Im getting ready to start working on my 49 f3. Its going to be a driver (not racer) just jump in anytime and drive. its going to have a 1980 351w with either a c4 or c6 not sure that yet. im looking at trying to keep close to the same ride height. im looking at converting the front to discs with the speedway kit. planing on running the 5 on 4.5 pattern. il have full moons so the pattern wont be seen. for the rear i either have a '86 ranger axle or i have a '79 cougar 9". the cougar is still a complete car and im parting out the ranger so im thinking on using that. any commets on this build.
also i was wandering is there a adapter kit to put a grant steering wheel on the stock steering colum

a few pics

 

Wow that is a solid looking truck. Is there any rust in it anywhere?. I like a 351W if the flattie is not going to be used. It makes more sense than a 302. Unless that is what ya got.

Man In Black. That was Johnnie Cash's moniker. May he RIP.

 

there is a little bubbly rust on the rear fenders and little bit here and there but nothing to bad. it also has the factory grill gaurd in the back. i want to use that since its not common for people to use them. i paid $650 for the truck back in febuary of '08 just now starting to get in tho the project. im planning on useing the tires and moons that came with it just need different 16"rims that have the 5 on 4.5 pattern. also there is no bed in the truck so im trying to figure out what to do there. i got a bunch of that composite wood(grey in color) thinking that would look kinda cool

 

Welcome to FTE,
I also have a 49 F3, I see you are from Iowa, Just wanted to say hello.

 

Nice looking truck. I personally advocate keeping things mostly stock. For your rear axle swap you will find that the 9 inch from 57 to 72 F-100 pickups is the correct width. You will then need to get axles with the bolt pattern you want and swap them into the housing. Why don't you want to go with 5 on 5.5 inch pattern?

 

The Ranger rear should work okay and there is a Grant steering wheel adapter available for your steering column. Aftermarket 16 inch wheels with the 5 x 4.5 pattern are available although finding them in stock form might be tough. Good luck with the build!

 

Good luck. I recently completed my F-3 that I started in 2004. Kept mine mostly stock except swapped out the rear end for a dana from a 72 Ford and found original stock 16" from a 52 F-250 to replace my 17" split rim widow-makers. Love the truck - can't wait for the snow and ice to melt

 

38 coupe
the main reason for useing the ranger rear end is this truck is a use what i got and buy as little as possible that being said the 4.5 kit is cheaper then the 5.5



ayone got a part number on that grant adapter?

 

MIB,
I bought my disc kit from CPP and it was the same price no matter what the bolt pattern. Of course, the rotors are on back order right now so I haven't received it yet, but no difference in price.

 

I believe you want a Grant 4297 but double check the number before you order.

 

may i ask what cpp is?

 

Classic Performance Parts.
Disc Brake, Steering and Suspension Products for classic Chevy and Ford cars and trucks

 

Welcome. Looks to be in good shape. It's nice to see more F3s out there. I have a 48 that I just got. I'm going with the Dana 60 swap with 16" rims from an F2.
Could you post a picture of the factory grill guard? I got a grill guard with mine and was wondering if it was factory. I am also thinking of using it. Does it look anything like this?


steveFord49F3Pickup,
Any insights to share on the Dana swap? I got mine from a 69 F250. Was it a straight bolt-in, or was there some fab work to do to do?

 

That grille is from a Ford tractor. I have one just like it on my 601.

 

Interesting. The guy I bought it from said it was installed on the truck when he got it. Thanks.