F68 to 100

N

New24ords

Junior Member
Hi guys I'm new here
I got a 1949 f68 from my inlaws that was sitting in the field that they know of since 1981. I'm going to convert it over to a half ton. I have the front fenders ordered up with the bottom half. New long box and fenders. Now does anyone know how much different then running boards will be to mate them up.
 
When you say you're converting it to a 1/2-ton (F-47 or F-1), and have bought a new "long box", do you mean a 6'-long box or the F-68 style "express box (8 ft)? Are you going to shorten the frame?
 
I will be keeping it a long box. But putting all the 1/2 ton fenders on it. I also have a 1/2 ton axle going in for the rear end
 
F68 would be Canadian version of the US F3. For US the stock box for F2 and F3 was about 8+ foot long. Can't help with sheet metal questions, my F2 had all it's fenders and is not at my location right now to look see. There was a show that took an F2 and made it into an F1 1/2 ton, but that involved shorting the frame, use of the shorter box and 1/2 ton rear end etc. Have you checked the parts catalogs to see what years/models the rear fenders that you are thinking about using will fit?
 
The longer wheelbase also has the heavier duty Timken Detroit style rear axle & springs/hangers etc. A longer drive shaft would be needed. It's going to be a lot of work. The front end is all different too. It would be a way lot easier to just start with an F1/F47.
 
If it's a speed driveablity thing, 72 back 3/4 ton rear end would work. If you change to a 1/2 ton rear, you now will have to deal with 8 lugs on the front and 5 on the rear. Don't think 1/2 ton drums would work on the 3/4 ton backing plates and spindles.
 
I have a 8 foot box being made. The Front from what I understand is the front fenders on the f68 have a wider opening. That's why I got a whole f100 front fenders. The rears will also be for a f100. I have sourced a 5 bolt rear end oit of a 1970 fordhalf ton. As for the 8bolt on the front . I will try and find front drums ,spindles and the brakes parts. If I can't find that I will going to wheel adapters. The truck was free. The parts are only costing me 3600 brand new. My timerying to repair the fenders or the time to drive around the country is worth more then that.
 
For the front axle, just change the brakes . The spindle is the same and so is the steering box. most you got to do is take a leaf or two out of the springs

Look for hubs drums and backing plates from a 48 to 52 F1
 
Not on the F1 types. They were unique. Ford changed them in the F100 era. If your 70 Ford F100 has a Dana 44 rear axle then it will be near the same as the late 50 thru 52 F1 but will have the later axles that are more available. You might be able to use 53 thru 56 F100 stuff but I'm not sure of the fit of the F100 spindles to the older F2/3 front axle.
 
You got to search F1 not F100. 48 to 52 is the F1. 1953 and newer was the F100 till the F150 started.

53 and up hubs are different so are the spindles. The backing plate is the same from 48 to 56
 
Best source of parts I have found is someone updating the F1s to later model front axles. This is a fairly common mod. I purchased my last ones from Sid's in OK.
 
The old crusty F100s of 53 thru 56 are still out there but a person is going to have to look around a while to find the parts. A person may be able to use the whole front axle out of one but I know folks have used F100 spindles, hubs, & brakes on earlier Fords to get the Bendix brakes. The F100 steering box is also a popular item.
 
Some terminology problems here. 48 to 52 1/2-tons are F-1's not F-100's. 53-on are F-100's.

You can swap the F-1 fenders on the front of the truck without issue. 51 -52 F-1 rear fenders will work on a later long box if it has flat bedsides, most do not. Most long box fenders have flanges at the bedside that have an offset in them, due to raised panels on the bedsides.

No interchange between F-1/2/3 front axles/spindles and F-100. 53-56 F-100 axles use a larger kingpin diameter. F-1/2/3 all have the same axle and spindle, just find a set of hubs for an F-1 and use the brakes for an F-1. Unfortunately, F-1 brake drums are very expensive, you may want to go to disc brakes. If you can find someone converting to IFS, you can likely buy a complete F-1 axle with brakes for $100.
 
There is a bronco rear brake drum in the 80s that can be used on F1 spindles and are pretty cheap.they just dont have the offset in the center
 
I just need to find the hub and backing plates /brake components to change it over. I have been trying to find a complete axle here in a Canada but can't find any
 
Ross F-1 said:
F-1/2/3 all have the same axle and spindle, just find a set of hubs for an F-1 and use the brakes for an F-1. Unfortunately, F-1 brake drums are very expensive
Click to expand...

You can use the later Ford rear drums if you don't mind a drum that is a bit wider than the shoes, that's what I use. Year or so ago I purchased some U.S. manufactured drums for something like $25 each from Rock Auto.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top