1953 F-100

[Spike]

I just joined up! (sounds a little military, huh!), I should introduce myself.
I have been a car nut since my youth. going to the drags at about 8-9 years old. It left a firm impression on me. It's been a little awkward working on cars as I have Cerebral Palsy. I have done what ever I could and had assistance with the rest.
Now I have a 1967 SPE Dragster, which crashed last year, so it's apart now for a rebuild as money & time arrive. I currently have a 1930 "A" model coupe and a 1949 Ford sedan along with the two trucks. However, I've no money like most people.
I have an F-100 (1953) and a F-350 Dually (1996). The F100 has been started with a Volare front clip, and a switch to a later 9" rear. My plan is to put a 302/auto in it and Aftermarket gauges. I plan on putting Minivan rear leafs (Dodge) for a better ride. New wiring & Glass, then some new seating.

My questions: Do any of you have an opinion (!!) as to which seats would be good in a '53 F100?
What is the best (for cheapest) wiring co. to buy from?
I am going to put in "custom" gauges, but I can't see paying $100 + for an aluminum 5 hole panel, So, How hard is it to cut a plastic panel, or Wood, or sheet metal to fit? Do I remove the original panel and simply trace around it on the replacement piece then just bolt it in , or is there something I don't know about that makes it not such a good idea?
I will post pictures when I get them reduced down to fit.

[MikeB]

My seats for my '56 are from a 2002 Buick, bought off ebay. Split bench seat with the shoulder belts built into the seat. I had to modify the seat control circuits. The passenger side was no problem, just connect power and ground. The drivers side is another story...
The drivers side controls go through a circuit board which controls the seat position from memory. I had to bypass the memory circuits and connect the controls directly to the relays on the board to control the position of the seat.

I'm also using an EZ Wiring 21 circuit harness.

[mrfixit]

Welcome to the Site!
We have a few great guys here, and the rest are awesome!
BrianB should be around soon, and he has a unique guage-mounting system that looks like it was made for his '56!
Enjoy your time here, and feel free to shoot at the squirrels!

[Blue Goose]

Did anybody notice where Spike is from? Billings.....Hell, he's Gunner's neighbor, or at least neighborhood.

[mrfixit]

We won't hold that against him.

[slmann]

Welcome to the site.

[Lost]

Welcome theres a few Oldies cruise around here > and not just there owners ...

[Spike]

Sorry that I've not been around to reply to the suggestions for seating, etc. I live "outside" billings, if that helps me get out of a "bad' elements neighborhood. (LOL) I've been at the Springfield Auto Swap Meet (looking for parts), Then I went to Mokan Saturday for the HAMBdrags. If you missed it, YOU MISSED a great day at the races. I was very upset with myself as I walked out & drove off leaving my C A M E R A!!! That was DUMB!!! Luckily I know a photographer there taking pictures. I'm spread way too thin, getting parts & labor set up to get my SPE car "Excalibre" back together so we can get back out & make some Noise & Smoke! While that's going on I will be getting the F-100 running, Then, I start repairing the damage done to my '49 Ford sedan in the Ice Storm two winters ago. While the utilities ere out for 10 days and buried in Ice, Snow, & Broken tree limbs (about 60 trees worth).
Unluckily the sedan was hit by a huge limb that bent the top & passenger windshield area. As I said it's been a ride that I wish on no one.
BTW, does anyone have a used 4-bbl aluminum intake manifold (302) that they will sell ? I have already got a Volare front clip that steers beautifully. It has a truck 9" rear redrilled to 4 1/2" pattern. I'll write in a couple of days, hopefully with pictures. Spike

[mrfixit]

Ha... I was there at MoKan too..... but I watch from across the road in a friend's front yard. I live about 5 miles from there. You want me to check with security about your camera?

[Brian_B]

Sorry that I've not been around to reply to the suggestions for seating, etc. I live "outside" billings, if that helps me get out of a "bad' elements neighborhood. (LOL) I've been at the Springfield Auto Swap Meet (looking for parts), Then I went to Mokan Saturday for the HAMBdrags. If you missed it, YOU MISSED a great day at the races. I was very upset with myself as I walked out & drove off leaving my C A M E R A!!! That was DUMB!!! Luckily I know a photographer there taking pictures. I'm spread way too thin, getting parts & labor set up to get my SPE car "Excalibre" back together so we can get back out & make some Noise & Smoke! While that's going on I will be getting the F-100 running, Then, I start repairing the damage done to my '49 Ford sedan in the Ice Storm two winters ago. While the utilities ere out for 10 days and buried in Ice, Snow, & Broken tree limbs (about 60 trees worth).
Unluckily the sedan was hit by a huge limb that bent the top & passenger windshield area. As I said it's been a ride that I wish on no one.
BTW, does anyone have a used 4-bbl aluminum intake manifold (302) that they will sell ? I have already got a Volare front clip that steers beautifully. It has a truck 9" rear redrilled to 4 1/2" pattern. I'll write in a couple of days, hopefully with pictures. Spike


Sounds cool. I was told the swapmeet had a lot of old F-100 parts...after it was over. Just my timing I guess. :(

Hope to see pics soon. :wavey:

[Spike]

Thanks, but it was a cheep one. I'm sure it's long gone. I miss the picsI enjoyed the Stude AWB. Injected BBC, jacked up, Gold Flake, The injectors sitting inside a notch in the w-shield. Looked a lot like the early 60's beginning of the funny cars. It wasn't all that fast (musta been that other
V8). But it was entertaining (lots of wheelies). I'm just unhappy that my car wasn't there. I always get loud cheers (I know, pat my own back) when it's at a HAMBdrag. I'll try a photo.

[Spike]

Pics from early & late. I'll put up pics of the truck & sedan next. Later. Spike

[Spike]

Pics from early & late. I'll put up pics of the truck & sedan next. Later. Spike

Here are a couple of pics of the F-100, maybe the 49 sedan. Spike

[bobf100]

Spike - by now I'm sure you noticed that the F100 cab is very narrow which limits your seat choices. A mid 80's chevy 1/2 ton pickup bench fits very well with adequate clearance on the ends by the doors. Some have a drop down center console but uncertain which years.

Glad you joined - it's nice to see new members with the early classics.

[Spike]

You say a mid 80's Chevy P/U seat fits ? How that will "tick" off some people.
Not me, I'm an EO rodder. I had a '63 Chrysler Newport running a '57 300C engine & a 57 Plymouth trans. A '53 Ford sedan W/a 389 Pontiac. '62 Ford Galaxie W/a427 Med Riser W/ Tri power from a 406-4Speed. 38Ford P/U W/a248" flat Merc. It goes on and on. I had fun & I'm NOT ready to quit!
I'm not happy driving a car just like everyone else. Stock cars R a "snooze"
Super Stocks keep me awake (NOT so modern Pro Stocks).
My first car was a 49 Dodge 4door that I "inheirited" from Dad after my sister ran it out of oil and spun the bearings. A trip to the "junkers" netted a piston w/rings & pin, & a set of used bearings (R&M). I "ground" the cyl ridge down with a 1/4" drill with a grinding wheel on it. Wiped the grinding dust off the crank & cyl, then used a lot of sandpaper !!!!! to "hone" the wall ?? Put the piston & rings in the hole fitting the rods & mains with the 'pre-tested' parts.
You know it RAN! a little "rattly", but it ran. It ran well enough to take my driver's test in. Sold it for $25 and bought a '50 Ford coupe for $50 V8 stick.
Now that car was neat, red & white upholstery a 57 Ford "safety' steering wheel That wasn't a good deal it was way to close to the seat. Red wheels with WWtires. Not that was HOT!! Lowered in front what was called the "California Tilt". It had a heater but the radio didn't work. I'll stop boring anyone still awake. later, Spike:hammer:

[Brian_B]

The ford ranger is the same width inside as my 56. I have seen a lot of ranger seats in them as well.

[Spike]

You say a mid 80's Chevy P/U seat fits ? How that will "tick" off some people.
Not me, I'm an EO rodder. I had a '63 Chrysler Newport running a '57 300C engine & a 57 Plymouth trans. A '53 Ford sedan W/a 389 Pontiac. '62 Ford Galaxie W/a427 Med Riser W/ Tri power from a 406-4Speed. 38Ford P/U W/a248" flat Merc. It goes on and on. I had fun & I'm NOT ready to quit!
I'm not happy driving a car just like everyone else. Stock cars R a "snooze"
Super Stocks keep me awake (NOT so modern Pro Stocks).
My first car was a 49 Dodge 4door that I "inheirited" from Dad after my sister ran it out of oil and spun the bearings. A trip to the "junkers" netted a piston w/rings & pin, & a set of used bearings (R&M). I "ground" the cyl ridge down with a 1/4" drill with a grinding wheel on it. then used a lot of sandpaper !!!!! to "hone" the wall ?? Wiped the crank & cyl of grit oiled it and Put the piston & rings in the hole fitting the rods & mains with the 'pre-tested' parts.
You know it RAN! a little "rattly", but it ran. It ran well enough to take my driver's test in. Sold it for $25 and bought a '50 Ford coupe for $50 V8 stick.
Now that car was neat, red & white upholstery a 57 Ford "safety' steering wheel That wasn't a good deal it was way to close to the seat. Red wheels with WWtires. Now that was HOT!! Lowered in front what was called the "California Tilt". It had a heater but the radio didn't work. I'll stop boring anyone still awake. later, Spike:hammer:
I mean, oh look I got it back & fixed my goof. Never Mind! Spike

[Spike]

The ford ranger is the same width inside as my 56. I have seen a lot of ranger seats in them as well.

Thanks, BTW is there any special year ranges to look for ? That will probably fit just fine, I never thought of them. One problem is that I had two herniated discs repaired in my back and my wife has three 'cages' plus a pair of plates & screws holding hers together. So I'm looking for something that can be 'fluffed' up for comfort. Good vehicles are a mix of the best (for the purpose), parts. Spikesmiliestirthepot

[bobf100]

I'm an EO rodder. I'm not happy driving a car just like everyone else. Stock cars R a "snooze"


You and I think alike - glad you joined the site.

[Brian_B]

I think the 93+ seats are much more comfortable. They are sort of buckets in that the drivers and passengers have high backs.

I guess they are technically a 60/40 seat. The back (low back) of the center seat folds down and has drink holders and a storage compartment.

With it folded down...they look like a set of bucket seats.






I was going the hotrod route myself..then I went to the 06 F-100 supernats in knoxville. Only 4 Y-blocks out of 1,600 trucks registered. I will keep my original drivetrain for that reason. No...my truck is not stock, just close.

My Y-block runs great, so why not? :wavey:

I pulled the plugs two weeks ago (they were in it when I bought the truck) and they looked almost new. All 8 of them.

I can run 65 steady on the highway and have driven it as fast as 75 (where it was legal to do so).

Oh...that trip where I was driving 75...I managed 16.89 MPG (round trip).

[casey55wa]

Great info to stumble upon, was thinking the same about my '55.

[Spike]

I'm back, I've been kicking some ideas around using parts from Night Prowlers, & Speedway plus good local talent. Do you guys have any good ideas or suggestions ?
I'm thinking about: (4)-48 Chevy taillights in a roll pan, sunken license, that folds down for access to the trailer hitch. Also, a pair of "S" shaped vertical nerf bars.
Headlights to be individual "deitz" style with a pair of horizontal bars as a grille. I'm thinking about painting the mouth (?) flat black, & placing amber turn signals behind the grille hopefully visible only when on.
Cleaning off the hood ornaments & badges.
De-handling the doors using solenoids, etc.
Changing the rear springs for a set from a Dodge Caravan.
Maybe frenching in an electric antenna.
Thinking about a different front bumper.
Tinted glass (since what I have is cracked or broken).
A 5 gauge panel, AC, and a stereo.
Paint will start out as primer Then hopefully Silver with Raspberry flames.
What do you think? Spikesmiliestirthepot

[bobf100]

I'm back, I've been kicking some ideas around using parts from Night Prowlers, & Speedway plus good local talent. Do you guys have any good ideas or suggestions ?
I'm thinking about: (4)-48 Chevy taillights in a roll pan, sunken license, that folds down for access to the trailer hitch. Also, a pair of "S" shaped vertical nerf bars.
Headlights to be individual "deitz" style with a pair of horizontal bars as a grille. I'm thinking about painting the mouth (?) flat black, & placing amber turn signals behind the grille hopefully visible only when on.
Cleaning off the hood ornaments & badges.
De-handling the doors using solenoids, etc.
Changing the rear springs for a set from a Dodge Caravan.
Maybe frenching in an electric antenna.
Thinking about a different front bumper.
Tinted glass (since what I have is cracked or broken).
A 5 gauge panel, AC, and a stereo.
Paint will start out as primer Then hopefully Silver with Raspberry flames.
What do you think? Spikesmiliestirthepot

Spike - sounds very cool. I was curious why you would go to Dodge Caravan springs? Never heard of that so I'm interested in what the change will do for you (I'm always wanting to learn new things). As to the de-handling the doors and using solenoids - I decided to go a different route with mine. I sandblasted the handles then painted them the body color. They blend in nicely and are somewhat invisible. Can't wait to see all the mods. Post some pictures while you're doing them. YelloThumbUp

[Spike]

Spike - sounds very cool. I was curious why you would go to Dodge Caravan springs? Never heard of that so I'm interested in what the change will do for you (I'm always wanting to learn new things). As to the de-handling the doors and using solenoids - I decided to go a different route with mine. I sandblasted the handles then painted them the body color. They blend in nicely and are somewhat invisible. Can't wait to see all the mods. Post some pictures while you're doing them. YelloThumbUp
I nearly 'hit the roof' (no kidding). On a bump I left the seat entirely. I had the Volare front susp. in it and was lulled into thinking how nice a ride it had, THEN WHAM!! the rear hit the bump and I thought I was parasailing (snicker)
I was told/read that they (the Dodge springs) were adaptable & softer than the stock F-100 Also they unbolt, complete from the minivan. All that is needed is some plates welded to the Ford, drilled, then "bolt on" (also adding spring saddles to the RA). I'm not (so) gullible that I believe it is that simple but, I think it's "doable" without a lot of work. I'll try to take a picture later showing the mount brackets.
I'll take pictures as things happen. I'm having the dragster chassis repaired first. Spike:hammer: Sometimes I feel like this is happening, maybe I'm hitting a wall. Later

[MikeB]

Spike,
Before you go the the trouble of installing other springs you might try taking a leaf or two out of the rear springs. Removing one or two short ones (load leafs) lower the rear and will give you a smoother ride but it will reduce your load carrying capacity. While you have the spring apart do a little work on the leafs. Grind smooth the divot caused by the edge of the leaf digging into the leaf above. Also round/bevel the top edges of the ends of the leafs so they slide without catching on the leaf above. When you reassemble make sure the surfaces are clean and smooth.

[bobf100]

Spike,
Before you go the the trouble of installing other springs you might try taking a leaf or two out of the rear springs. Removing one or two short ones (load leafs) lower the rear and will give you a smoother ride but it will reduce your load carrying capacity. While you have the spring apart do a little work on the leafs. Grind smooth the divot caused by the edge of the leaf digging into the leaf above. Also round/bevel the top edges of the ends of the leafs so they slide without catching on the leaf above. When you reassemble make sure the surfaces are clean and smooth.

I've done the same thing on some of my past rides - it works well and improves the ride. I've also added poly strips between the leaves which allows them to slide much better as the suspension works.

[Spike]

I've done the same thing on some of my past rides - it works well and improves the ride. I've also added poly strips between the leaves which allows them to slide much better as the suspension works.
I can do that. Also remove a intermediate leaf ?? Then (or) maybe , install regular Airlift bags for stiffening 4 xtra weight handling.
Since I'm thinking Air bags, How about Just 1 leaf per side and an airbag added.
Since I won't want to make the truck "dance or hop!!! I really won't need much of a tank or compressor. Or any compressor, just air up at home.
This truck won't be pulling anything heavier than my dragster plus a few tools.
The loaded trailer weighs 2000#.
How is this for "going around the bend"? Spike

[Spike]

I can do that. Also remove a intermediate leaf ?? Then (or) maybe , install regular Airlift bags for stiffening 4 xtra weight handling.
Since I'm thinking Air bags, How about Just 1 leaf per side and an airbag added.
Since I won't want to make the truck "dance or hop!!! I really won't need much of a tank or compressor. Or any compressor, just air up at home.
This truck won't be pulling anything heavier than my dragster plus a few tools.
The loaded trailer weighs 2000#.
How is this for "going around the bend"? Spike

I am looking at suggestions for my rear suspension. I like the idea of spring bushings and removing two short leaves? I think I heard about removing "every other one" or something similar. My truck has either 7 or 9 leaves It's really stiff. That's why the removal of several leaves sounded reasonable.
I was at a car show awhile back and was shown a airbag setup that used a connector that bolted at the axle/spring pad and the front spring mount. The airbag mounted just in front of the axle. They said it could be run W/WO a compressor & air tank. Of course that starts getting expensive.
My real consideration is that both my wife & myself have very bad backs and need soft suspension. That's why I want it soft (empty) then maybe, the old standby, Air Shocks. Any ideas? Spike

[bobf100]

I am looking at suggestions for my rear suspension. I like the idea of spring bushings and removing two short leaves? I think I heard about removing "every other one" or something similar. My truck has either 7 or 9 leaves It's really stiff. That's why the removal of several leaves sounded reasonable.
I was at a car show awhile back and was shown a airbag setup that used a connector that bolted at the axle/spring pad and the front spring mount. The airbag mounted just in front of the axle. They said it could be run W/WO a compressor & air tank. Of course that starts getting expensive.
My real consideration is that both my wife & myself have very bad backs and need soft suspension. That's why I want it soft (empty) then maybe, the old standby, Air Shocks. Any ideas? Spike

I think you're on to a good idea. Why don't you try to remove a couple of the spring leaves then see if you like the new ride height and how soft the ride is. Other than a some labor involved with removing the springs it isn't going to cost you anything so it's worth a try. If it's not what you want you can always put them back and nothing is lost. MikeB suggestion about cleaning up each spring will also help with the ride as it will help the springs leaves slide better against each other. After 50 years they probably have some deep ridges and gouges in them from rubbing together. I'm thinking the air shocks might not soften the ride all that much.

[Spike]

I'll try it. Like you say removing the leaves wll only cost labor. I did that with a Model "A" coupe, years ago and ground the edges of the springs, adding 'polyprophylene' strips between leaves and removed three leaves. It actually rode pretty well.
I was thinking that the Air Shocks won't help make it ride softer but, they should help stiffen it when pulling my trailer then "air down' the shocks to do normal driving. I'll let you all know how it turns out. Spike

[Brian_B]

I lowered mine for a couple of weeks with the remove a couple of leaves thing. It did not take me long to return it to stock height. I drive it like a truck and sitting that low (in the front)...meant dragging around here.

It did soften up the ride.

What helped mine most (remember it is stock) was the poly-liners from Mid-fifty and good shocks (monroe).

I drove mine around 10 hours this weekend (to MO, Ok, and back) and I drove it to work and back today (1 hour each way). Mine does not sit a lot.

[Spike]

Sorry, no new news. I wanted to let you all know that I've been out looking at/for parts. I will be pulling a 302/trans from an 81 Lincoln Continental. Those words used to mean a lot. Back when a "Continental" was a "snazzy" car. Can I say "snazzy" w/o dating myself?
Anyway, it is a complete car and I think I will use the engine & trans in my truck and the rear axle will go under my 49 sedan.
I received my catalog from 'Nifty Fifty's or ??? I am startled by whatall they have for sale. I'm amused by their comments on quality when something isn't up to 'snuff'. I agree it IS a great catalog.
I went to two "car" meets locally and was disappointed at the lack of vendors. catering to the hobby. I may have gotten a couple of good vendor names. One is Night Prowlers from Lamar, MO. [URL="http://www.thenighhtprowlers.com"] BTW, if you type wrong be careful! you will go to a 'porno' address!! Be sure to use the word "the" in "THE" address. I didn't & discovered my mistake :headbang: Later Spike

[Brian_B]

Yeah...at the smaller meets and even larger (non effie specific) there is not much in the way of vendors for ours.

I order almost everything for mine. :(

If you can attend the "Ozarks Run" in branson next july (sponsored by my truck club) they have dennis carpenter and Mid-Fifty both there along with some smaller vendors.

I do not think the clubs site has next years info posted yet, but I will look when I get home tonight (tomorrow). If it is, I will try to link you to it.

I am going to the fall swap meet at Petit Jean Mountain this weekend. I doubt I find any effie parts, but maybe some larger ford car parts that I need. We will see.

Later,
Brian

[BKW]

Sorry, no new news. I wanted to let you all know that I've been out looking at/for parts. I will be pulling a 302/trans from an 81 Lincoln Continental.
Are you sure it's a 302?

The 1980/81 Lincoln Town Cars & 1980/81 Mark VI's came with either a 302 or a 351W.

The A/T is the gawd awful first version of the AOD.

[casey55wa]

We used to have an '81 with the 351W...but there were very few of them, most were a 302.

[Spike]

Are you sure it's a 302?

The 1980/81 Lincoln Town Cars & 1980/81 Mark VI's came with either a 302 or a 351W.

The A/T is the gawd awful first version of the AOD.
I don't know, it looks small enough to be a 302. I know it's a TBI. That will change.
Is it a terrible trans? Is it possible to make it right? Is it worth the cost ?
If it's a "dead Horse" Maybe I should use a regular C4 ! The trans worked, but it leaks at the front seal. Is that a part of the problem.
BTW, is the rear axle a 8.8 or a 9" ?
I do have a lot to learn. Spike

[Spike]

Are you sure it's a 302?

The 1980/81 Lincoln Town Cars & 1980/81 Mark VI's came with either a 302 or a 351W.

The A/T is the gawd awful first version of the AOD. It looks to be very little short, Narrow, & not tall. I will wait to take a head off & look (using my yardstick) I'll measure it. 'peace' Spike

[daddyjake707]

wow i just finally read this post and i already learned a lot to use for my 55 now im stuck at work and want to leave early to get elbow deep in the truck haha
im curious tho i am planning on doing a IRS system for the rear wouldnt that be a real smooth ride or is that not a good option to go with??