Another F100 body swap

[carboncanyon]

Came across a good deal on a 1998 V8 AWD Eddie Bauer exploder, and seeing the swaps done already, figured I would take a stab at it also. Im somewhat going off of this explorer forum thread from 2013

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/1956-f100-explorer-chassis-swap.393170/

In that thread, the truck being used is a 1956, but Im using my 1953 body. The trucks are identical with the exception of the windshield and doors. All other body panels swap between years (fenders, running boards, hood, bed, etc).

Minutes after getting it home.

Barely hours after getting it home

The next day after getting it home.

More cutting.

Quick mockup of fenders and running board to start getting some baseline measurements. F100 cabs are ridiculously tall and will saddle down over the frame quite a bit while still keeping the windshield locations similar to the exploder.

Obviously still a long way to go, but you get the idea where Im headed. As it sits right now, its still a runner/driver, and Im hoping to keep it that way even as I continue to cut away at the front supports and cowl area. So far I havnt had to cut a single wire, or damage any connectors, so I should be able to reuse things like front door power locks and windows if I want to install those features into my f100 doors.

The 1953 F-100 cab I have is stripped bare already, so once I start cutting on it, the process should go pretty quick.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

dont get me wrong, love those old f100's but wow! that WAS a mint eddy....

 

[carboncanyon]

dont get me wrong, love those old f100's but wow! that WAS a mint eddy....

The pics are misleading. Its a solid rig, but not something worth cleaning up. Paint was less than stellar, and interior has seen better days. I thought about cleaning it up and making it a nice daily, but Ive got my 96 bronco for that. This was a perfect donor rig for the f100.

 

[CDW6212R]

I love the project idea, and from the other one you referenced, it will turn out great. It hurts me to see that EB die too, I have a friend at work wanting a reliable 98-01 for mail delivery. They are getting more rare, being close to 20 years old now.

If you leave the wiring intact, you can include the keyless entry. Cutting the hole in the door to fit that is not hard, I added it to a 93 door back in 2006.

 

[Spudhut]

subscribed, cant wait to see more updates.

 

[WormsExplorer]

I am also subscribing want to see how this one turns out. I do have to say though the paint was Beautiful.

 

[carboncanyon]

I had to reclaim my work area. Buddy of mine broke a spring on his 28 Daytona Eliminator trailer and it turned into a full rebuild. Bunks, Brakes, Bearings, etc. Its every bit of 30ft long.

But now that I have my space back....

First Kiss

Got some cutting to do

It'll fit.

 

[carboncanyon]

Got crazy with the sawzall tonight.

open wide

Is this your first time?

Good start

Like they were made for each other

A-pillars gotta go.

Obviously the dash has to go too, but Im hoping to save that for the final cut so Im not left having to weld in a bunch of filler pieces around the explorer dash. Lots more cutting of the floorpan also, but again, saving those cuts once the cab sits around the dash a little closer.

 

[carboncanyon]

Plugging away at it still. Got the vertical clearances, now to work on the front to back issues. Part of my problem is I dont have the correct bed. I have a 1980s stepside bed that I narrowed, shortened, and flipped in order to utilize the factory tubs instead of making my own. Just shy of 10 inches clearance on the front valance. Slightly shorter tire, and some form of explorer lowering kit and I should be in the 6 to 7 inch range.

 

[WormsExplorer]

That is looking great

 

[Mr. Alligator]

This is definitely the highest and best use for an EB!!! Looking good.

 

[CDW6212R]

Excellent!

 

[LoquetusofBorg]

This is an awesome write up, Subscribed! My third rig as a teenager was a 54 ford f-100 with a 56 front end and was one of my most favorite vehicles ever. I am excited for you and can't wait for your updates. Good luck!
Loquetus

 

[xltshow]

pretty interesting. good job

 

[carboncanyon]

Had to go back to an original bed for the time being. The 80s model bed I wanted to use was modified for the old frame too much to make work with the explorer frame for now. Will come back to it later.

Put it all together for a couple pics, then tore it apart again to start yanking unneeded wiring, and also to fix the leaking valve cover gaskets. Of course I broke some bolts on the intake so that is a small setback while I order up some helicoil or time sert repair parts.

 

[Spudhut]

what an undertaking. The project looks solid and well on its way. The picture of it all together looks great!

 

[allmyEXes]

Any update on the mid-fifty/explorer conversion?
I have a 1954 F-100 body on a 1999 Ranger project started. i'm keeping the Ranger Bed floor (only). I have yet to skin the Ranger cab down to the firewall and floor. AC and all electro/mechanical functions intact and working. Finishing bed first to have a measurement basis for the rest of the project.

 

[carboncanyon]

Not much. I drove the truck to a cruise on New Years Day, and its been in the garage ever since. I tinker with it now and then, but dealing with various land and house maintenance issues and job and life. Havnt had much time out in the garage. Really fighting the hood alignment and I think Im going to have to cave in and do a reverse tilt hood. Im also hearing a really nasty growl that Im not sure if its the AWD transfer case, or the front axle, so I havnt been driving it long distances in case its something thats gonna leave me stranded.

 

[allmyEXes]

Not much...... but dealing with various land and house maintenance issues and job and life. Havnt had much time out in the garage. .

I totally understand. I'm glad to see you past the Cab integration part of it. that is a milestone. I hope that I have the time next Saturday or the next, to finish the Ranger bed stretch to 1954 short bed length (3.5" to the rear, 3" to the front) and reinforcing the bed floor. When the bedside got removed the floor part got fairly flimsy. I'll try to get some pics and start a thread so I am not stepping on your thread. Looking good !

 

[410Fortune]

Having been involved in the build of a 1940 F1 body onto a 97 V8 I can say WOWEEEE you are doing a nice job!

There is alot more room with your 1950's body then there was for us. I had delete the ABS and swap the factory explorer booster and master cylinder for a mustang II 9" booster to make room for the fender to clear. We had no room for airbox or any underhood wiring all wiring was relocated to drivers kick panel

I have built ALOT of trucks
None get as much attention as the 1940 F1 5.0L AWD
My buddy Chris in Colorado built and owns this thing, I did the wiring and much of the "conversion" to the explorer. He did all the rest..
Thanks for sharing!!

1940 Ford Pickup on 1997 Explorer Chassis - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums