New project comes home

Vanspeed

Vanspeed

Well-known member
Picked this up because I could not pass up the price. Last titled in 1971. No engine or trans but pretty much all there. Steering box and column were laying in the bed. Has an old name on the door. Edward Vetter Kampsville, IL. with an old phone number. Plans are to only fix what is needed. New bed wood, drivetrain and drive the snot out of it. Going to need a few things for it like original wheels (only have 1), I missing the gear selector arm that mounts to the column, and some original hubcaps.



 
Looks solid. I had a 54 F250 for a number of years. A nice driving and riding truck. The door strikers are a weak spot in those models.
 
Vanspeed said:
This originally had a flathead as it is a 53 but I am thinking of putting a 302 in it.
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I have a two Y-blocks of unknown condition in storage. I got them for nearly nothing. I though I may need them in the future:). I've never had anything Y-block powered so I better find something!

You're idea sounds good. Keep it Ford powered.
 
Jeff: Nice "find" and the roof looks great!!! Good Luck and don't forget to have those cold Banquets while you are working on your "new" pickup!

Henry
 
Ford Freak said:
Great find - love old Ford trucks !
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Yeah, I "love old Ford trucks" too! DD :rolleyes:

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Nice pic, I loved that truck but man that truck really drained me of cash! Parts for that thing were like gold. I now know why they cost so much to restore.

Got a grill, was on eBay with nasty black paint so I bought it thinking there was some life under it. It now matches my truck perfectly! That factory paint is some tough stuff.

Also picked up the power plant. Not going stock, going with a 302, auto. Might be against the rules but I am building this for my wife so I want it to be easy to drive and very reliable. Not saying flatheads aren't!



 
A lot has been collected. Got a '78 C4 trans from the owner of a local junkyard. It was in his private stash. It was fine when pulled two years ago. Found a nice set of original running boards and five 15x5 wheels. Got some tires on Craigslist that are very nice. Also went over to my father in laws and made the new wood for the bed. Picked red oak because we got a great deal on it from a local mill. Engine and trans mounts are also here so hopefully things will start picking up.





 
Also forgot to mention I got a '57 passenger car steering column from an original automatic car. Needs to be lengthened to fit but when done it will appear stock.

 
Vanspeed said:
Funny you say that, the passenger side where the tumbler would catch is completely worn off.
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As a new driver, I took my cousin for a ride in my nine year old '53 Mainline 2door sedan. As I was making a left turn, the door popped open out she went. She hit the street on her can. I slammed the brakes, the door arched forward, then flew back. It punched her in the nose as her hands were back trying to catch her fall.... Years had to pass before I could look her I the eye.:(
 
Vanspeed said:
This originally had a flathead as it is a 53 but I am thinking of putting a 302 in it.
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These trucks are great and hope you have fun with it. I sure enjoy my 55. By-the-way, I am delighted to hear of your plans to put a Ford in a Ford.:D Steve
 
Be prepared for a rear gear change with the 302 and C4. What came in it might be a little low for today. A complete 9 inch up to 72 should bolt in and I think it's the same width. 73 up is wider, I have a 3:25 in my truck (that's later model with 302 and C4 and it's perfect for me). Nice looking truck.
 
Finishing up the bed wood. I used an old mixture I made of vinegar and steel wool. It turns wood lovely aged colors.

 
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