RatFRAUD
New Member
- Joined
- May 8, 2016
- Messages
- 7
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Surrey, BC, Canada
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1999 Explorer/1950 Fargo
Hi BUDDY!
I have been following your progression.
In my humble opinion, the idea of an AWD 56 Ford PU is awesome!
Your project injected enthusiasm towards launching mine; a 1950 Fargo (Dodge) PU over a 1999 Explorer XLT model. Mine has everything functional, I drove it home a near year ago and parked it. Nothing wrong with it, lots of power due to it's 4.0 SOHC engine. In stock condition, far overkill in power and utility.
Even in Canada, parts are so inexpensive new and used. Basically, just the skin of the Fargo is to be used. Funny, some of my Debbie downer Hot Rod buddies frown at my objective, but it's not an original idea as many have tackled this kind of project.
The problem I face initially is the body of the 50's appears narrower. I have taken some crude tight-tape measurements in advance but still not confirmed as to fit. I will need to shorted both the frame and drive shaft by 5" as the Fargo measures 107" wheelbase vs. Explorer 112". This has been costed and scheduled upon removal of both bodies.
After all, I own the 1999 Explorer and me nothing... yes FREE! Well some time swapped for working on another Explorer. The Fargo I paid half of what the guy wanted or $1,700 as it was already hot rodded. It has a 9" Ford rearend, and a Chev 307 and a Turbo 350. I don't like the way the previous guy built it. Crude welds and crap wiring, fit and finish is poor. But the Explorer yields all kinds of possibilities... Power windows, cruise, AWD Electric select, heavier duty frame and suspension.
The bonus is that I don't need expensive front clip from Camaro or Mustangs, and universal wiring kits, and other expensive bolt on improvements etc, etc.
Can you share more about specific pitfalls you overcame during the body fit to frame stuff?
Cheers,
Dave
I have been following your progression.
In my humble opinion, the idea of an AWD 56 Ford PU is awesome!
Your project injected enthusiasm towards launching mine; a 1950 Fargo (Dodge) PU over a 1999 Explorer XLT model. Mine has everything functional, I drove it home a near year ago and parked it. Nothing wrong with it, lots of power due to it's 4.0 SOHC engine. In stock condition, far overkill in power and utility.
Even in Canada, parts are so inexpensive new and used. Basically, just the skin of the Fargo is to be used. Funny, some of my Debbie downer Hot Rod buddies frown at my objective, but it's not an original idea as many have tackled this kind of project.
The problem I face initially is the body of the 50's appears narrower. I have taken some crude tight-tape measurements in advance but still not confirmed as to fit. I will need to shorted both the frame and drive shaft by 5" as the Fargo measures 107" wheelbase vs. Explorer 112". This has been costed and scheduled upon removal of both bodies.
After all, I own the 1999 Explorer and me nothing... yes FREE! Well some time swapped for working on another Explorer. The Fargo I paid half of what the guy wanted or $1,700 as it was already hot rodded. It has a 9" Ford rearend, and a Chev 307 and a Turbo 350. I don't like the way the previous guy built it. Crude welds and crap wiring, fit and finish is poor. But the Explorer yields all kinds of possibilities... Power windows, cruise, AWD Electric select, heavier duty frame and suspension.
The bonus is that I don't need expensive front clip from Camaro or Mustangs, and universal wiring kits, and other expensive bolt on improvements etc, etc.
Can you share more about specific pitfalls you overcame during the body fit to frame stuff?
Cheers,
Dave
