Customs 1951 Ford F5 Project...

Ok, I just acquired an awesome 1951 F5.

---> This is going to be a re-body project - with a ***mins Diesel Power Plant !

Very minimal rust. Amazing original patina.
Floor pans, Cab Corners, Fenders and Doors are solid.

Olive green paint under the blue paint that appears to have been brushed on.
(Blue paint is flaking off)
Under the blue paint on the dash (where the blue paint flaked off, and painted over the Olive Green Paint) you can read "US VEHICLE" in block letters.

Interior is in great shape.... Gauges are intact and not faded or rusted.
Bench seat is in great shape.

Needs new windshield rubber and that's about it.

Purchased near OKC, so it could have seen Air Force or Army use.

I'm planning to place the 51 Ford F5 Cab and Flat Bed on my 93 Dodge Ram 2500
(5.9 6 Cyl ***MINS DIESEL - 5 SPEED)
3/4 Ton work horse with upgraded suspension.

The 51 Flat Bed Frame appears to be factory from Ford because the metal frame has a very cool, metal embossed FORD letters in the old script.
It has a 12 ft bed, so I might end up cutting it down to 8 Ft, etc.. It's just way too long.

I also need to figure out a way to convert the BUDD Wheels on the old Ford to fit the 93 Dodge 3/4 Ton - 6 Bolt Pattern.
I do not think they are the Split Rims, so they should be good to go.

I also need to figure out a way to convert the Dodge Ch***is to air ride suspension so I can drop it pretty low, but still be able to use it for hauling loads.

I'll try to post a few pics of the project as it moves along.

The rebody shouldn't take long...

Thanks for looking
Mike
Denison, Tx

 

Don't mean to throw cold water on your plans,,but the wheels are 2 piece rims.

 

Great old truck, and amazing that you aren't dealing with the rust issues in all the usual places. You might search out late '50s or early '60s Ford F-350 wheels for a six-bolt pattern, non-split rim wheel. That's what I'm running on my '29 AA. They measure 3-1/8" from the center of the spindle to the center of the lug. It evokes the old-time look of Budd wheels, but without the issues. They are 17.5 by 8 inch tires, so a tall profile. I've got duals on the back of mine, so you'd still have that.

What kind of a pumpkin does your F-5 have? Rockwell? What's the ratio, and what's the diameter of your tires?

 

Thanks for the heads up on the rims, I thought they were one piece rims but it looks like I'll be using them as a base for my bench grinder....stools to sit on.in.my shop, etc.
Thanks..

I'll have to check the rear diff when I get back in town. All I know is that its a split case "vertically". Ill check the ratio as well.

Thx
Mike

 

Other then finding tires to fit and being dangerous for the guy in the tire shop there is nothing wrong with split rims. I would not convert the wheels though I would convert the hubs.