40 replies to this topic

[Fat Brian]

I'm looking at converting the AMT 53 F100 can into an F500. It looks like the only change is to open the front wheel wells a little more. Has anyone done this or does anyone have any info about what needs to be done to make the conversion correct?

[Michigan Madman]

You'd also need to widen the fenders- how much I'm not sure, but the fenders on a 500 were also wider in addition to having a larger openings. The grille opening is the same size. I know a guy with a '54 and '55 F-500 (same as a '53)- I'll see if I can get over there this weekend with a tape measure and find out for sure.

[Aaronw]

There was an article in one of the model magazines that walked through converting Revell's 1950 Ford F1 into an F8. I'm assuming the 53 would require similar modifications. Maybe someone can lay their hands on the article. Think it was an older SAE issue.

Edited by Aaronw, 13 September 2012 - 05:23 PM.

[Jim B]

This one? http://public.fotki....1_12__december/

[cdnmodman]

Brian,

Were you looking at something like this one that greymack posted some time ago:

http://www.modelcars...showtopic=41291

I also remember reading on another forum where a fella took the fenders off the pickup bed and used through for fron fender extensions and reworked the wheel opening

Rick

[Aaronw]

This one? http://public.fotki....1_12__december/

That looks like the one.

[Fat Brian]

The F500 doesn't have the widened fenders like the F800. Here is a pic of a 55 F500


And a stock 55 F100


And an F800 with the wide fenders



The F500 is only a 5 ton truck, it may not really be worth it when I can also widen the fenders and have a much higher weight truck. I was thinking of making some kind of a medium duty wrecker, I have a couple of 53 Ford cabs laying around and was looking for a project that wouldn't need much body work.

[cdnmodman]

<sub>Brian, go for the Big Job and build this one !!!!!

http://www.zibe.com/...145-783930.html</sub>

[Fat Brian]

I saw that truck, very cool. I also liked the 57 F800 but there isn't a good starting place to build it.

[Aaronw]

AITM has a 1960s F series medium / heavy duty truck, similar to the '57 but I don't think it is currently available.

[cdnmodman]

Brian,

Frontier started selling this, never seen their castings though ??

http://www.ebay.com/...=item4d04c0fe8e

[Brian_B]

The front fenders are the same width...just larger openings. The cab, hood, doors, dash..all the same. No changes.

I have a 56 1:1 and am in a F series club.

[Fat Brian]

Cool, firsthand knowledge.

[Brian_B]

In fact, the Y-blocks are the same. Transmissions vary in the bigger trucks...not sure of what is in what size. Stock F-100 and 250 (3/4) ton was often just a 3 speed on the column. Then there was a 4 speed (floor shift) that had a granny gear also in some of the 3/4 tons.

Beyond that..not sure at all. Sorry

EDIT: 53 had the flathead still. 54 had an odd duck Y-block. 55 started the normal y-blocks.

Edited by Brian_B, 14 September 2012 - 03:17 PM.

[Fat Brian]

Found this on ebay a while ago, added to a very long want list...

[Michigan Madman]

Ah, right- a 500 wouldn't have the wider fenders, just the larger openings. Wasn't sure at what weight class the wider fenders came into play. That being said I'll still see if I can get some photos/measurements this weekend, the guy should have a suitable reference truck out there.

[Fat Brian]

It would be nice to know how much to widen the fenders for the 800, if not for me then for reference for anyone who might want to try.

[Michigan Madman]

Speaking of reference pics, I might also be able to get some for that '57. My father has a '57 T-650 (?) that's in pretty nice shape. (T-Series is an F-Series tandem, by the way.)

Another fun fact about those Fords- see that hood scoop on the resin one you pictured? Looks like one of those highly sought-after Pontiac Super Stock hood scoops, doesn't it? That's because it is. Pontiac actually used the Ford super duty scoop on their drag cars- they even assigned it a GM part number so it would be legit with NHRA factory stock rules.

[Fat Brian]

I was wondering about the scoop, I wouldn't think it's functional though is it?

[Michigan Madman]

I'm not 100% certain, but I believe it was functional.