1953 f100 first build

[jensens ratrods]

started my build today pulled out the flat head. not going to use it it was full of water and locked up tight.all cylinders were full . going to start my chop but don't know how much to to take out. have a 94 s10 was going to put cab and box on . or use the 53 frame any ideas new to this . any advice would be greatly appreciated this is going to be fenderless thanks

 

[Sam_Fear]

If you're going fenderless I suggest using the original frame - a straight axle is way better looking than IFS.

Somebody might still want that flatty!

Have you searched through the builds? There are some really good pics and info on it all. Might help if you got a bit more specific with your question....

... oh, and what's a build thread without some pictures? [P

 

[international rat]

Im with Sam on this, use the original frame if going fenderless!

 

[Shea Laking]

Even if you're keeping the stock fenders, that S-truck chassis will be WAY too narrow...The wheels will be buried so far under there, you won't even be able to see 'em.

Perhaps a Dodge Dakota frame might be a better match for track width? Or you could always clip the stock frame with a Monte Carlo, Cutlass, etc front end and hang a newer diff off of the stock rear leafs.

Looks like a nice truck, looking forward to seeing what you make of it![[P

Regards,
Shea

 

[jensens ratrods]

1953 f100

ya i think it would look better with the 53 frame . more old school how can i make it sit lower . how much of a chop do people usually do . and how to you channel it . i have a model A grill shell i was going to put on it . want too lower it and drop box low remove fenders and run wide tires on back. want it low to the ground. like to keep as much of the original parts as i can . will get better pics rained all day small garage have to get it out side . friend of mine has a good running 307 with four barrel and auto tranny .i can get for 150.00 i was thinking of using that. thanks for the input here is a pick of my 66 rat wrecker still working on it .its not a working wrecker the other pic is what it looked like when i got it

 

[jensens ratrods]

66 rat wrecker

here's another pick truck still has the 327 four speed on the floor. i made the wrecker out of scrap i found .rear fenders are what you use around outside basement windows. has a peterbilt viser. got the wrecker light for free even works. i put the dually on had to re drill the hubs to put longer studs in .the hood had a big chunk cut out so took the piece that was cut out and made a hood scope .i have duall 5 inch stacks soon as i get around putting them on . never enough time

 

[jensens ratrods]

1953 f 100

better pics of truck today wasnt raining picking up motor this week end

 

[Sam_Fear]

You pretty much have 2 ways of lowering that front - Z the frame or move the axle out front. If you Z it, keep in mind your motor has to clear the axle.

Kinda undecided on the tow-truck? I think you need some west-coast mirrors instead.

 

[jensens ratrods]

1953 f100 build

i want to get the cab lower to . if i channel it what is the best way to do to it. do you have to cut middle out to and make a hump for the tranny .i am putting a 307 with auto in it . I'm going to start the chop this week end . i was thinking 51/2 front 5 inches back . was going too lower box remove fenders and run the 16 inch tires the ones on it are 5 bolt or can i put 15 inch tires on it and what year will fit i was told bolt pattern was different any ideas would be appreciated thanks

 

[Sam_Fear]

Check Hot Rod Preacher's old 52 Ford build out: http://ratrodsrule.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4475 I'm guessing this is kinda what you want it to look like. He modified the stock frame instead of building his own. Check out how he Z'd the frame in the front and back. I'm guessing he dropped the back at least a foot - if you chop and channel the cab that much, you won't fit in the cab anymore!

 

[jensens ratrods]

1953 ford f 100

ya thats what im looking to do thanks.

 

[jensens ratrods]

1953 f100

just got tex smiths how to chop tops in the mail today . do a little reading and start chopping . will post picks thanks to every one

 

[jensens ratrods]

1953 f100 build

just got the motor home buddy of mine said it is a 307 out of a 86 chevy caprice wagon .but looks bigger then a 307 . just setting in truck now . still have to figure out mounts . every days a new adventure .still cant decide what i should to with the cab chop it or channel it .what i really want to do is get the cab lower to the ground .box will be easy to lower .not going to haul any thing anyways any advice will be appreciated thanks

 

[jensens ratrods]

1953 f100

sat the front clip on today just to see what it will look like and how much i have to cut out when i channel it needs a little work . what do you think I'm going to channel it this week end . then see how much room is left the maybe chop it. should i keep front clip on or off what to you think

 

[jensens ratrods]

1953 f100 build

well decided to go with the s10 frame and use front clip . i think that's the best route . I'm not a good enough welder to build a frame. so any advice on this will be appreciated or pics thanks jackpine

 

[42chevy]

That is an Olds motor not a Chevy. That is why it looks big, it is. Behind the water pump on a shelf is a group of numbers. If the last one is a number it is a smallblock Olds, if a letter it is a big block Olds.

 

[jensens ratrods]

1953 f100 build

worked on s10 today rainday so no work. got the body off still have to take out motor and tranny. set in my v8 i got for free .its a 307 out of a 1986 chevy caprice wagon . make mounts for motor and tranny. hope to have 53 body on by next week. any advice never did this before thanks

 

[cantwell.colton]

i think its going well -- we re about at the exact same spot almost -- except i already have almost completed the chop entirely and started to pop in a new floor frame -- i forget to take pictures a lot.

 

[jensens ratrods]

1953 f100 build

a little at i time . want to pull motor this weekend .start gleaning up the frame set the cab on it to see if i want to channel it . got to get it low want to chop it i have the book by tex smith as recommended on here .but to be honest I'm a little skeptic .that i will mess it all up .but then again the whole thing is new to me . learn by doing right its only medal. sure it wont be the last time standing around scratching my head will post more pics next week

 

[42chevy]

You are making good progress, looking good.