Just joined the site and thought i would make a build thread for my truck. Its a 1949 ford F1 that i got this past summer. It had no engine or transmission and is in rough shape. Im gonna hot rod it. Im gonna put a mustang 2 front suspension under it, and a four link rear with an 8.8 out of a ford explorer. The motor is a 1971 429 out of a ford country squire wagon. This is the only part that im gonna have done by a professional. The plan is to have 400+hp. For the transmission im hung up between a ford top loader four speed or a late model tremec tko. Anyway here are some pictures. I also threw in some pictures of some ideas i have for the paint.
Looks like a good start. I am not a fan of mustang 2 suspensions in a truck, especially with a 429... have you considered keeping the I-beam? A lot of people have asked me over the years what suspension I have under my f-1 since it rides so nice and I always surprise them by showing them the stock I-beam and leafs.
Ive thought about it. I want it to sit fairly low and to get it where i want it i would need a drop beam and lowering springs. When i added all the parts i would need up it ended up being very close to a mustang 2 kit as far as cost goes. I figure that if i go with the mustang now, i wont regret later on not doing it. I wanna get everything done the way i want it first and not have to go back and change things, even though i know ill be doing that by the end of the project. I wanna keep it to a minimum though.
I'll be following along as you work too. But I do have to expand on this thought a bit. Long before I went with a Mustang II under one of thses trucks I would look into the Jag XJ6 front end. The weights of the vehicles match quite closely and they are very common and inexpensive. The install will be quicker and easier too. I have done Mustang II fronts under these trucks before, and the big problem is that they have to be widened, which throws the roll center out of whack and leads to a tail light feeling when driving. Next one I do will be Jag, and there is tons of info here on the H.A.M.B., just do a quick search. Everything else sounds great and I can't wait to see what you come up with.
The jag front is a good fit for these F-1s . I put one in my 51 its like it was made for it. Lots of info and build threads about them. Good luck on your build.
If you go MII, DO NOT buy a cheap kit, like I did. Buy name brand US made stuff! I was looking for an F1 when I found my 57
Another vote for the jag. I'm using one and I'm very happy with it. Installed in one weekend, bolted in. Much cheaper than a mii kit and gives a great stance. Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
It may have been over the top but it actually was the most efficient. From the frame to the back of the crane truck then down the street and right into the back of a reefer trailer.
Well my first attempt at sheet metal work was a success. Its not perfect by any means but i am happy about how it turned out. I pretty much have the fender completely patched and i was planning on blasting it and priming it today but it was too wet out so ill have to wait fo another warm streak. Anyway here are some pictures.
Well ive gotten a lot done since the last time i posted. I got the front and rear suspension pretty much done. I just have to figure out sway bars and mount the shocks in the back. I also picked up a t56 6 speed for the transmission.
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