Cruising in Mater

[Archies Beater]

I’m at a point with my FJ40 build that it’s a driving work piece. They’re are plenty of things to fix and upgrade, but it’s too much fun to drive. In addition, my son (10) is starting to show some interest in working in the garage. He wanted a long bed truck. I wanted vintage metal and the entry fee had to be cheap. I wasn’t interested in a survivor specimen- I was planning on a modern drivetrain and rusted look. I was attracted to the lines of the Fridge Fords(57-60)- brutish and utilitarian.

What I found was a 59 F100, sort of…



Good-

• Body is kinda there, It’s got repairable rust issues. This will teach the kid to weld and body work.
• Drivertrain is missing from the fan blade to the rear axle. I’m planning to replace all this anyway.
• Patina- its got it.
• It has most of the parts that I’m looking for in the looks/ structure department

Bad-

• Rust- I was a little too enthusiastic when I found it and its more than I realized. I’m still planning to use it to teach the boy to weld on it, but if I found a reasonably priced donor sheet metal I’d definitely reevaluate my plan.
• I’ve never really considered a build like this- street performance. I’ve always leaned toward the 4x4 type builds. So I’ll be learning as I go…

The desired outcome: a truck that will cruise well and enter the occasional auto cross event. These are pretty rare in my area. I’m not really a car show guy, so I don’t think it’ll sport a high dollar paint job. Also, with the intent of having my son, at least partially, learn to drive in it, I can’t see spending a ton of coin on paint.



So the idea of the build-

• Full independent suspension- Crown Vic/S550 suspensions.
• Fully boxed frame to make the aforementioned suspension work the best.
• Modern 350-400 hp engine- remember, I’m going to let a 14.5 year old drive this thing, so I’m not looking for stupid power. Additionally, I want civilized manners on the street.
• Transmission- 6 speed manual or 8/10 speed auto. I’d like a modern stick, but the $$ cost may be the deciding factor here.
• Level stance with bags. Not necessarily looking to lay rocker, but low and lean.
• Full rewire. What’s there is beyond brittle. Also, it’ll tie into the modern drivetrain and a few creature items that may be added.
• Comfortable interior that retains the stock style. I’ll probably paint this and under the hood to a somewhat shiny state.
• Oh yeah, the kid insists on a stereo…

This is where I am at now: stripped and suspension mocked up.



I started a build on FTE fridge section, but I’m not sure that’s the right place for it. They’re are super knowledgeable and giving, but they are more in the restoration side of builds. This will be a f100 in looks only. So am I in the right place for this type of build?