Inspired by the movie "Cars" and my 9 (now 10, Edit again: now 11) year old daughter, i've parted out my Jeep and am now building a 52 Flatbed Dually with 1-ton running gear.....

plans include:
Dana 60 front narrowed 6"
Sterling 10.25 rear with 4.10 gears and disc brakes, narrowed about 8"
Jasper rebuilt 300 inline-6, with 3 x 1 barrel carbs
NP435 granny 4-speed (2wd, with drum parking brake and/or PTO for ?)
Divorce mounted Dual-Transfercases, NP203/Bronco Dana 20.
Leaf springs front with hydraulic assist steering
4-link rear with airbags.
*think about making the flatbed a hydraulic dump also......... just need all the parts, anyone have any ideas?

here's acouple pics to get the thread going.............

divorced mounted NP203, i'm only using the input gear from this case.
i'll be installed in the NP203/Dana 20 doubler i already have.
and one of the winch mounted into factory bumper........

Definitely different but also has the cool factor. Now I gonna go watch Cars!

Def. going to be a cool build.

worked on the intake manifold alittle bit today.........
it's made from 3 stock 1 barrel manifolds, i'm rotating the carbs 90 degrees, and using engine water to warm the intake (blue plates)

Definitely high on the weird factor..........did I actually say that????
:goofball: lookin good there bro!

nice.. i like gregg... keep the updates coming.. i will be starting on my heep here shortly... had to put it on hold to finish the kitchen remodel and sell the home.. i got orders to Camp Pendleton.. transfer in june... infact i just got back from cali yesterday.. bought a home.. ugh.. bout had a heart attack

Hmm, & to think I had a wreker body about the right vintage for that "tow-mater" look, if you need body,trim, & interior parts, sacremento ford has a pretty good selection,

What size & type of tire are you going to run?

Sweat project! Looking forward to seeing how this turns out.

denny; what do you mean "weird factor"?..... it's just alittle off the beaten path .

patrick; i'm sure glad i'm done with moving......... oh, how's that service transfer to the navy coming :smokin:

skipped; does sacremento ford have a website? i guess if i'm asking about gear options it would be nice to know the tire size.... planning on 2 sets, street mud tires are about 32" and don't have others yet, but i'm sure they will be no taller that 35"

some pics of the axles, going to try to mount the steering box better another day.

EDIT: i decided not to go with this pictured Dana 70 rear, it's locked up and has 5.86 gears.......not what i want for this truck.

denny; what do you mean "weird factor"?..... it's just alittle off the beaten path

kinda like the pot callin the kettle black...........

I like all of it just cus it is different!

Here is there site, http://www.vintageford.com/

I know you can get a nice catalog for 48-56 for around $10, well worth it,

Ill be watching this build, I too have an older 4x4 (49), but it is not as versitle as yours,

Here's some pics,

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/skipped_link/album?.dir=89d0&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos

If your interested in a build up thread PM me & I'll send you a link,

Here is there site, http://www.vintageford.com/

I know you can get a nice catalog for 48-56 for around $10, well worth it,

Ill be watching this build, I too have an older 4x4 (49), but it is not as versitle as yours,

Here's some pics,

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/skipped_link/album?.dir=89d0&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos

If your interested in a build up thread PM me & I'll send you a link,


damn that is a badass truck! i love to see older trucks lifted

Nicer project, I love the look of the older ford trucks. Nice choice of a motor too.

Here is their site,

Fixed it for you! :D

Here is there site, http://www.vintageford.com/I,

nice website, thanks.........i did order a catalog.
also, that a great looking truck you have built, nice job.

Dana 60 and Sterling 10.25 cut down..........
http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/housingwithoutcknuckles.jpghttp://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/Cwith2inchesoftube.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/sterling8.JPG

Awsome, I love to see old iron builds :smokin:

here is what i did with my 54 f3 old trucks turn heads

i see you are from central pa i am from halifax what town are you from

i see you are from central pa i am from halifax what town are you from

i live in manchester, north of York. i guess that makes us neighbors.......(hey, if you hear of a good 48-52 cab for sale, i'm looking---mine is worse than it looks in the 1st pic)

not much progress, got the intake connecting pieces made, i split some 2" square tubing, removed about 3/16" and made upper and lower halfs, they match the factory runners pretty good. A friend is going tig weld for me later.

also removed the original Flathead V-8...

and i pulled the input gear out the divorced NP203 to install in my doubler---3rd pic.

here's a pic of my old dual-transfercase i built for my Jeep, that i'm going to install the divorce input get into, and a link to the original build up http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/2transfercase.html

and another with all the parts i'm using for the carbs and intake.....

the 3x1 intake is over at a friends house getting Tig welded, so i thought i'd finish converting the transfercase to a divorced mount.

the shifters are mounted as i ran them with the TH350 tranny in my Jeep, now it's just temp. while i think about the length of the intermediate driveshaft, yokes or conversion U-joints, PTO, and driveshaft mounted parking brake stuff.........

it's a pretty long drivetrain, i'm not sure of my final wheelbase yet, but i'm relocating the rear axle back at least 6" from factory.

thats freakin amazing!you gonna use the PTO too?

inside the mind of Gregg..........

http://blueballfixed.ytmnd.com/

thats freakin amazing!you gonna use the PTO too?

I figured i had it on a SM420 that's been doing nothing for too many years.

1st thought was to convert the winch to PTO drive, but don't like that idea.

then thought; point it back under the bed (have plenty of clearance), to operate a hydraulic pump/reservior, 2 way valve system i already have to power a dump(tilt) flatbed.............

really haven't put much thought into it yet.
anyone got any idea?.........................denny?

Oh yeah, the PTO has one speed forward and reverse,

my brain has been rotting in my current job,little brain dead right now.might try and call ya saturday...........

I always thought it would be cool to own a 50s Ford converted to 4x4.
I will defintely keep an eye on your progress.

I cant see a reason to heat the intake
I can see them running coolant to cool the egr port

there's been much writing about heating 300 intakes to help fuel atomization.... I think it will help my idle and off idle performance.

finally remove the factory tranny crossmember,
will probably fab something new but was suprised to see it bolted up to my NP435.. its perfectly in the way of the front driveshaft path.

The pic of the intake isn't showing up for me, not sure if anybody else is having the same problem. Great project, keep up the good work.

i'll try again,
here's the 3rd try upload this picture.......

looks sweet

test ran the intake with the end carbs blanked off on my 78 F-150.
all i did is swap out intakes, used same carb/exhaust etc... for this first try.....
it started, idled and and ran good first try.

change 2.........
going with a Sterling rear instead of my Dana 70.......
i got a single rear tire from and '87 F-350, will be converting to dually with disc brakes.
here's a couple initial test buildup pics for measuring and stuff.
will be adding 2" spacer on outside of wheel hubs to correctly line up rotor and give room for GM calipers.
also i'll be narrowing it about 6 1/2" on each side.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb252/52FordF-3/sterling%20rear%20axle/IMG_8392.jpg

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb252/52FordF-3/sterling%20rear%20axle/IMG_8393.jpg

also have gotten the 3 x 1 carbs setup running on my test truck, runs/drives on center carb until about 3/4 throttle and then end carbs come in.

almost current pic.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb252/52FordF-3/3%20x%201%20carb%20and%20intake/IMG_8355.jpg

your on fordsix.com, arent you? i think ive seen your build there too. either way, im diggin the 6 build. :D

your on fordsix.com, arent you? i think ive seen your build there too. either way, im diggin the 6 build. :D
yeah, i post on there once in awhile.

got about 1/3 of the rear axle done............
hoping to have it under the frame and start on the 4-link over the 4th.
http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/IMG_8547.JPG

Nice work so far. I don't want to know how much that rear axle weighs.....

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=298682&stc=1&d=1176644302

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:X0EiC64_wYER9M:features.cgsociety.org/stories/2006_06/cars/mater.jpg

Mater!!! :flipoff2: How are you doin'? looking good Gregg.

What's up Denny?

been working on locating the rear, about ready to remove and finish welding everything up and painting. the airbags are for buildup, i might replace with coils once the ride hieght is set.

does it look like my lower arm are triangulated enough?

Really cool!!! 300 is one excellent motor. Your project is unique & inspiring. I have been patiently awaiting updates. THANX:D

I'm not a Ford fan but I'm really diggin' this build. Looking good and keep the updates coming! :)

BS... your gonna run bags and you know it. you just dont want to tell anyone here that. :flipoff2:



no seriously, run the bags. its diffrent. and i really love the build up. its turning out sweet.

lol, your right.......... i even thinking about swapping out the front for radius arms and bags............. :)

finished tranny, would like to find a PTO that will fit (mine have wrong gear pattern)......

Looks great! Keep the pics coming!

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u293/EGud/50-n-mud-web.jpg

no seriously, run the bags.

definitely. different and comfy - especially if it's gonna be a multiuse thing that might wheel, haul and tow.

great build so far, looking forward to updates!

Surprised you're not running EFI exhaust manifolds? Nice to see another 300 6! :)

Surprised you're not running EFI exhaust manifolds? Nice to see another 300 6! :)

i do plan on using the EFI manifolds, i just didn't use them on my "test motor" in my '78 F-150.
http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/efimanifolds.JPG

here's a link with a few pics of the actual engine i'll be running. http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/300

got the engine block bolted to the tranny (hanging from chain hoist), and my old YJ gas tank and skid plate mounted.

now i can decide the final location of engine/tranny and transfercase, and start on the mounts/crossmembers

http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/enginemockup3.JPG

http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/enginemockup1.JPG

Lookin badass! Can't wait to see this buildup progress!

Gregg,you got this on the road yet?Errrr the trail?
http://old.ournet.md/~click/soricel.gif

hey denny,
if you count installing temp. wheels/tires and rolling out of garage "on the road", then yeah you betcha.

finished welding up the sterling 10.25 today, ready for some paint tomorrow...

well isnt that purdy? did you figure out the shafts?

well isnt that purdy? did you figure out the shafts?

theres never been anything to figure out, it has standard 35-spline side gears. with one of the normal full-floater shaft bolt patterns. i'll be ording some custom length ones from "Moser Engineering".

i was wondering who you were going to get them from... i love my mosers.:D

Moser can eat shit and die.

I bought some of their alloy dana 44 shafts and sheared the ears off the first time I drove on them, and they would not do a thing for me. They shipped SHIT product that broke where a stock axle would not have failed and after giving them a whole lot of money they just washed their hands of it and said "sorry we don't warranty those"

I will never give those theives another penny and encourage anyone else not to as well.

Moser can eat shit and die.

I bought some of their alloy dana 44 shafts and sheared the ears off the first time I drove on them, and they would not do a thing for me. They shipped SHIT product that broke where a stock axle would not have failed and after giving them a whole lot of money they just washed their hands of it and said "sorry we don't warranty those"

I will never give those theives another penny and encourage anyone else not to as well.

wow. ive heard bad things about them since i bought them... but mine was a timing reason. it was my DD and i needed it ASAP. But, im really hoping mine never break...:eek:

Great pictures on the build up man. I cant wait to see it when its done. You rearly ever see trucks that year used for a build up. Excellent choice man.

I've probably had about 5 or 6 shafts cut down and replined from Moser, the only complaint is once they shipped a dual transfercase shaft to me and the packaging could have been alot better. I have never bought new shafts from them before, Hmmm maybe i should look around...............

you think the last axle picture was purdy, you could eat off it now :D

i'm currently building engine mounts and the rear crossmember for the transfercase (having some problems designing something i like to bolt to the back side of my Bronco Dana 20).
also priming and painting rear 1/2 of frame.

Very cool build :D What did you do with the flathead? And if you ever come across a spare cab I'm in desperate need of a drivers door for a 48-52 Ford.

Very cool build :D What did you do with the flathead? And if you ever come across a spare cab I'm in desperate need of a drivers door for a 48-52 Ford.

I kept the flathead i took out, it's stored under the stairs in my garage.......:D

i'm also looking for a better cab/front-clip/doors for my truck, mine are repairable, but will be alot of work. i've found them for sale, but always cost more than i want to spend,
good luck finding a door....if i hear of something i replay again.

very cool build
i like the creativity of it
are you using 3/4 ton or 1 ton chev brackets/calipers/rotors on the sterling?
did you have to machine the hub down at all for the rotors?

Two bad you guys are so far away, I have a pair of complete front clips that are in decent shap, no doors though,

Progress looks good.

fawkin sick build. i love the old iron. i think you should do a drw set up. it'd be totally sick to see a trail ready dually floating around. i'm talkin out of my ass though.

killer build. period.

skipped_Link, thats one of the problems of living in the Salt/Rust belt hard to find good old iron local. i went to look at another cab yesterday, just too much work to repair. but thanks for the offer anyway............

TroyM, the rotors i'm using are from a 2003 dodge 3500 rear, the caliper mounts are modified chevy 1/2 ton (i'm either going to get the Cadilac calipers with parking brakes or a drum brake setup for my tranny, not sure yet.)
some axle build pictures here, http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/sterling.html

MattyB4x4. i am planning an running dual rear wheels, i don't have the tires i want yet.......looking for some old style 7.50-16 mud tires, something like 6 of these, http://www.deantires.com/us/en/images/tires/large/courserTractionLT.jpg

the bottom pic is my wheels i'm using.

Damn kick ass build. Inspires me futher to dabble in vintage iron:beer::beer::beer:

68 dodge powerwagon dwitcher? :flipoff2:

Tires your looking for would be out of Coker Tire http://cokertire.com/they got lots of retro tires brand new.......but with todays non reto prices unfortunatly..........

ok not finding them there now.........

One of the coolest projects I’ve seen.

Do you have any updates?

i've got a kind of update,
actually not much has happen to the F-3 frame except removed rear axle and susupension, then primed n' painted back 1/2 of frame, suspension links and 10.25 and re-assembled.

BUT, i now have way too much to think...........

i've been looking for a better cab/doors/fenders/hood etc... mine is fixable but will be alot of work/time. anyway my search ending with me buying a whole truck off ebay, a '51 F-1.
it ended up being in damn good shape, (interior picture is factory everything. paint, windshield, guages etc...)
so i'm debating what to do......
1. swap my axles, suspension and dual-transfercase into this truck? but it's frame is about 12" shorter and i think it will look too short being a dually 4x4.
2. the flathead V-8 runs very smooth, should i keep it? (had been rebuild along time ago, and hardly has any miles.......... but, i love the 3 x 1 carb'ed Inline-6 i'm building.
3. the flatbed is brand new, frame/wood/hardware etc..... but is 12" shorter & 2" narrower than my rusty flatbed frame. and, i just like the look of the longer one.
(keep in mind i'm pretty cheap, and am always looking to sell parts if i can make acouple $$, to buy more parts........)

thats a nice original body.

i would swap the new body on the F-3 and see if you can put your old F-3 body on the F-1 and sell that off as a good runner project truck.

Now that you have two

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/2/28/Aerosmith_-_Pump.JPG

Just a suggestion

i've thought about swapping the F-3 body onto the F-1 selling it, but it's really in bad shape (there are no cab mounts left)..........
i've got the "running Flathead V-8 For-Sale" here http://forum.olskoolrodz.com/showthread.php?t=38549 also posted a video of it starting and idling http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/bb252/52FordF-3/?action=view&current=MVI_9006.flv 56 year old engine:smokin:

anyway, here's a current picture of the rear, the tires are about 1" from frame............
still need to buy axle shafts and shocks.

also i'm back to working on the forward mounts of lower control arms and dual-transfercase rear mount, (will be the same crossmember) fyi, i plan to move the link mounts inboard some to get alittle more triangulation.

I would really like to see your project when your finished. It's a great looking truck and your workmanship is tops.

i've created a few Frankenstien things in my past, but this sure is getting ugly.
(and i even put some thought before welding :shaking:)........

i had a few things to take into consideration,
1. wanted to re-use the front crossmember from my Jeep (that was the original use for this dual-transfercase)
2. i wanted to combine the rear mount with the rear lower control arm mounts
3. make it solid enough to mount my single (or dual) hydraulic actuators for my "dump flat-bed" system that is yet to be designed. (to the grey rear 2x2 bar.
4. build in some adjustability, i can shim either the front or rear, up or down and also the rear can be slid alittle left or right.
5. locate it in a good functional and visually location, not to low/high or forward/aft, (thats why the factory crossmember had to be cut out and replace with one with a "hump". and now the cab floor will have to be modified......
i alway seem to make stuff harder that it needs to be....
still gonna touch up some welds, grind acouple corners, and add gusset or 2.
http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/52tcase2.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/52tcase1.jpg

Build looks good, and your thread is interesting. Your last pics inspired an idea in my head on how to build some crossmembers.

what paint or coating stuff are you using on your frame? is it rust preventing stuff?
i need something like that for my frame

thanks

here's what i'm using, seems like good primer............ but i have no long term experience.
http://www.eastwoodco.com/images/us//local/products/detail/p8450.jpg

here's the web site; http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemID=1129&itemType=PRODUCT

little progress, i cut up my very rusty cab for use to make/modify the firewall/floorboard to fit my engine/tranny, hanging clutch/brake pedals, parking brake lever and both dual-transfercase levers......bla bla bla
i moved the engine as far forward and down as it can go.

http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/IMG_9283.JPG

http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/IMG_9281.JPG

Sick build so far man!!! Can't wait to see this thing done,

Can't wait to see this thing done,
I'm with you,
i've been working on it for about 10 months, i figure another year or year & 1/2 and i'll be driving it..........DONE, probably never...

man this is gonna be sick!!

subscribed!:D

not much real progress........ got some new front tires and finished hubs.
these aren't the most hardcore tires or locking hubs, but i'm going for the "Resto-Mod" look. Plans are to get another set of more agressive tires down the road sometime.

think i'll break any Dana 60 front parts running these?........:smokin:

http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?photoid=168143http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?photoid=168144

I doubt you can break any parts on that dana 60 with those tires but they are sticking with your theme. Those old selctro classic hubs are plenty strong with all steel parts and the easy to grab knob, granted they do protrude from the wheels a bit and can snag on rocks or trees.

finally alittle progress,
been working on the steering, when i parted out my Jeep, i kept this section of the frame to use to mount the steering box. it's just the initial test fit, but i left myself alittle work to do repairing the crossmember.

http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/52steering2.jpghttp://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/52steering9.jpg

the suspension should compress about 1 1/2" from were is is now to final ride height, i think i might have gotten lucky and be able to use the same pitman and steering arms. i also plan to make some bumpstops to prevent contact between frame and draglink.

anyone see any issues or have recommendations before i finish mounting and rebuild the crossmember?

haven't been doing much work at all on the '52, this documents the last 2 months.

installed some monroe shocks (bent the shock mount alittle), folded the leaf spring clamps over (i used misc. leaves from different packs to build these front leaf packs) also have about completed the steering box mounting (still have a brace planned) and the engine mounts are completed.

i'm trying to get alittle modivated to keep working, always seem to slow down in the winter months...........

http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=171783&.jpg
http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?photoid=171782

got the transmission, dual-transfercase and parking brake levers location/mounting finished........
i'm still debating using a floor mounted shift lever or dash mounted cable to operate the PTO, anyone know of a source for a vintage or vintage looking "under dash mounting PTO control panel"?

http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/IMG_9464.JPG http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/IMG_9470.JPG

PM sent.
awsome build BTW

subscribed

just wanted to say AWESOME build man. most unique project I have seen too date!

finally back to making a little progress, no drivetrain work. But i've started the body. hope i can keep it going.
here's acouple current as of yesterday...........

http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/IMG_0008b.JPG

http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/IMG_0002.JPG

undecided about undercoating floor, anyone know of a brush on bedliner type material thats not as ruff as herculiner? (something alitter closer to a quality spray in like Rhino)

updates! :bounce2::bounce2::bounce2:

the local "bolt cool things on my diesel" shop uses "Reflex" i think? its a soft, rubbery type undercoating/bed liner. We had them do it to a couple things, i liked it. but im almost sure it has to be sprayed. well worth the money tho. :smokin:

prep'ed primed some of the pieces..........

http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/IMG_0014.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/IMG_0032.JPG

lookin good!:smokin:

been awhile since any updates, i've really got tired of the body work.......... i'm ready to get back to the mechanics of the build. anyway i have the firewall/tunnel cover modified for the 300 I-6/NP435 and 4 sticks. 99% of body prep is complete. Now i'm just waiting for the perfect weather to spray the sealer/base and clear coats..... i want about a week of sunny warm dry days before i start.

http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/paint36.JPGhttp://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/paint30.JPG

http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/paint34.JPGhttp://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/paint37.JPG


http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/paint35.JPGhttp://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/paint38.JPG

http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/paint31.JPGhttp://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/paint40.JPG

saweeet.:smokin:

id love to see this when its done! im up near Pottsville/Sunbury area.

Anybody else catch the wagoneer grill hanging on the wall with working lights?
Very cool build! I'm sitting on a 59 F100 4x4 project and this thread has got me wanting to get busy with it. Keep it coming.

Man his thing is looking sweet! Can't wait to see the finnished product.

Man his thing is looking sweet! Can't wait to see the finnished product.

i agree :smokin:

id love to see this when its done! im up near Pottsville/Sunbury area.

I'm thinking i should have it driving next spring, think the first show/event will be http://www.jalopyshowdown.com/ this year i was a vender, it was a great time...........

I am really digging this build, great attention to detail :beer:

For some reason the dualie rear with the old school tires are really doing it for me :smokin:

I'm loving this build as well! Can't wait to see the final product. I love these old iron builds! Also love the sound those old Flatheads V8s put out, did you ever get that sold?

Pro - You been wheeling any lately? Got and new vids of the Super Beast tearing it? :mr-t:

Pro - You been wheeling any lately? Got and new vids of the Super Beast tearing it? :mr-t:

Only recreational wheeling, nothing competitive. Currently, I'm tearing down upper end of the motor and wrenching on the eb crawler, no new video. I never take it myself so only get some when I luck out with somebody else videotaping.

/hijack off

starting to paint............finally
these are some dash pieces and a lower front fender.

some progress pics....................

last one shows the HUGE freaking problem i've been having with the 50 year old red "enamel" paint bleeding through.

I've got to repaint bought front fenders.............ouch.

Damn Gregg. Looking great. Are you using a primer/sealer or a regular primer?

I really want to see this progress so I can get your reaction on the flooring/insulation you used with the bedliner. I'd love to do something similar but I'll wait to hear how well it works and more importantly how it holds up.

Damn Gregg. Looking great. Are you using a primer/sealer or a regular primer?


Hey John,
actually, there is a coat of primer and seperate coat of sealer on everything. it seems that if we dont' wait long enough between the base coat and clear coat (or if we put on the first clear coat very heavy) it pulls the red through all the layers as the clear coat dries.
the corner of the cab thats taped off and painted has 2 coats of sealer on it. even though it's alot of extra work, i think thats my only option.

i know that if you don't cover led based paint well it will bleed through your finale paint job. i have had the same problem on a 53 plymouth where i got into the old paint.

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undecided about undercoating floor, anyone know of a brush on bedliner type material thats not as ruff as herculiner? (something alitter closer to a quality spray in like Rhino)


Did you decide on a product to line the floor of the cab? On mine I planned to do dynamat or something similar and cover it with a spray bedliner. I'm not sure if the dynamat is needed or compatible tho... I agree some softer stuff would be best for sound deadening

Holy shit, I was searching for bed liner and came across this. I usually don't like fords, really prefer Chevy's, but I'm blown away :eek: Very good job! :smokin:
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Did you get to work on it lately? I am really interested in this thread. I know where two old f-3's are setting and would like to grab one up and build something similiar. One is an old fire truck with less than 10,000 miles on it. I am not sure about the other one. Both have been setting in a garage for the last 25 or so years. (The fire truck has never set out.)

Did you decide on a product to line the floor of the cab?
I'm planning on using duplicolor on the inside floor and underneath, but i won't decide for sure until i test it someplace.
didn't get anything done this weekend, was a big car-show weekend and i've been selling off old stuff I no londer want.

http://www.jegs.com/images/photos/300/318/318-TRG250.jpg

Damn Sick build... Time to time the hit the garage , and finish up my neon dd. I guess I am gonna pop CARS in while wrenching :)

Finally done painting, well almost...........still have some spraycan black and stuff.
heres a pic of the cab, still have to wet sand and buff.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=193644&.jpg

I'm sure glad this stage is almost over, getting back to the "chassis" work, plan to work on driveshafts, brakes, and cylinder head........ then finish painting frame.

Subscribing...

some actual drivetrain updates,
pulled the transfercase back out to finish up some welding on the brackets & mounts, then cleaned and primed the center section of the frame. hope to topcoat this week and get the T-case installed for the last time........:)

little info on the transfercase i originally build for me Jeep years ago.
It's a bronco Dana 20 with a low-range section from a Chevy NP203 and a homemade adaptor. I ran it married to a TH350 for years but converted to a divorced setup for this truck, I used a 3rd transfercase for the input shaft/gear and yoke.

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Nice Build.:smokin:

Hey Gregg, did you run out of maroon paint? :confused:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=384702&stc=1&d=1218417331

Looking good! Wish you were still close enough for me do come by and check it out.

Hey Gregg, did you run out of maroon paint? :confused:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=384702&stc=1&d=1218417331

Looking good! Wish you were still close enough for me do come by and check it out.

hey john, I hear yeah about being closer.......
your image link didn't work, are you talking about all those spray cans of rustoleum i had?

Yep, that's what I'm talking about. It's really strange not to see maroon paint on
a project.

a few update pictures.........

Coated the cab floor with Duplicolor bed-liner, it has 3 thin coats and i plan to put a couple more on later. I'm going to put 2 coats on the underside and also inside if of fenders etc..... it is pretty hard (not rough/scratchy like "herculiner") not neary as thick as i thought it would be, you can still see the spot welds pretty easy.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=196468&.jpghttp://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=196470&.jpg

got the transfercase in for the last time i hope........(I guess future testing will tell if the rear mounts holds up, the front one is made to prevent rotating.)

and started building driveshafts, top is going between tranny and T-case and lower one is the rear shaft......(i'm going to take to a shop to have true'd, welded and balanced)

Great build!

I'm building a somewhat similar 54 Ford 4x4. If mine turns out even half as nice as your's is looking I'm going to be a happy guy! :D

I'm a little late on this but the roll on bedliner I'm going with on mine is called Durabak. They sell a smooth version. They also offer it in different colors.

Thats purty! Loving the build man, can't wait to see more!

thanks for the compliments, these buildup threads (not talking about mine) all help to keep me motivated to work in mine (not to mention all the great ideas i steal from you'all)

here's how it looks today............

all i can really say is wow.

I've changed my mind and am going to weld my intermediate and rear driveshafts myself. I'm able to get them within .010" of being true with my dial indicator. (there is that much slop in a tight stub and slider.)
I'm planning on tack welding every 90 degress and if it's still true, welding them up while installed. (then when i test drive it another year, i'll see how they feel).

removed tranny, front axle and suspension for the last time (i hope). finished up welding everything on the front 1/2 of frame, and primed and painted. (still have alittle touch up to do) any comments on the jackstand/dolly combo?:homer:

and a pic of some interior progess on the cab........brown/blue: looks different that for sure.........

Can't wait to see this done. I think it looks great. To me the '51-2 grille looks better than the '49-'50. The dash is going to be killer white.

Wow.....It has came a long way. Dig the teddy bears! :bounce2:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=298682&stc=1&d=1176644302

Finished up alot of little stuff, I'm getting really close to putting the cab on the frame. It's been over 2 years since i've had room in the garage for a 2nd vehicle. Have some plans for a not street legal ratrod with a bigblock chevy...........:smokin:

next i'll be re-doing the head, including some carbide bit work to port the head/intake/exhausts and just clean up some casting lines etc......

john; i'll have to take a picture from the same angle as the one you posted. (before i install the flatbed)

freakendawgen; you still out there?

pimpin! more pics.

pimpin! more pics.

acouple of the finished front and intermediate shafts and mount. the front/front shaft is make of 1/4" wall tubing to add alittle more clearance around the oil pan/tranny etc.....

fyi, the tranny mount looks pretty crazy because i make it adjustable. I plan to work out the intermediate driveshaft vibrations i suspect i'll have by adjusting the height of the tranny or transfercase. once final tranny height is achieved, i'll build a solid mount.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=200369&.jpg

http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=200368&.jpg

http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=200367&.jpg

Very nice build, that truck is going to be a real head turner. Good to see someone take their time, using some imagination and doing it right.

wow..... really nice work..

Sure makes my 4x4 f-1 look rough compared to yours.

1 year and 11 months........"cab is on the frame"...............(still sitting about 1" higher in the front than the final ride height will be)
starting to think i might be able to have it driving by next summer (not finished, but driving).
plan's to start working on the flatbed next.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?photoid=201331&.jpg=

Nice....

Sweet! Nice work!

Cool truck!! can you do me a flavor though, and tie the upper link mounts into the diff? im afraid just 2 tube ends arnt gonna be strong enough :(

Awesome build, i wish i had as much skill and patience as you!

i agree with halogrinder aswell, two tube ends probably wont be strong enough.

Cool truck!! can you do me a flavor though, and tie the upper link mounts into the diff? im afraid just 2 tube ends arnt gonna be strong enough :(

thanks for the comment, i do prefer to NOT learn every(freakin)thing the hard way.

you can't see from the other pics, but i did make acouple passes between the tubing and the diff. housing, on the front and back sides.....(now that i re-think it, a couple gussets would've been some good insurance.)

hmmm interesting. is this just gonna be a driver, or an actual pull-things-around truck?

if its the former, go for it! the latter, i would make a gusset go down that diff cover w/ a strap of 1/2 by 2 inch wide so you can make it removeable.

to the diff cover? :smokin:

Go forward if anything.... Or fill in the voids with some .120 or .095 plate.

yea, you never have seen a diff cover tied into a rear upper link truss?

I really like the attention to detail. Why did you use a doubler, especially one with a dana 20, it doesn't seem like this is a truck that would need a super low crawl ratio.

oh hey another option (its a 14 bolt right?) is to get a nose plate on the pinion from blue torch to go from the front.

It's a 10.25" not a 14 bolt.

and I've seen it before and think that you've got to be high to think it's a better idea than going forward.

no but its the most simple way of putting more strength in there. ideal? no. secure and will do the job, plus signifigantly add strength to the truss? absolutely.


buy an aftermarket heavy duty diff cover, add two tabs on the cover, and one on the truss with a bolt. done.

and that's simpler than making a couple webs that go forward on the diff housing? I suppose if one is scared of welding to cast steel that would make sense. I for one would rather not tie into something that has to be removable, and has to seal as well.

i guess you have never delt with a quality diff cover then :rolleyes:

I really like the attention to detail. Why did you use a doubler, especially one with a dana 20, it doesn't seem like this is a truck that would need a super low crawl ratio.

I was just going to go with a granny 4-speed and a 205, but that seemed to easy. This doubler is leftover from a jeep i build a few years back and I just decided to use it because I like it. (i may enter a slow drag someday:homer:)


as far a building a truss to the diff. cover of the Sterling 10.25, i replaced that cover with a ford factory 2008 10.50 finned alluminum cover. If you could see the way i've welded that tube to the top section of the housing in person, you could tell it's attached pretty solid.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=324612&stc=1&d=1189503490

Had been planning to work on the cylinder head and intake/exhausts some and send to machine shop for alittle work. but this warmer that normal weather has keep me outside......
here's 2 pics of the flatbed i've been working on. it's still just the initial test fit and buildup, I hope to set on the truck this next week.
future plan is to paint the bed frame satin (or semi-gloss) black. lightly stain the rough cut wood and seal it with a few coats whatever.......

It's looking good!!

Is this the same fram or from something else if so what year make ect?

Is this the same fram or from something else if so what year make ect?

read/type much?:confused:

more pics of the bed. im interested in how its going to turn out. Keep it up!:grinpimp:

very nice work!

a couple of the flatbed, I still plan to paint the frame black and stain/seal the oak boards (a little lighter, but similar to the color of the old wooden toolbox sitting on the bed)

this is the first picture i've posted that has some perspective to see just how much i narrowed the rear axle. (this bed was originally for a single rear wheel truck, i just don't like the look of single wheel flatbeds as much)....

I think you need to use thicker boards to make your frame rails flat. The 2"x?8"? look like they will flop over with a load. I'd at least use 2 of the 2"x?8"? on each rail and bolts/u-bolts to hold them too.

Way cool rig!!!!:D

I think you need to use thicker boards to make your frame rails flat. The 2"x?8"? look like they will flop over with a load. I'd at least use 2 of the 2"x?8"? on each rail and bolts/u-bolts to hold them too.

Way cool rig!!!!:D

this is pretty much the standard old way to mount flatbeds, once completed it will be very secure. (i also plan to mount the dump system to these boards, with some steel plate reinforcements in acouple locations.)

i thought that lumber was just temporary..guess not

i think leaving the flatdeck frame all rusty will add to the badassness of this rig

i thought that lumber was just temporary..guess not
i think leaving the flatdeck frame all rusty will add to the badassness of this rig

i'm still going to take everything completely back apart to stain and seal the wood and prime and paint the frame black. but first i want to make a trailer hitch, repair a few areas, mount the tail lights and license plate etc.... i hope to have it all back apart before the 1st of the year.

I also considered leaving the frame rusty (as is), but decided against it.

i'm still going to take everything completely back apart to stain and seal the wood and prime and paint the frame black. but first i want to make a trailer hitch, repair a few areas, mount the tail lights and license plate etc.... i hope to have it all back apart before the 1st of the year.

I also considered leaving the frame rusty (as is), but decided against it.

I think you made the smart decision on deciding to paint the flatbed frame black. The rest of the truck looks way too good to leave the flatbed frame rusty.

this is pretty much the standard old way to mount flatbeds, once completed it will be very secure. (i also plan to mount the dump system to these boards, with some steel plate reinforcements in acouple locations.)

Those brackets look good. I was just saying that I thought the board should be more like 3" wide or so to match the truck frame rail flange.

Like I said its a way cool rig and you've done a great job.

ps do paint the bed like you said.

Is this the same fram or from something else if so what year make ect?

don't know why i didn't answer your question before......
i'm not sure of the origin of this flatbed. It was last on a '69 single rear-wheel ford. but you can tell it's been on atleast one other truck because the frame rail brackets have been moved. I was trying to find some parts and found it's almost exactly the same as a '27 - '31 Model AA truck. I'm pretty sure it's alot older than the truck.

i just seen the "49f2owner" i.d., so it's for sure not a '48 - '52, F-1,2,or 3 size.

had some time to do alittle cutting/grinding/welding........and then added about 100 more pounds to the rear of the truck.

cut the center section out of an older trailer hitch i had and made the rear hinge points for the dump bed.

did u ever get a hoist for the flatbed???

did u ever get a hoist for the flatbed???

i think your talking about what i'm going to use to make it a dump bed?
I got these 14" stroke, 1 1/4 diameter shaft cylinders and shackle looking things from a golf course lawn mower going to the scrap yard. All i know for sure is the mount point of the truck frame, everything else i still need to figure out..........

Great build up, truck looks nice. Talking about the wooden frame rails under your flat bed, your right I have seen lots of them on a fixed bed. they were usually bolted with 2 pieces of all thread or a square u bolt. But when dealing with a dump bed, seems to me like the rails were always metal.
I'm not trying to criticize your build, way better than mine, I just thought I would throw in my 2 cents worth.

come on, leave the deck frame rusty. you know you wanna, and its less work!

hopefully the bottom wood frame will hold up to the deck smashing into the frame when it retracts back down. you could always build some little bumpstops or something underneath too. the blue color looks great by the way

i think leaving the flatdeck frame all rusty will add to the badassness of this rig

x2, I think that would be tight. But its your build, not ours.

been thinking about the flatbed frame rails, i do plan to bolt some steal to them in critical spots........

anyway no updates, the truck is kind of on the back burner. i've been working on the interior of my newest project.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb252/52FordF-3/38%20plymouth/IMG_0205.jpg

Kudo's to you man on this build. Definitely very cool. I'll be watching this one, good luck with the on-going build.

I would like some pics of that thing!! Looks bitchin! I have another `46 Studebaker pu that is a complete mess. I have been thinking of something like that for awhile but never saw anything close! Badass!!

:smokin: Summer's comin'. How about some pics of the new project? Email them if you don't want to post then here :drool:

Nice!!!


I am working on a 30 model a coupe myself...but it will be a LOOOOONG time before it is done.

Updates?:flipoff2:

He was having some health issues for a while and pray that's not why no updates.