51 Ford F1 pickup questions

[martinkoe]

I am starting on a 1951 F1 Ford pick up project and am looking for pros and cons on turning this into a reliable driver. I currently have a 1997 ford 4 dr Explorer as a donar vehicle. I saw a post here about folks using S10 frames and 1 post about using a Ranger/Explorer frame. Has anyone done this, if so what major and minor snag points will I run into. Also, the 5.0 engine in the explorer uses a distributorless ignition. Has anyone found any aftermarket wiring harnesses that are designed to work with this setup.?

[sonnythebull]

I am starting on a 1951 F1 Ford pick up project and am looking for pros and cons on turning this into a reliable driver. I currently have a 1997 ford 4 dr Explorer as a donar vehicle. I saw a post here about folks using S10 frames and 1 post about using a Ranger/Explorer frame. Has anyone done this, if so what major and minor snag points will I run into. Also, the 5.0 engine in the explorer uses a distributorless ignition. Has anyone found any aftermarket wiring harnesses that are designed to work with this setup.?

or alternatively www.oddballkustoms.com (http://www.oddballkustoms.com) culd make you a whole new frame for a really reasonable price

[Doraville]

I have a '52 F1 that has a front clip from a '78 Monte Carlo (Cutlass, Regal). I didn't do the conversion; it had already been done when I bought the truck. The truck drives pretty good however.

My only complaint is that it lowered the truck about 3 inches (I prefer stock ride height). I am currently researching ways to raise it back to closer to the stock ride height.

Peace,
-DV

[bloodyknucklehill]

I am starting on a 1951 F1 Ford pick up project and am looking for pros and cons on turning this into a reliable driver. I currently have a 1997 ford 4 dr Explorer as a donar vehicle. I saw a post here about folks using S10 frames and 1 post about using a Ranger/Explorer frame. Has anyone done this, if so what major and minor snag points will I run into. Also, the 5.0 engine in the explorer uses a distributorless ignition. Has anyone found any aftermarket wiring harnesses that are designed to work with this setup.?

most folks that swap in an S-10 frame don't use the engine from it so the wiring harness gets tossed.. remember "Traditional" hot rods and customs are the name of the game here so i wouldn't go asking around much about a fuel injected 5.0.. i hope that explorer was 2 wheel drive also..

hope that didn't sound rude.. wasn't trying to.. just giving you a heads up..

[dvs28]

I drive my 50 F-1 daily, 1953 chrysler 331 and a top loader. I guess it what you want to drive?

[PegLegStrick]

Welcome from South Georgia

[henrys_way]

You can make her a good reliable driver with the stock frame too... nothing wrong with doing that. Thats how mine is. original running gear, just has a 12 volt system now.

[Ford-Man]

Depending on who you talk to, the stock frame is a better frame anyway! I would say dropping a 5.0 is a good idea, but I would not drag the electronics with it unless you are comfortable wiring everything back up. A stock 302, 289, 351 with a 2bbl or 4bbl is a solid bet for the long haul if you want to stick with Ford, and they are fairly easy to maintain with parts being available pretty much anywhere...same as your modern 5.0. If you still want overdrive, then get an AOD trans. No electronics needed. If your frame is pretty well shot, you are in luck because F-1 frames are pretty easy to find.