1970 F100 CV/Thunderbird

[elgemcdlf]

I have decided I am going with the '57 Fairlane dash. No matter how many times I tell myself the '56 pickup dash would be easier I keep going back to the Fairlane dash. I have learned a bit about the green cluster. I called the builder of the car & they told me it was custom built. Seems all '57 Fords came with fuel & temp gauges. The amp & oil are idiot lights. They recommended I contact Classic Instruments concerning modifying a cluster to house all 4 gauges. Sent an email but have not heard from them yet.

The windshield on the '57 wraps around & the dash matches that shape. I plan on taking the "wings" of the dash and cutting them off at the door opening. Then welding the ends I cut off onto the door thus continueing the dash into the door. Making sense yet? Well at least that's how I see it in my head.

[67nukeford]

Wow, this is an amazing truck!! I can't wait to see what that dash looks like in it!!

[elgemcdlf]

Well I got word on the modification of the cluster. They said $3200-$3600 depending on the condition of the cluster I send them. That will definitely have to wait. It will go in with the 2 idiot lights for now. I may round up a couple extra clusters and try my hand at the modification.

[elgemcdlf]

I am spending the first week in Feb in southern MO. Dropped the truck off today for the heart transplant. Will be soon and she will be sporting a 460 & C6 instead of a tired 302 & C4. Headers surprised me. $207 from a local dealer. Best I could find online was $199 + shipping. I am curious to see if it drops the nose any.

[Swegner99]

Im not sure what the weight difference between the two is but you would think the 460 would be quite a bit heavier. That little truck is going to scream with the 460 in it.

[BobbyFord]

I would think that the nose would surely drop with the 460 in there.

[elgemcdlf]

I would think that the nose would surely drop with the 460 in there.

I have a thought that I am running by the CV forum for further lowering the CV IFS. The lower control arm mounts above the spindle. I am thinking flipping the lower ball joints and mounting the spindles above the lower control arm. If this is something that will work it should give me an additional 1 1/2" - 2" drop. I am going to run her across the scales when finished with the engine. I realize it is prior to steel wheels but will give you an idea when compared to your truck. My only safety issue with flipping the ball joints is the way pressure is applied. In stock form the pressure of the suspension forces the ball joint stud into the socket area. Flipping will be pulling against that socket as in older vehicles.

[roughneck]

thats an awesome build. And with the CV front end swap it isn't dragging in the gravel. Your truck has the stance I am wanting on mine, thanks for sharing this.

[elgemcdlf]

I thought you might like it once you seen the CV when sitting next to a stock 2WD truck. Thanks for the kind words about our truck.

[elgemcdlf]

Picked up my '57 Fairlane dash yesterday just south of Montgomery, AL. Will be getting some pics up soon. The Fairlane is a bolt in the car. I plan on cutting my dash across the base of the windshield & putting in mounting tabs so the replacement dash will be a bolt in as in the car. Make working on things behind the dash much easier.

[elgemcdlf]

Pics of the dash. Here it is as purchased.


This is the plan for this area. The 2 idiot lights changed over to green and utilized as turn signal indicators. The PRNDL changed out for a correct display for the C6. The 2 switch wells painted to match the dash in the current blue areas. The left side will house from left to right ignition switch, headlight switch, emergency flashers. The right side will house HVAC controls. That is all the switches that will be in the dash. The speedo head will be modified to house 4 gauges.


This shot is of the left "wing". They are staying. I will cut them off where the door opens and attach the pieces cut off onto the inside of the doors.


The right "wing"


The glovebox door will be welded in along with the ashtray. The holes for the radio, clock & HVAC controls will be closed up. The hole in the top for the speaker will be closed up. I will create speaker mounts in each end of the top of the dash. One of the things I really like about this particular dash other than appearance is the defroster vent. It is all along the windshield. The trim piece that goes at the base of the windshield hides it letting air escape at the base of the windshield. I am also planning a long thin slit added to the bottom of the dash that will be utilized for HVAC vent instead of traditional louvers.

[Swegner99]

That is going to be an intensive project, but I think its going to look amazing when its all done. Your truck is really custom already so this is going to be a perfect addition!

[Joshpow]

looking forward to some progress pics. itll be cool i bet.

[elgemcdlf]

Got some engine swap pics today. I ordered headers for a '74 F100 2WD 460 pickup. In this first pic the engine is sitting on the CV crossmember. The headers dump into the firewall. Engine needs to go down at least 3". Rear sump pan required or totally custom fabbed headers. I am opting for the rear sump pan.







Truck's new hat?


Spare parts?

[texrodder]

[quote="elgemcdlf"]Got some engine swap pics today. I ordered headers for a '74 F100 2WD 460 pickup. In this first pic the engine is sitting on the CV crossmember. The headers dump into the firewall. Engine needs to go down at least 3". Rear sump pan required or totally custom fabbed headers. I am opting for the rear sump pan.



Im using my 460 with the CV swap and I've been shopping for a rear sump pan setup, here is the best deal I could find, other than used wrecking yard stuff.
Amazon has a complete kit part #M-6675-A460 , for $129 with free shipping, Summit sells it for $148 plus ..