dino246gt Posted June 16, 2020 Posted June 16, 2020 I'm going to try to do something with this to make it more detailed and interesting: 2
maxwell48098 Posted June 16, 2020 Posted June 16, 2020 As a bit of information, the frame and chassis of Ford pickups was the same from 1953 to 1964. In 1965, the front suspension changed to Twin I-beam. I have built a 1957 Ford F100 styleside using the Modelhaus cab conversion which dropped right on the AMT 1953 for F100 chassis. Fit like a glove. While I haven't tried it personally, the Revell 1956 F100 might be another choice for a chassis. Of course, you'll have lengthen the AMT and Revell chassis for the proper wheel base. If you'll be building an F-250, the chassis from the Mobius F100 4X4 would also work with converting the front suspension to leaf spring and an appropriate front axle. FYI - Every Mobius long box Ford pickup from '65 and up drops right on the '70 F100 4X4 chassis.
mikemodeler Posted June 16, 2020 Posted June 16, 2020 Maybe throw a Foose chassis under it? If you go the 4x4 route, be sure to get a F-250 conversion kit from Joseph at Fireball Modelworks. Sure would be nice to see that series of trucks available in kit form.
leafsprings Posted June 17, 2020 Posted June 17, 2020 I did a 4x4 F 100 conversion many years ago. I used the 70's AMT F350 frame with some modifications. Used the MPC Dodge 4x4 front drive axle, but made the mistake of not flipping it over, the Dodge differential is on the right side, the Ford differential is on the left side. Another mistake, hubcaps were not used on front axle, only on the rear axle. 3
Russell C Posted June 17, 2020 Posted June 17, 2020 Shortbed fleetside might be a bit of a challenge ....
Steamboat Posted June 17, 2020 Posted June 17, 2020 Don't shoot, but I wouldn't do a thing to it. It's near mint except for the missing tail lights. They're only original once. 1
dino246gt Posted June 18, 2020 Author Posted June 18, 2020 First thing is dis-assembly, which went well: 1
dino246gt Posted June 18, 2020 Author Posted June 18, 2020 Since I want to replace that one-piece chassis, I needed to remove the part of the inner fenders that was attached to it: Here they are glued to the main body, also since the bed floor had 2 little round spacers, I added more styrene in the same thickness:
dino246gt Posted June 18, 2020 Author Posted June 18, 2020 It looks like the cab and bed are one piece: A simple cut with the razor saw made a line to make them look separate: 1
dino246gt Posted June 18, 2020 Author Posted June 18, 2020 This part of the firewall was glued in from behind, not flush, like I wanted it, plus I want to remove most of the molded-on details, removing that part was not easy, old tube glue really works! I also got rid of the horn, washer bag and all the molded-on wiring, only kept the wiper motor, voltage regulator and those unique brake reservoirs:
dino246gt Posted June 18, 2020 Author Posted June 18, 2020 To get rid of the old annual screw mounts, I had to first remove the molded-on radiator: Then I could get at those screw mounts and eliminate them!
Plowboy Posted June 20, 2020 Posted June 20, 2020 I like what you've done so far Dennis! What's your plan for the chassis? I built one of these a few years ago as a curbside because of the chassis and it had no engine or firewall. You can separate the cab and bed. Just have to make a new cab wall. I recently got another one in a trade here. I plan on cutting it down to a short bed and either set it on the Foose chassis or the AMT '53. Depends on which one is closer to the right wheelbase.
dino246gt Posted June 20, 2020 Author Posted June 20, 2020 I'm modifying a Mobius frame, and using Fireball's F-250 kit and the "Upgrade" kit. Started with a short wheelbase and had to lengthen it about 1/4". Could've started with the long wheelbase frame, easier to shorten, but I've done the lengthening successfully, and will show that soon. Your idea of the Foose chassis sounds great!
Nazz Posted June 20, 2020 Posted June 20, 2020 Very interesting project Dennis! I will definitely be watching this one! Love these old Ford trucks.
dino246gt Posted June 21, 2020 Author Posted June 21, 2020 1: I cut out some of the Mobius cross members out, filled some depressions and started the conversion to 4 wheel drive. 2: Installed Fireball cross members, and motor mounts, also shock mounts. 3: I lengthened the frame and mocked it up on F-250 wheels and tires.
dino246gt Posted June 21, 2020 Author Posted June 21, 2020 1: I used the Mobius V8, but added the Fireball oil pan. 2: I cut the trans off and added Fireball's top loader. I also substituted AMT's '60 Starliner engine top and front, I want it to look a bit more vintage. 3: Engine and trans fit the frame, because they're both Mobius, although once I finish, you won't see much Mobius!
Plowboy Posted June 21, 2020 Posted June 21, 2020 It's looking good Dennis! One thing you may want to check is the oil pan. The sump is usually at the front on pickups. Not sure about the '60 and earlier though. But, given the shape of the oil pan sump, I'm thinking it should be towards the front.
dino246gt Posted June 21, 2020 Author Posted June 21, 2020 According to Fireball's instructions, "The larger portion of the pan is the back end (it appears reversed from the kit's oil pan)" This is for the F-250 4X4.
Painted Black Posted June 21, 2020 Posted June 21, 2020 " and those unique brake reservoirs:" Only one is for the brakes, the other is for the clutch.... 1
Plowboy Posted June 21, 2020 Posted June 21, 2020 1 hour ago, dino246gt said: According to Fireball's instructions, "The larger portion of the pan is the back end (it appears reversed from the kit's oil pan)" This is for the F-250 4X4. The instructions could be wrong. I would suggest doing some research.
Painted Black Posted June 21, 2020 Posted June 21, 2020 (edited) In 4x4 trucks with the FE engine, the pan sump is to the rear. They use a different oil pick-up tube and the dip stick is in the side of the oil pan opposed to a regular set-up where the dip stick is in the side of the block. Hope this helps. Edited June 22, 2020 by Painted Black 1
dino246gt Posted June 25, 2020 Author Posted June 25, 2020 1: I needed to lengthen the rear of the frame so I glued 2 pieces of styrene together to the thickness of the frame and drilled and pinned extensions. 2: I made the very rear from 2 different sizes but now I have the length I need for this old pickup. 3: I made the cab floor from a '60 Starliner kit, it had to fit the original interior, after I cut that floor out, and the new frame. 4: I added some ribs, opposite of the topside, and positioned them so the frame fits right in.
dino246gt Posted June 25, 2020 Author Posted June 25, 2020 (edited) So here's how that frame fits the underside now in white primer: Edited June 25, 2020 by dino246gt
mikemodeler Posted June 25, 2020 Posted June 25, 2020 Nice work so far, really liking where this is headed. 1
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