I just bought a 1957 F100 stepside pickup. I’ve had to work on old trucks before (mainly my ’69 Chevy), but I don’t know a lot about engines (rebuilding or replacing). I’m currently planning on restoring the exterior of the truck to it’s original look, with exception to the wheels/tires. I would like to put a modern engine and suspension in it, but to be honest I’m not sure where to start.

Can anyone suggest some good resources for info on restoration and refitting newer equipment in an old truck? Any good links? Are there certain engine types I should go for, or stay away from? I don’t mean to sound stupid here, but I’m a total n00b at this.

Cheers,
Vaul

Well, Hot Rod Magazine has always been a good resource. They dont usually have exactly what you want, but it is a great place to get ideas.

I am restoring a 74 F-100 and have never done this before. As much as I wanted to put a nice modern mill in there, I decided against it due to lack of knowlege in the customizing area. I did manage to build a monster 390 that looks and performs well and kept the price under $2000....... Now for the rest of the truck.

__________________
One big ass 390... One small ass F100... Donuts anyone???

If you want to update the ft. susp. I found that a front sub from a 75 T-Bird will graft right onto the existing frame. The power steering sector even lines up with the existing hole in the floor.
Here is a pic of my 60 it looks originial even originial paint color.
It has an EFI 5.0LAOD trans tilt, cruise, air, power door locks with remote keyless entry.
Have any questions just ask.:fordrules:

__________________
Fast Cars Don't Wear Bowties!
10.56@126 Ranger shortbox.
60 F-100, 94 F-150 Xcab, 89 Mustang GT Convt. (Soon 2005 Cobra)

If you want to update the ft. susp. I found that a front sub from a 75 T-Bird will graft right onto the existing frame. The power steering sector even lines up with the existing hole in the floor.
Here is a pic of my 60 it looks originial even originial paint color.
It has an EFI 5.0LAOD trans tilt, cruise, air, power door locks with remote keyless entry.
Have any questions just ask.:fordrules:

Attached Images

 

__________________
Fast Cars Don't Wear Bowties!
10.56@126 Ranger shortbox.
60 F-100, 94 F-150 Xcab, 89 Mustang GT Convt. (Soon 2005 Cobra)

The easiest thing for me to say is to go pick up a classic truck magazin.....there is such a cult following behind the f100 that you can find everything for it.......

For the suspension it depends on budget and what you want to do....for instance....you can buy an aftermarket mustang II type suspension and bag it.....(side note never use the mII original a-arms...they are built to support a car not a truck).....Or you can buy a volire front clip and use the torsion bars to raise and lower the stance yourself......The later being the cheapest........The rear suspension is where it gets tricky.....depending on what you do with your truck (i.e. towing, racing, cruising, whatever) you have many choices.....Easiest is good ol 9"an springs......differant approches would be a 3 or 4 link rear with coils or the more exotic IRS......

The engine IS the vehicle basicly so make sure you have the right engine for the job.......Carberated engines are becomeing more and more outdated because it is so easy nowadays to get tons of power and reliability out of a EFI and its also getting easier and cheaper to convert to EFI from carberation......In the enigne compartment is basicly comes down to three things which usually contrast each other....What you want.....What you need....And what you can afford


Now that i got that crap outa the way ......I would say if you wana haul stuff (or ass) with ur truck shove a FE engine, or a big block in it....If you wana just cruize and get descent mileage go for a EFI small block

__________________
remember when the air was clean and sex was dirty

It's only temporary - unless it works

Lowriders are for guys who cant get it up

Its not that I'm lazy, its that I just don't care

Another option for the front end is the Aerostar van. Straightforward installation withs very little modification or fabrication. Just finishing up on installing one in my 55 F100.
Check out the forums at:

http://www.ford-trucks.com/cgi-bin/d...onf=DCConfID12

There is a ton of info on this sort of project

__________________
78 Mustang King Cobra unrestored
90 Mustang GT modified
83 Mustang GLX 5.0 convertible
93 F350 Crew Cab Dually Diesel
86 Ranger 4X4 3" lift
55 F100 project