tons of work

after taking the subframe in and out 6 times for trimming i finally got the fit i was looking for. after double and triple checking my measurements i started the welding process. i spent a lot of time and a bunch of welding rods making sure this thing was secured to the old frame properly and there would be no structural problems down the road. now it was time to put some wheels on it and get it back on the floor. the new section looks like it grew there and i am very happy with the results. today i put one fender on to make sure all my clearances were correct. now it is time to hook everything back up and do all the little things needed to finish the job. finished pictures will come later.

installing the new subframe

after stripping the donor truck to the bare frame i cut the front section of the frame off and allowed some extra length for trimming later. then came the part i dreaded most--cutting the old frame off the ford. once i did this there was no turning back. i took a deep breath and broke out the sawzall. now it was time for a test fit with the new section. i could tell at this point that i had to do a lot of trimming to make this new frame section look like it was supposed to be there.

suspension update

i didn't have any older pictures of the ford on the computer so i'll start with a picture of the truck i used for my upgraded suspension. by using the front frame clip off this old ragged truck i will gain modern suspension geometry, power disc brakes and power steering. doing it this way is not for the faint of heart because of all the fabrication and welding that will be required. it will be well worth it though because i will be getting everything i was after with a budget build cost.

been away too long

wow--i can't believe its been 6 months since i posted on here. we have had a great summer so far and have been to several car shows. we even won a couple of trophies and saw a bunch of great cars. after driving the 54 ford a good bit this year i realized it left a lot to be desired in the suspension and driveability. with this in mind i embarked on a major rebuild of the suspension and updated it accordingly.i will start with a picture of it like it was and then follow with pictures of different stages of the of the teardown and rebuild.