How to Rebuild Antique Ford Cars and Trucks
Rebuilding an antique Ford car or truck is a difficult and time-consuming task for novice mechanics. The good news is that mechanical parts are readily available for many late pre-war and most post-war Ford models. Original body parts for many older antique Fords are extremely difficult to locate, but aftermarket fabricated parts serve as excellent replacements. Model T and Model A clubs have good parts networks and often have club members designated to give rebuilding advice to Ford owners.
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Things You'll Need
- Ford shop manual
- Engine hoist
- Four floor jacks
- Hydraulic jack
- Automotive tools
Instructions
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Plan a strategy on how to tackle the rebuilding job. Rebuilding an antique Ford car or truck doesn’t mean a complete restoration. Restoration among old car collectors means a ground-up restoration of a vehicle to its original factory condition. Customization allows the owner to add non-factory accessories like chrome wheels, wide tires and a non-Ford high-performance engine to any Ford vehicle. Ford owners can define what they consider an appropriate rebuild by performing as much or as little work as necessary to keep the car or truck running.
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Purchase a Ford shop manual for the specific year, make and model of the Ford. It’s your bible through the rebuild process. Canvass Ford parts stores, online parts websites and antique and vintage Ford clubs to determine whether all parts are available for the project.
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Consider that a good rebuild project includes an engine, transmission, suspension and brake overhaul. Rebuild your Ford by keeping the body on the frame. Remove the cargo box if you rebuild a Ford pickup truck, according to Modeltcentral.com.
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Use an engine hoist to remove the engine. Use a hydraulic jack to boost the vehicle and place it on four floor jacks. Remove the transmission and suspension using your automotive tools. Remove the wheels. Remove the brake drums and brake pads. Send the engine and transmission to a shop specializing in vintage Fords if you choose not to do your own overhaul. Send the brake drums for turning (grinding) to a vendor. Purchase new brake pads. Remove and replace the wiring harness.
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Remove all trim, including beltline, grille, nameplate and logos from the vehicle. Send them to a vendor for replating. Send the cargo box if you are working on a pickup for sandblasting and preparation work for the final paint job.
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Start the re-installation process once your parts return from the vendors. Re-install the engine using the engine hoist. Using your tools, re-install the transmission and suspension. Install the brake pads and drums. Re-install all trim.
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Strip the interior of its headliner, seating upholstery and inside door panels. Once the vehicle is running again, drive it to an auto upholstery shop for new upholstery and finishing.
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Paint the vehicle. It’s ready for a drive.
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Tips & Warnings
Novice mechanics should farm out the mechanical work, such as rebuilding the engine and transmission, to the experts and concentrate on the removal and installation of parts. Purchase a 100-piece tool set and a toolbox with wheels to perform the work.
Rebuild projects are expensive. In virtually every case, costs go wildly beyond the original planned budget. Be frugal.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit ford mustang's steering wheel image by Lario Tus from Fotolia.com
