Project F-Wagon

[j.fondler]

Well, can’t leave well enough alone so I started a new project.

I stripped down my 93 W250 for a full resto. I wanted to change everything about that chassis/drivetrain but there was nothing wrong with it. So instead, I decided to build something else with it and start from scratch on the ‘93. The F-Wagon was born.

I’ve known about this ‘51 F5 my whole life. It’s been owned by a family friend since new and last registered in ‘93. Being a grain truck, it didn’t see much highway use or winter driving so the salt hasn’t destroyed it. When I approached him about what I wanted to do, he was happy to hand the truck over to see it back together one day.

This will be my winter/offroad/hunting beater to allow me to resto the ‘93 and not destroy my ‘12.

Brief lowlight of the build:
- 290cc ag h/r VE pump
- 5x14 sac by Richardson Diesel(rich_dzl)
- He351cw on DPS manifold, no intercooler
- 60lb springs
- HVLP lift pump
- 47rh(transgo kit and DPC converter, couple of aux coolers) w/ np205
- front has about 5” of lift, rear has a shackle flip. Truck will sit about 36” to the bottom of the door on 37s
- chevy hydroboost, crossover steering

Cab is mounted. Had to move the engine crossmember back 5 1/2” inches to tuck it close to the firewall and keep the clutch fan. Waiting on converter from DPC so I can get the drivetrain in for good.

Now, if I can figure out how to upload pics, we’ll be getting somewhere.

 

[j.fondler]

Built a pedal bracket to accommodate a firewall mounted hydroboost setup. Braces back to the dash and adjustable for pedal placement.

 

[Tobin]

That is going to look good. Keep it SRW or go DRW? Flatbed?

 

[j.fondler]

That is going to look good. Keep it SRW or go DRW? Flatbed?

SRW and I’ll be building a flatbed for it. Using this one I found online as inspiration.

 

[Meyers Farms]

I’m definitely following this one! I love the early to mid 50s Fords! In 57 they lost styling points to me. Your truck looks very clean. I wish the 53 I’m working on was that clean. Keep us updated!

 

[Empty_Pockets]

Definitely in on this one. I love those years trucks. Theres an old 55 at a farmers market near our house they use to put produce on. Looks to be dug into the ground as a permanent fixture.

 

[Bob Wagner]

Very nice project. Congrats

 

[thatguy69]

Gonna be sweet when done. Keep up the good work

 

[fatty]

Why do you hate intercoolers?

 

[j.fondler]

Why do you hate intercoolers?

They’re for women and children, like television, sedans, and straws.

 

[Meyers Farms]

:hehe:

They’re for women and children, like television, sedans, and straws.

:hehe::hehe:

 

[j.fondler]

I got the steering column mounted up today. It was running damn near vertical and through the floor for the old gear box. Had to move it up the firewall for a better angle at the 93 gearbox. I used a section of the old column up top with the original bearing still in good shape. Down on the firewall I mounted this 7/8” ID bearing i found at a farm supply store. I’ll finish it off with a homemade collapsible double u joint shaft. Really like how this turned out. Probably my favorite part of the truck so far and something no one will ever see. I do plan on swapping the huge busted up steering wheel for something a little smaller

Also cut out the crusty parts of the floor pans, ospho, and primed. Pretty lucky with what little rust this truck has. Nothing structural. I’ll rivet in some new stop sign floor pans tomorrow

 

[bracker8040]

Very very cool project. I learned to drive in a 52 F2. My dad still has it. It’s in a barn at the farm, but I’m afraid it’s beyond salvaging.
Whatcha gonna do with the old steering wheel?

 

[j.fondler]

Very very cool project. I learned to drive in a 52 F2. My dad still has it. It’s in a barn at the farm, but I’m afraid it’s beyond salvaging.
Whatcha gonna do with the old steering wheel?

Probably cut the hub out of the center and use it as an “adapter” for an aftermarket wheel.

Drag that b!t€h out and get her going!

 

[j.fondler]

Got the floor pans cut and formed, waiting to rivet them down until I know the OE trans cover will fit. My top of the line press brake pictured below:hehe:

Also did the transgo shift kit, new solenoids, band adjustment, filter, input shaft seal. and mag hytec pan. This trans came out of a running/driving truck so I hope it has some life left in it. First time doing a shift kit but to anyone hesitant, it wasn’t too bad.

 

[Highwayman]

I like your style.
That bearing setup is probably for a chaff spreader on a combine.

 

[jasonc]

In other news, a van full of illegal immigrants wrecked in Texas, didn't see the stop sign.

 

[RacinDuallie]

In other news, a van full of illegal immigrants wrecked in Texas, didn't see the stop sign.

:hehe:

 

[j.fondler]

In other news, a van full of illegal immigrants wrecked in Texas, didn't see the stop sign.

Good riddance.

 

[j.fondler]

After a week of -20 or worse temps, I took advantage of the 30* and sunny day to roll it out of the shop and give the frame a good pressure washing and degreasing. 27 years of 12 valve leaks, it was well deserved.

Power plant is all assembled, just ran out of time. That and the front clip are going on Saturday.