So no pictures yet, but will have some tomorrow probably, but I've decided (a decade too late) that it's time to restore/update the 1962 f100 that my dad got to be my first car.

Needs a small amount of fab work for rust, but fortunately a small amount and never had an engine in it, i guess the hamster that came stock died.

Juggling a number of ideas for what to do with it, but definitely want to update the suspension and brakes to something a bit more modern and have a couple options for my underpinnings. What ended up being my first car was a 1984 long wheelbase f150, so I've thought about doing some frame modifications to shorten it the 2 feet needed to match length and using the 351W and three speed manual in it and go from there...

OR: My uncle has a short wheelbase 93 f150 with 302/auto that I can purchase and not have to do any frame mods whatsoever.

As to engines, aside from what is attached to either frame, I could put a 390/auto in or a 460/3 speed manual so decisions are a plenty.

I've other ideas, like paint/wheels/interior/stereo/a.c./HID light conversion, but first step is getting body solid, then put on to whichever frame/drivetrain I, and my dad, decide is best, but to be sure, there will be pictures.

 

TJ, I say go with something different motor wise and drop in a 300 straight 6.

They are easy to come across, they are tough as nails, put a Offy or Clifford intake and carb on it as well as a nice header and a cam and that motor will be doing really good all while looking like a lowly semi stock six. You will get better fuel economy out of it and knowing you, it won't have enough power for you to go slidin sideways while taking an off ramp on 75!!

 

So after more deliberation, I've decided to stick with the truck intact and not worry about a frame swap and that it will be getting a 390/auto (c-4 or 6, I'm thinking) dropped in as the materials to do such a thing are easily attained.

Pics of how it sits.

 

If you go with the 390, use a C6. The easiest way to get the right engine/tranny match is to buy both at the same time. An ideal source is a recent wreck that killed the body and/or frame but still has an intact engine/tranny. I put a 429/C6 that came from a car owned by a kid who wanted to replace with a 460 (I'm thinki' he also got ticked off the first time he had to replace the alternator belt).

 

Fortunately, I merely have to find a transmission as I have a 390 merely waiting for the opportunity to growl again.

 

Looking forward to hearing more about your progress. I'm currently building a 64 f100 putting in a 360/ c6 transplant.
Just now in tear down phase.
Keep us posted.

 

Update: Went to get info to find the title/apply for a bonded title and the vin plate in the glove box is gone and can't find it on the frame yet. So we're kinda stuck for the time being as I don't want to fix a vehicle up for some dude to be all "yup, that thur be my prized pickup truck, thanks for "keeping it clean".

 

Success! VIN found and decoded. My truck is a local sweetheart, made in Dallas May of 1961 (so it's a 61, not 62) with a 223 I6.