Customs Shoebox Ford questions

I'm interested in possibly building a shoebox Ford. I'm looking at a 1950 coupe that needs some patch panels. I have looked online, but the selection seems pretty limited. Any suggestions? Additionally, the front suspension is pretty much wiped out. I know that Fatman's offers a frame stub with a Mustang II front end, but I want to explore all the options. Anybody that can recommend an alternative? A front clip maybe? Thanks, guys.

 

Limited panels? What are you needed that you don't see? Between EMS and others you should be covered.

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Thanks for the info. I don't know why EMS didn't come up on my search. It looks like have EVERYTHING!

 

Shoebox Central


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Why buy poorly made patch panels when you can make your own poorly fitting panels?

 

In addition to Fatman's look at Jamco for suspension parts.

 

try the video's to the ems guy

 

Just an easier way to go modern without the hassle of changing the front clip. https://www.performanceonline.com/1949-56-FORD-CAR/

 

If you haven't seen this yet, here's probably the definitive thread on the Shoebox Ford: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...s-po-boys-shoebox-ford-builders-guide.296506/

Some of the links are older, and so is some of the info, but this is a good place to start.

 

I found a '51 convertible that had just had the front suspension and steering all rebuilt and then the owner clipped the car. The owner gave me all the new stuff for my 49. I flipped the spindles, heated and bent the steering arms which shortened them a little..made for quick steering. I bolted in a 70s trans am/Z-28 1.25" front stabilizer bar and used radial tires. That thing would corner like a 'vette! I totally loved the way it drove and I kept the original steering geometry.
These are narrow cars. If I was going to swap the front clip, I'd be looking at GM,G-body or S-10 pickup clips. Front steer F-body [Camaro/Firebird] clips are too wide, even with negative offset wheels. Maybe somebody can chime in regarding rear steer nova/camaro , drum brake clips...the narrowest of the F-body clips.
My 49:

 

If you need a lot of patch panels you will probably need body mounts etc. This adds up to many hours and many$. I have been through this scenario, never again. There are lots of good shoeboxes to be found. You might want to consider looking further a field for a better car to start on. Just my $.02 worth. Good luck with your project

 

Well being Rocky asked for more clip info here's mine. About as easy as it gets in my book. 70 Nova clip no cut coils or dropped spindles. I prefer the rear mount steering box. It let's you run a stock core support and factory Rad. so no front tin work. The front mount steering gears mean modifying core support and sheet metal and some kind of custom Rad.

This is the Disc brake unit. Here it is after 14 years of 60K happy miles. No I did not narrow the Clip or add narrowed A-Frames. I'm running 14" GM wheels.

Here's the happy little small block. Notice NO electric fan. You probably already have heard me say I HATE electric fans in Hot Rods.

My 51 automatic steering column is connected to a 700-R-4 and no one is the wiser, except you guys here on the H.A.M.B. This car is all home built right here in my Drive Way.

The Wizzard

 

Thanks, Guys. Your info has been invaluable.