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11-26-2020 #1
Longer, Lower Wider Ford Jailbar Touring Project
Intro to my build project:
This thread represents my efforts to build a longer, lower & wider Jailbar with custom frame and modern suspension and power train. Old folks like me will remember the advertising jingle for longer, lower, wider cars! This is a longer, lower, wider truck that will be comfortable for my 6’ 3”
Several years ago I bought a 47 that had serious cancer in all the wrong places—body seams—but had very good doors and sections that could be used for patch panels. Sold off everything except the cab and front clip. I recently found a fire truck cab and front clip that was in excellent shape … except for a few bullet holes!
The 40-47 Ford trucks are known throughout the world as Jailbars because of the grille. Both of my cabs have bullet holes, so there may be a double meaning to Jailbar! The 47 had bullet holes in the passenger door, while the 42 firetruck had a large caliber (50 cal?) hole from the inside out (accidental discharge?), as well as smaller caliber bullet holes at the top of the passenger A-pillar and back driver's side corner that were covered by bondo. If only the trucks could talk!
I’m trying to keep the build simple, with readily available parts. Plan is to make a mild touring truck. Engine choice not finalized.
I have widened the cab 5” at the front and about 6 ľ” at the rear (more at the rear to maintain the wedge shape and outside curvature of the doors) , and stretched the cab and doors 6 ˝”.
Widening will give it something of a chopped look, without being chopped and losing headroom that I need.
Widening also allows for use of a Crown Vic IFS without having to narrow the cross member to fit wheels inside the fenders. Custom frame nearing completion.
Here are pics of the cab. I will finish dinging on the sheetmetal after I get it mounted on the frame.
Last pic is of the widened grille with nose pulled out some, with a little help from photoshop.