Questions about 1949 Ford F1 to Ford Explorer Frame Swap

[allmyEXes]

Here is a link to a harness rework that might help
Explorer OBD2 Harness Re-work - ClassicBroncos.com Forums

 

[Charles.perkins167]

I’d really hope it’s at least a 5.0. If I was spending that kind of money on a build, I’d probably want it on an f150 frame. I hate torsion bars.

Yes it’s a 5.0.

 

[allmyEXes]

Question for mbrooks420: Have you ever owned or worked on a old VW Beetle ? the speedometer cable housing ran through a hole in the front spindle, and the grease cap had a real small square hole in it that drove the inner cable. I imagine calibration would be an issue but I'm wondering if this is a "doable" mod to be able to have a mechanically driven speedometer in an old vehicle with newer drivetrain retaining all of the electronic sensors VSS/OSS etc and the PCM...

 

[Mbrooks420]

Yes it’s a 5.0.

I mean the one for sale that’s listed at 30,000 as a “4x4” chassis That says V6 to me.

As for the beetles, no, only newer turbo models. I would think getting it right wouldn’t be feasible. It’d take a bunch of machining, and math to get it in the ballpark. I bet aftermarket gauges come with an electric signal option. I’m sure tons of these have been swapped to more modern drive trains.

 

[allmyEXes]

I didn't notice that the green '56 in Franklin TN was V-6 until you mentioned it. I guess if I could pick from a pile off parts, for a '50's truck body project I would use all the 1997 explorer 5.0/Auto wiring PCM etc on a '94 Ex chassis twin I beam. The '50s truck have narrow bodies like the Explorers.

 

[Charles.perkins167]

So I'm a newbie to Ford's but I am wondering how many different 5.0 blocks there are? Reason for asking is I have 2 freeze plugs gone from my block and it's possibly ruined. Wanting to know what best options were for a block donor.

 

[massacre]

If the freeze plugs popped, the block might still be ok, since that is the reason freeze plugs are used. The plugs are forced out instead of the block cracking (in theory).

 

[WormsExplorer]

Subscribing. Want to see how this build turns out.

 

[allmyEXes]

I can already see that a radiator similar to Charles stock '49 radiator will be in his near future
Champion Cooling Systems EC5100: All-Aluminum Radiator 1947-1954 Chevrolet Truck | JEGS

 

[Spudhut]

Just recently purchased a 1997 Ford Explorer 4D 5.0, looking to use this frame/chasis/motor as a donor to put under the 1949 Ford F1 that I have, looking for advice on best way to go about the wiring/computer. Don't want to use the Explorer gauges, would like to use the gauges already in the F1, any advice on best way to go about this. Any and all advice appreciated.

@Charles.perkins167

Its possible. You would have to change the sending units to match the one's used in the F-1 (oil and volts). Temp would be easy as all you need to do is run the sending unit to the block if it has mercury sender attached. If it has electric sender, just install in block and wire it up.

Remember too, the F-1 gauges are 6V too. That can be fixed by putting a 12v-6v drop resistor inline so you dont burn them up. Ford used 6V resistor drops on their gauges for many years, they are easy to find.

Lights in the gauges can easily be wired to light switch.

I have done swaps like this many times...its a simple thing to do to incorporate the stock units.

BTW: What's wrong with the flathead...there is nothing more sweet sounding. put in a Borg Warner 3-speed with Overdrive and you can drive that thing anywhere....shame to see it pulled out.

 

[Spudhut]

111.5” on Explorer and 114” on 49 f1

You could easily lengthen the frame on that Explorer to match the wheel base on the F-1

 

[allmyEXes]

F1 is 2.5 inches longer. I wonder if the Explorer differential and rear springs/hangers could be slid back 2.5 inches ?

 

[Charles.perkins167]

So I'm a newbie to Ford's but I am wondering how many different 5.0 blocks there are? Reason for asking is I have 2 freeze plugs gone from my block and it's possibly ruined. Wanting to know what best options were for a block donor.

@Charles.perkins167

Its possible. You would have to change the sending units to match the one's used in the F-1 (oil and volts). Temp would be easy as all you need to do is run the sending unit to the block if it has mercury sender attached. If it has electric sender, just install in block and wire it up.

Remember too, the F-1 gauges are 6V too. That can be fixed by putting a 12v-6v drop resistor inline so you dont burn them up. Ford used 6V resistor drops on their gauges for many years, they are easy to find.

Lights in the gauges can easily be wired to light switch.

I have done swaps like this many times...its a simple thing to do to incorporate the stock units.

BTW: What's wrong with the flathead...there is nothing more sweet sounding. put in a Borg Warner 3-speed with Overdrive and you can drive that thing anywhere....shame to see it pulled out.

OEMk thanks. I'm thinking about some aftermarket gauges with the

@Charles.perkins167

Its possible. You would have to change the sending units to match the one's used in the F-1 (oil and volts). Temp would be easy as all you need to do is run the sending unit to the block if it has mercury sender attached. If it has electric sender, just install in block and wire it up.

Remember too, the F-1 gauges are 6V too. That can be fixed by putting a 12v-6v drop resistor inline so you dont burn them up. Ford used 6V resistor drops on their gauges for many years, they are easy to find.

Lights in the gauges can easily be wired to light switch.

I have done swaps like this many times...its a simple thing to do to incorporate the stock units.

BTW: What's wrong with the flathead...there is nothing more sweet sounding. put in a Borg Warner 3-speed with Overdrive and you can drive that thing anywhere....shame to see it pulled out.

 

[Charles.perkins167]

From what I have read, the 49 actually looks better leaving the wheelbase at 111.5". Going to pull explorer cab off this afternoon hopefully.

 

[allmyEXes]

OOps.That radiator is for a Chevy. My bad. Here is a Ford one.
1948 49 Ford F1 Pickup Truck Chevy V8 Champion 2 Row WR Radiator EC4252CH | eBay

 

[Charles.perkins167]

OOps.That radiator is for a Chevy. My bad. Here is a Ford one.
1948 49 Ford F1 Pickup Truck Chevy V8 Champion 2 Row WR Radiator EC4252CH | eBay

Thanks for the link. Definitely going to need that if my motor isn't shot!

 

[allmyEXes]

C,I have a '54 F-100/ '99 Ranger Chassis project that I have been itching to work on. That explains my special interest in your Project. I'm having to consider the same things that you are. Making the early instrument work with the late model stuff etc. I will be integrating the early cab on to the Ranger firewall and floor similar to the way Buddy did his '56 on to the Explorer. Keep at it !
By the way, follow through with the 5.0 explorer as planned even if you need a 5.0 later. The Explorer 5.0s are the easiest to find these days. I saw 4 5.0 powered ones in one local Junk Yard last week.

 

[Mbrooks420]

I’d want to get the motor running and prove it before yanking everything. Be easier to swap a motor before grafting the other body on. A little patience and work now could save you a big hassle later, and you’d have the piece of kind that after all the work you could drive it, and not just have to start a motor swap.

 

[Charles.perkins167]

I pulled cab off explorer last night. I pulled motor and transmission also. I’m going to drive new freeze plugs in and test it this afternoon.

 

[WormsExplorer]

pictures?