicsArt_1407036453582 by surfin posted Aug 2, 2014 at 8:30 PM PicsArt_1407036335544 by surfin posted Aug 2, 2014 at 8:30 PM
I'm a Ranch Wagon guy and just a suggestion,have you looked at the '54 frame,they have the conventional independent front suspension that is basically the same thing that they use today unlike the pin & link that was previous used with the '53 Fords. HRP
Yes, I have a 1954 4 door sedan but as I have read the suspension is still poor in design and geometry and not conducive to lowering. This is why I am using the camaro subframe as well as the benefit of disk brakes. I actually just got it initially welded together this evening after many painstaking hours of thinking and measuring
The original frame now joined with a 1977 camaro z28 crossmember equipped with a 13 to 1 high ratio steering box and a 1.2 inch solid swaybar. Still have some welding and bracing to finish. PicsArt_1407036506486 by surfin posted Aug 2, 2014 at 8:30 PM
The car has some definite rust issues but nothing overwhelming. I have been welding in small patches and pinholes here and there, still trying to decide what all to do myself and what to simply buy patch panels for. PicsArt_1407098421814 by surfin posted Aug 3, 2014 at 1:40 PM PicsArt_1407097234815 by surfin posted Aug 3, 2014 at 1:34 PM PicsArt_1407097264500 by surfin posted Aug 3, 2014 at 1:34 PM PicsArt_1407097339168 by surfin posted Aug 3, 2014 at 1:34 PM PicsArt_1407097555716 by surfin posted Aug 3, 2014 at 1:34 PM
Surfin.... I'm not trying to be a wet blanket here, but that ranchwagon has LOTS of rust.. They all do. To do it right you'll be replacing the entire lower six inches of the car. Its no fun, but its worth doing right. Check all your frame mounts carefully!
It looks worse than it is in those pictures, it is not all areas, and no structural parts of the body have been encumbered, just where rat's had nested and all the organic material was allowed to sit and get moist which was not everywhere. Actually for much of it's life in storage it was covered.
Chuck is right about this, he and I have both done this type of repairs on our Ranch Wagons. You may find some of the photos and threads helpful. HRP Chaz...'53 Ranch Wagon : http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/53-ford-ranchwagon-woodie.816780/ HOTRODPRIMER: '54 Ranch Wagon build photos
Thanks for the links, they were informative to read over. Fortunately I can assure you that the rust in mine is nowhere near as extensive as in either of yours and is only a prevalent issue in those areas which are pictured as I have thoroughly checked all areas of the car. All body supports are completely intact. I have 3 1952/3 4 door wagons and a 1954 4 door sedan to select useable panels from and the rest I will have to buy as reproductions, such as the rockers, as I do not have the tooling available to me to make them.
With a little time and effort this PicsArt_1407121674143 by surfin posted Aug 3, 2014 at 8:08 PM Becomes this! PicsArt_1407121564796 by surfin posted Aug 3, 2014 at 8:08 PM They almost look like they were meant for each other!
Finally got some time to work on it again and finished up both sides, ended up looking pretty good for a subframe swap I think. Now to clean up the rest of the frame, paint it, and then throw the body back on to figure placement of the engine and transmission. PicsArt_1408317532115 by surfin posted Aug 17, 2014 at 4:23 PM
I have a 10 bolt out of a 1964 chevelle which I have laying around that measures 59.5" hub to hub that should do the trick with an inch of backspacing on each wheel if my measurements are correct. Now I am just trying to decide whether to go with the leaf springs, which would involve buying new springs, cutting all the mounts off of the axle, and welding on perches, or just fab up the chevelle 4-link which seems to be a tempting option to me at the moment.
Rebuild the 53 front end. You have all the hard pieces in place now. All the parts are available from the early Ford suppliers. Try Joblot in NY. I believe you will be satisfied with the stock system. I am with it on my Courier. I drive it quite a lot. Ran to Florida and back to NH twice. It handled those runs no problem. The 4.3 and OD auto is a good choice for power. Your car your decision. Good luck with your build. Keep us posted. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Well the camaro clip is already on so that is that, and I drove a 1950 Ford which has nearly identical suspension 60 miles every day to high school and back and the suspension, even fully rebuilt and with a larger swaybar, left much to be desired. I live in the mountains and thus I travel on curvy roads much of the time rather than mere stoplight to stoplight or highway cruising and so this car will have a fair amount of attention paid to handling. Also the disk brakes are something I see as essential both for safety and performance so it was an easy choice for me. And yes, the overdrive is a must have for a driver as I have learned, I hope to get somewhat good mileage once it is all said and done as this will be my daily driver for work and college. I will continue to post as I find the time to work on it!
If the clip is already in place, that is good. I only meant the rebuild if you had not made the mod. Front disks are always better than drums. I have not put them on the Courier because the stock drums are in excellent shape and are working very well. In your case the clip and power train will go real well together. You should have a very enjoyable driver. It should be very reliable. Best of luck with it. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Out with the old and in with the new! Rear disk brakes off of a 3rd Gen camaro are going to be installed soon. For the moment I am going to use the original Springs for the sake of simplicity and budget with the intention of ultimately installing composite leafs in their place. PhotoGrid_1408923072282 by surfin posted Aug 24, 2014 at 4:44 PM
I may be wrong, (I often am) but I don't think that wagon is a 53...... 54 maybe. The dash is different in a 53.
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