So this is going to be my first full build and im super stoked about it now that im finally have money coming in i can put towards it! its a 53 ford customeline that i traded my bagged daily truck for along with another running 53 with a 239 flaty that's now the wife's car. The plans are replace rusted out areas, 302/c4 swap straighten out the front sheet metal and get it on the road before it gets to cold. Im hopeing to have this done by end of the month but well see. once winter hits plans are to 2 door swap 6" chop in front 7" rear and use a shoebox back window. might do a 54 frame swap and air bags. but this is what i got going so far btw im pretty new at all of this so dont knock me to hard what im starting with (have all the front sheet metal just sitting on side of shop) cutting rockers out some rust in floor picked up this running 302 ford $100 and c4,converter and brand new starter for $75 this was on my headliner when i got the car....think i might leave it lol this is what im going for but i want mine finished and lower
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I want to know if the '54 frame is a direct swap, if you do it, please post up results. 2 door swap and a top chop sounds like a great plan. My first custom was a '53 2 door post, still have it.
yea a 2 door is for sure along with the chop! the 54 frame is a maby all depends if i want it to lay frame but i really like the LA rake look lol so well see . i have to rebuild some of the channels on the body but from looking at it im thinking there same body as the 54 so should bolt on!
Sweet ride ! What all are you going to do to your 53 ? You need to come on over to the 52 to 56 group ! there is a great group of people there with a lot a great information to share and help you out with your build . Retro Jim
you won't be able to get that frame from me. It is no longer available. Sorry bout that. Webbs had a few... and cheap to. Was that gear box busted up or what?
gearbox looked fine inside no idea why it was poping like that. im getting new one next week along with drive shaft and other small parts i needed so should be on the road hear soon... alotho im realllllyyyy tempted to do the chop now lol. but that will most likly have to wait. no prob about the frame i dont have plans for that anytime soon. i just wanna drive it allready!!!
From experience I can tell you to move very slowly during the 4 door; 2 door swap. Only cut and move one B-pillar at a time and do it before the chop. Finish them both up as if you were'nt even going to chop it, then chop it. I did mine all at once and things got out of hand real fast.
This is very good advice. One side at a time with the 2 door conversion, and finish it like you weren't going to chop it, then lay out the chop. Also, lots and lots of bracing to keep things in line. If you take your time and do it right it should turn out great.
should be on the road by next month. i had to put off getting a welder due to founds. but im shooting for 15th of oct. just going to fix rust and get the motor tranny and and hook every thing and take it for a spin! then do the final buttoning up prime it and drive it tell the snow starts to fall. then the 2 door swap and chop! more pics coming soon
I'm tempted to say that will be too much chop. And get rid of the fuck off. Besides, if they are already in the car, it's too late. Otherwise, word.
more pics coming today. got a welder yesterday but when i went to the steel place they were closed so about to go in a few mins!!! rockers and floor should be done today, tomorrow motor mounts(if i dont get to them today) and monday wiring!
so got the pasg rockers in today! im super stoked with how they came out! i have never done this before so im happy. i wish i had an english wheel so i could of made the metal smoother but im working with limited tools! anyway so go them done and put one little part of the floor in. i have to rebuild the floor channel then i can finish replacing the rust up to the toe board. then have a little more rust at the wheel wells and im done! cant start putting back together the body! heres some pics and remember this is my first time so dont knock it to hard! still gota finish weld and grinding after i replace the floor channel i will make that floor board panel alot cleaner to mate with the rest of the floor and toe board
you'd be better off replacing the box with the problems it had bro. But I do belive you need to pull the pitman arm to take it all the way apart. Are you using a wire wheel to remove the rust first? Plug welds? Cutting off the old shit?
yea im planning on it but i cant figure out how to get the steering column shaft out to get rid of the box. there is the gear on the end of the shaft and just cant figure it out. and of course using wire wheel there is some parts that welded yet that haven't been cleaned is all. if u look around the spot welds on the floor u can see where it was wire wheeled, i did not weld or clean at the floor channel since its getting cut out
I was editing while you were posting I think.... You need to just pull the pitman arm off, then remove the box. Easiest way. It comes through the floor into the cab that way.
No. I mean It does, it just has to be taken completely apart and the only way to really get that done is just pull it out of the car. After the pitman is off, it only takes 3 bolts and it is out.
The box and the steering column come out in one piece. Usually through the bottom of the car and straight down, but without a lift, its a bitch. It will come out the other way, just have to maneuver it a bit.
ok got most of it apart allready lol just need to undo the welded pitman nut on the bottom. only reason i haven't taken it the pitman arm off yet, thanx for the info
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