[Dolbs4082]

The best way to do it (imo...because i've done it...) is go get a 53-56 f100 and slap it onto a mid 80's LTD Crown Vic... it'll have a 351w, aod trans, ifs, 4 link rear.... simple to slap air ride onto or leave stock suspension.

Its made to haul the LTD around, so the weight would be similar. Slap some gears into the 8.8 its already running and your good to go.

Pretty simple to channel the cab over the frame, then set the rear suspension into the bed (make a false floor, put the gas tank under the bed floor infront of the rear suspension)

Just my opinion. Wouldnt be too hard to do the same set up with an f1 i would think??

[sickfox]

Originally Posted by WickedSnake00 Maybe something like this: That they used on this:

I was just stuck thinking for offroad use and more of a custom build. But honestly that would be better and a lot more road friendly.

[ReverendDexter]

Originally Posted by CheyenneMustang this will be done in the old rat rod spirit where the guys that built them didn't have a ton of cash and used whatever they could find on the cheap and make it work.

And there's your answer. You snag whatever's cheap or free and use time, smarts, an angle grinder, and a welder to make it work.

[Dolbs4082]

You can pick up crown vics for less then 500 usually (alot of demo guys are buying them by the truck load) and the wheel base is almost perfect (width and length) for the ~50's era pickups...

[21411]

what about registration? if you buy a newer s10 or whatever it'll still be an s10 on paper and in the emissions department. i thought that was another reason they usually use something older? its a little more freedom. all i know is illinois but my 64 dosn't need emissions, seat belts, or even side markers. my 05 came with all that and i have to maintain it all.

edit: i vote explorer of your options beacuse the 302 can be easily swaped with 351.

[ponygrrl]

Originally Posted by WickedSnake00 I think that's more because the rat-rodders are snobs about era-correct parts.

Actually traditional guys are the "snobs"... "rat rodders" don't care. There is quite a battle between them also.



OP, for your project I recommend joining/lurking on the HAMB.

Here's a few threads to get you started on research (including s10 swaps, Jaguar IFS, etc) and just do a search.. there are thousands of informative threads on there.

Technical TECH...well sorta... JAG IFS into mid fifties F100 - THE H.A.M.B.

Definitive S-10 Frame Swap Vehicle List - THE H.A.M.B.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...light=s10+swap

building 48-55 chevy or gmc truck - THE H.A.M.B.

[Dolbs4082]

I dont know about the hamb, they usually stick to the original type builds. Era correct from pre 50's hot rods. NOT rat-rods.

The hamb is a GREAT forum, and where i got alot of my build info for my 29 and 31 fords... but they dont take too lightly towards new guys building rodent rods...

[ponygrrl]

Originally Posted by Dolbs4082 I dont know about the hamb, they usually stick to the original type builds. Era correct from pre 50's hot rods. NOT rat-rods. The hamb is a GREAT forum, and where i got alot of my build info for my 29 and 31 fords... but they dont take too lightly towards new guys building rodent rods...

Never said he had to post, for one, just use it for research. Yes, a majority of them will bite your head off for using the words rat and rod together but there's plenty of information on exactly what he wants to do on that forum. They aren't opposed to stuff that isn't quite traditional at all. I've learned just about everything I know about my 53 from there.

[CheyenneMustang]

Originally Posted by Dolbs4082 You can pick up crown vics for less then 500 usually (alot of demo guys are buying them by the truck load) and the wheel base is almost perfect (width and length) for the ~50's era pickups...

That's not a bad idea either

Originally Posted by 21411 what about registration? if you buy a newer s10 or whatever it'll still be an s10 on paper and in the emissions department. i thought that was another reason they usually use something older? its a little more freedom. all i know is illinois but my 64 dosn't need emissions, seat belts, or even side markers. my 05 came with all that and i have to maintain it all. edit: i vote explorer of your options beacuse the 302 can be easily swaped with 351.

Registration I've heard is though but obtainable. Emissions isn't a problem, no emissions regulations here.

Originally Posted by ponygrrl Never said he had to post, for one, just use it for research. Yes, a majority of them will bite your head off for using the words rat and rod together but there's plenty of information on exactly what he wants to do on that forum. They aren't opposed to stuff that isn't quite traditional at all. I've learned just about everything I know about my 53 from there.

I checked out that website when I was getting some planning together, great information. I found one website for rat rodders that included a build section for strictly under $3k that was great as well