1970 F100 Frame and Powertrain Swap (to 07 CrownVic running gear)

[biggurn]

Touch high, about 5/8 of an inch. I maintained the measurements that the truck had on the stock chassis, though I'm considering dropping it level.

[biggurn]

Project Floyd: Today the minions and I swapped out my home brew TPS (throttle position sensor) for a unit from TCI. This TPS is for the MSD transmission control unit as for some reason it didn't want to share with the Holley HP EFI (I believe this was because of the variance in the EFI TPS settings).


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The last few evenings I've also been working on the EFI tune, getting closer to what it needs to run smooth.

140 hours

[biggurn]

As many of us have this issue, I thought I would share what I used for Project Floyd. After a great deal of research, I decided on using this product: Evercoat FIB-822 Maxim OEM Bead Type Seam Sealer. It has a 5 minute work time (works like caulk or silicone) without running like so many other products. The other major bonus, while it is a two part product, no special caulking gun required! It fits right into a normal caulking gun and comes with two applicator tips. Can be top coated (painted) in 30 minutes. It is a little spendy, around $45 on Amazon.


Pretty simple to apply. I first chipped all the old sealant out (no holes fortunately). Then proceded to sand the entire gutter with 180 grit sand paper. Wash clean with acetone, allow to dry. Once dry, just apply it like you would caulk or silicone, filling the gutter with sealant and leveling with a finger (wear some latex type gloves).

[biggurn]

Project Floyd: Today I set out with a list of things to accomplish: Redo the filler neck, make the cab & bed bump line flow better, and install the Firestone air bags for the rear coil springs. Fortunately, I had adequate time for all!

First up, with the truck level on the shop floor, I found that the back of the cab sat about 5/8 inch lower than the front (measuring floor to center of the body bump). I realized this was due to having set all of this up while the cab was empty and having overtightened the rear cab mounts had completely squashed the urethane body mount. Solution: raise cab and add a 2nd 3/4" urethane bushing, cab is now perfect. From there it was aligning the bed body bump with the cab, that required a 1" bushing at the front, a 3/4" at the 2nd bed mounts, 3/8" at the 3rd mounts and nothing at the rear. The body line is great and the cab to box gap is near perfect.


With the box off, I went ahead with my filler neck solution. This required putting a 2-1/2" hole through the frame, welding in a piece if tubing and cleaning it all up.


This enables a straight shot for the filler at the fuel tank inlet. Much better than 5 bends and a cramped filler neck over the frame rail!




Before the bed went back on, I slipped the Firestone bags inside the rear coils. I was able to run the air lines through some 5/16 fuel line to protect it and then into the frame. Once the bed was on, I installed the shrader valves. Very happy with the bags!


145 hours.

[IN2FORD]

Awesome project!!

Barry

[WhitsEnd]

The stance is perfect! I think too many guys go for a completely level lower rocker panel. Since the rear wheel opening is lower than the front, it makes it look like the rear is dragging low. You've nailed it.

I think the medium bed length with the single cut is right on the money as well. It looks tougher than the dinky short bed.

[biggurn]

Thanks guys! Getting that stance has been my concern since I started planning the truck as I didn't want it to look slammed. I agree, the 7' bed is the way to go, gives it just the right proportion on the CrownVic chassis.

[biggurn]

I have just over 500 miles on the truck now. I went with a tuner I met via a Facebook group to get the Holley EFI tuned in correctly. That was some of the best money spent! The truck runs and drives amazingly! Everything I'd hoped for. I will continue to update the group as I get more work done on the truck...

This evening we used the truck as a truck... picked up a donor bike for an upcoming project for my four boys.

[biggurn]

Project Floyd Update: when I bought this truck and saw the passenger side tool box, I knew I'd have to do what I had not seen on other builds: Floyd would have to have a functional toolbox.

Today I made that happen. Last year about this time I built the door. Since then, I've just been enjoying the driving experience. Now though, I have plans to complete other things on Floyd, so the tool box needed done. All in all, it wasn't too bad. Just a lot of measuring, cutting, fitting and welding. I'm quite pleased with how it turned out!










148.5 hours invested.

[hfdco4]

Awesome job! I love that you kept it all Ford too!

[biggurn]

Have four minions and need to haul them somewhere? Well the minion seat is minion approved. Boat seats and lap belts (keep in mind that in Idaho its legal to ride in the bed of a pickup without seats). Anchored with rivenuts through the bed supports. Rock solid.

[hfdco4]

I like you took the time to keep the minions safe!

[biggurn]

I like you took the time to keep the minions safe!

Thank you sir... you wouldn't believe the haters over it! Since just riding in the bed is legal here, this is a step or two up! My brother the State Trooper loves it!

[biggurn]

Project Floyd: Yesterday I decided it was time to finish up the body work (weld close the remaining 18 holes, then primer and paint)... Fortunately it only took an hour to finish the welding and grinding... then the body work started. First up, after the welding was done, was sanding off all of the other primer, applying body filler as needed, sanding, shooting new primer, sanding again, then taping and shooting the new Wimbledon White. It took three coats to get the coverage I wanted. That was left to sit all day and wait for early this morning for the next step. At 0630 I set out to once again tape! Then lay down three coats of New Lime Green. It'll be left to cure for a week, then I'll sand a few areas that are high and start the process of blending it back into the original paint. The paint shop said to wait 90 days before I start cutting it with rubbing compound.. so if the weather holds out and its warm, come October it will get cut and maybe, just maybe, shot with a clear coat.... 157 total hours invested.

[hfdco4]

Simply amazing. I like the idea that the kids have seat belts. I do not see a lot of differences than if they were sitting in the truck. Ignore the moron haters and keep up the great work!