| Before I wrap this up I would like to talk
about some issues I never mentioned earlier on.
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| You will most likely not have enough room for a mechanical
engine fan. You will probably have to run an electric fan. I'm using a 16"
Vintage Air unit.
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| The other issue is the steering column. You will have to cut
a hole for the column and you'll need one about 30" long (You may prefer it
longer or shorter). You can search the car wreckers or buy one of the
aftermarket units. You can get one with a column shift or like me use a
floor shifter.
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| Another issue is track width. The '78 has 2" wider track width
than the '51. You can correct this by getting a wheel with a different back
space. Note: the smallest wheel that will clear the caliper is 16". Some guys
have got 15" to fit but they grind the caliper which I don't recommend.
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| Just for comparison sake I have include pictures of the truck
with the 1 ton and 1/2 fenders.
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| The 1 ton fenders have lots of clearance for the 235/85/R16
tires and plenty of room for suspension travel.
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| The 1/2 ton fenders don't leave much room for the 235/85/R16
tires and you have absolutely no suspension travel. They would work if you used
smaller tires.
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| I thought I would toss in a picture of the 1 ton rear fender.
There is plenty of clearance and it will sit lower when I get the box leveled
out. Note: The tire may not look right when it's not centered in the wheel well
but that is how the '48-52 trucks were.
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| In closing: You will now have a truck that looks stock but will
ride and drive better with power steering and disc brakes. This article would
also apply if you wanted to put a '48-52 F-1 onto a '74-79 F-100/150 Supercab
frame. Now get the engine wired, exhaust put on and take your truck for a cruise!
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