The shoebox Ford thread of DOOM!!!

I'm looking at starting my first project here pretty soon, and I'm wanting to do a shoebox Ford. I'm planning on running a 351W and an AOD, what front subframe should I use? I've heard of guys using an S-10 or a G-body, but will those only work with SBC's? Would it just be a better idea to upgrade to a Fatman clip, or throw the Jaamco catalog at it? I'm a complete beginner, so the less welding/fabrication I have to do, the better (I'm not above learning how, just don't have anyone to teach me). If anyone else has pointers on how they did theirs, especially anything a newbie like me should know, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

Can I ***ume that the shoe box doesn't have any front suspension?

Nothing in the world wrong with the old Ford other than maybe being worn. If it were mine I would rebuild it if need be and then upgrade whatever needed to be upgraded. lots of upgrade pieces available for them. You will have to build motor mounts and transmission mounts for it or buy them. I am sure that someone makes swap mounts for your engine ****** combo if you don't want to build it yourself.

There are a lot of HAMBers in the Tulsa area, maybe this is a good time to make a new friend or two. I woul doffer to show you but I am 5 hours away, that said there is someone in your area that will surley be glad to help you learn what you need to.

 

I haven't found a starter vehicle yet, I want to know what I need to get before I jump in and actually buy a car, that way I'm not beset with a lot of parts I end up not needing. Around here, most of the cars I've been able to find have a front suspension, so the choice is between upgrading what's there, or clipping it.

 

Henry did a fine job on those cars. Rebuild if needed and drive.

 

PM Sent... I've got a couple for sale actually!

 

for your first ride might be best to spend the extra bucks up front for a ride with most of what you have on your wish list and learn mechanics by proper maintenance and adding upgrades. take on a big project first time out can be great for learning things the hard way and costing much more than you ever thought.

 

Also check out the shoeboxford.com web site. Lots of guys there have done engine, frame and front clip swaps.

 

That's a good point, but ya gotta start somewhere. Plus I have the HAMB to help me, right?

 

those stock front ends ****! i have one some douch put in the 38' ford truck i own way back whenever and what a ****ing mess! worn out stuff with straight axle would be huge upgrade. damm near anything is better and S10 stuff is cheap and available.

 

alot of abandoned projects started somewhere. since you know what you want to build, find a good solid car worth building and then worry about what to stick under the front end. dont get ahead of yourself. you may stumble across a car that has had an engine swap done already.

 

Rebuild whats there. Modify as your skill and confidence grow.
Getting it torn apart, cut and then realize you didnt double the projected cost, Mom/Girlfriend is freaking out, youre done. And soured on the hobby.
Slowly, son, slowly. The magazines are a good inspiration and most of the guys here are amazing but they didnt get that way easy. Youre gonna bleed some.

 

Start with the best car you can. Save your money and find a good one to begin with. The better the sheet metal to start with, the happier you will be. You can buy most of what you will need to rebuild most anything on a 49-51 Ford, although good, tight steering boxes are getting hard to find, and unless someone has started making them, steering box components may be difficult to find. Take your time, do your research and try to have a basic plan in place before you start any serious work. You'll find a lot of help here on the hamb. Good luck.

 

Just because someone tells you they **** doesnt mean it is true,They are a good front end if done right steering box is the weakest part Idler arm also.The steering box bolts to a mounting plate that is riveted to the frame rail one of the rivets shears and lets the steering box move giving you slop in the steering wheel.But it is a good front end you can get it down with a good ride good disc brake kits available along with better steering boxes.Absolutely no reason to hack your frame up.See allot of subs under them though and most look like **** because they are to wide.Fix your stock front with the right parts ,Dropped spindles,ECI disc brake kit,dropped steering arms,drop the spring pan and you can bring here down bout 4 1/2 to 5 inches with a good ride

 

AFTER TWO YEARS IT'S TIME!
I've had my '49 for almost two years - still in the shop. Had other projects underway but hope to get on it this winter. Mine need brakes and that's where I'll start - with a new master cylinder. Like others have said, I wouldn't sub it when you can fix the orignal stuff - that's my plan. Blocks to lower the back and probably dropped spindles and/or lower the spring pocket. Not sure yet. Maybe upgrade to front disc?
Either way you will learn as you go - so good luck and post a pic when ya pick out the right project car.

 

I'l agree - there's nothing wrong with the front end stuff on Shoeboxes (other than maybe a worn steering box) . Rebuild what you have to (including the idler arm ***y.) & see what ya got then . Upgrade to a front disc brake setup & dual master when you can & fix it up as you go . Don't bite off too much at once , because it'll most likely turn into a lost-interest project , and there's plenty of them already .

 

Before you plan on cutting.
Find a good SOLID body at a decent price, or if you find a body that is like swiss cheese, buy the tools and learn how to make the panels. For example, I needed 2 rockers, and 2 front rear 1/4 panles, total of over 600. Wasnt planing on spending that, as the owner said everything was there in boxs to fix it. Wish I just bought the tools to make the parts. They didnt fit so well.

Make a game plan. How do you want it to look? how do you want it to drive, is driving a beater full of holes better then not driving it and fixing the body first?
You can clip it, but why are you going to do that? Is it because people clip old cars and its like the "Must". Or you doing it for ____?


I am going mostly stock with the exception of fatman drop spindles and arms, ECI Disc Setup on the front, may use aurostar coils, stock steering box, and all new steering joints.
Remember builds can change, but fixing major mods or going back isnt as simple.
For example, I bought all the rubber for my firewall, and the orig repo firewall kick panel, now I am considering smoothing it out. If I do that then thats money lost in the resale.

If you need any help, let me know.

 

Being pretty new to all of this as well, I would suggest getting a car that is already running and on the road. That way you can enjoy your car and make changes whenever needed. Being able to stay on the road has been a huge boost in my second build. If you constantly work on them and never get to take them out, whats the point? Just my 2 cents.

Rocky

 

I've got a 49 and I want to bag it. I know I need to do a 4 link in the rear but what would be better for the front end? A fatman mustang II or the jamco ball joint conversion?

 

my steering box was a little sloppy. while installing headers last weak we noticed exactly what you were talking about, the mounting bolts were loose and causing the slop. Nice and tight now! I don't mind my front end either. A huge upgrade for me was yanking out the old heated springs and running aerostar springs.

If I were you, I would buy a nicer running car and modify, fix it as you drive. some people newer to the game can become overwhelmed by a big project if you can't enjoy it. I find this happening to me when I start too many projects at once. I'm much happier when I can drive my shoebox. The 49 and 50's have more repro parts too. I have found that some of the 51 stuff was one year parts and not reproduced (damn you missing radio knob!)

good luck man!

 

Thanks everyone for your advice. I've found a couple of cars, mostly complete, but without engine or transmission. What I'll probably do is just get engine and transmission mounts, find a motor and trans from LKQ, and get them in the car so I can get it on the road ASAP. Throwing the Jamco, Edelbrock, and TCI catalogs at the car can come later. While it's cold outside, I can work on the interior and upholstery. That way, by the time it's warm, I'll have saved enough pennies (and gotten enough progress done in other areas) to be able to have it on the road pretty quick.