1966 F100 Build

[Project66]

If the build is based on a flareside that may be the issue. Here is the point of interference. I can easily cut out some metal on the frame crossmember.


I do not have access to the truck right now but here is a pic of the crossmember before I moved it back. This is upside down working on the frame. I have the crossmember flipped like the article.

[Project66]

Here are actual pics just taken. The crossmember is welded in but I can still modify to fit. The rear crossmember definitely has interference with the rear cross brace.

From to top looking down.







Looks like an easy fix. Just wish I had waited before welding it in.

[Toyz]

Yeah, that's why I use Ty-raps .
I have the channel pieces cut to reinforce the frame at the upper control arm mounts, but just have them swaged in place until gas tank position and ride height is checked and rechecked!
I'm glad you brought this up, it may keep someone from doing the same thing! What is your crossmember to crossmember dimension? It may represent a change in gas tank dimensions across the years. I "think" the flareside might have the same interference. Skip will probably clarify shortly.
Paul

[Rusty 63]

I slid my x-member all the way to the rear of the rails like in Skip's write up. No problem w/ my flareside...

[Project66]

What is your crossmember to crossmember dimension?

The crossmember behind the axle has a long bottom and a shorter top.. so from the lower longest point to the rear crossmember it is 23 7/8"
Anyway just spent the last hour cutting it out. I also spot welded the crossmember through the old rivet holes! My poor neighbors! That air chisel is loud!

[Toyz]

In my case the removal would have been more volume intensive SANS an air chisel . Chris W and Dave H can vouch for my affinity for air chisels .
Paul

[Project66]

I slid my x-member all the way to the rear of the rails like in Skip's write up. No problem w/ my flareside...

I guess my truck is special
So while I am at the rear of the truck I thought I would go ahead and make room for the 1970 22 Gallon Gas tank. I trimmed off just a little to make room for the tank.



Then I built the frame like Skip's write up. And welded the nuts to the cross brace.



The tank ended up here in this picture..about 3 inches before the bed crossbrace.



Don't look at the pinion angle...the axle is actually upside down on the old perches.






Since I have an odd truck I will make a custom rear brace and make rear mounts for the tank.

[Project66]

I needed a rear brace for the gas tank frame so I fabricated a x member and tacked it in. Then I made a mount for the rear of the tank.









I acquired a Foose 18x10 w/4.50? backspace for a mockup. The 18" wheel gets swallowed up in the rear fender. I am going with 20x10 because of tire choices and I think a 20 would look better.

I have some real estate behind that wheel! I may have to shorten the rear or find a shorter rear.

[cwindsor]

NICE!

[Project66]

More Bed mods and fixes
Well I cut the bad fender section out and prepared the donor metal and marked for the cut. I used welding clips to hold the piece in place.






Finished up the tubs.


Filled the stake pockets


The plan is to add a 3/16 cold roll steel rod in the horizontal bed seam and weld in the vertical rear seam.

[Project66]

I bought some 3/16 cold rolled bar from the local supply house and went to work on the bed seams. First I filled in the vertical tail section. I also welded in some small holes that were a result of rust thru .


Then I welded in the bar.



And finially welding in the rear pockets.

[HawaiiKid]

Truck is lookin great! Some real craftsmanship there.

I'm personally a fan of the 18s with more sidewall tucked under the truck! Tire choices are many in the 18 inch market, I've always run on 18s and have had everything from 255s to 325s on cars and trucks.

[rickairmedic]

Man the truck is looking good keep going will be awesome when done .


Rick

[totten]

Nice fab work and more pics. please.

[Project66]

Thanks for all the kind words but the craftsmanship is less than perfect. Bondo and fiberglass and SlickSand will be my friend.

I'm personally a fan of the 18s with more sidewall tucked under the truck! Tire choices are many in the 18 inch market, I've always run on 18s and have had everything from 255s to 325s on cars and trucks.

I am seriously looking at a custom 20x12 with a 3-3.50 backspace. Going to shorten the axle and go with a 5x4.50 pattern to match the front JAG and allow for more wheel options.

Going for this look!

[1965fordf100]

Looks great! I'm thinking about doing this same process on the bed floor...do you have pics of what you fabricated to attach the bed to the frame with the new bed floor structure?

[simonscr]

Just found this build. Looks good so far! How is it coming along?

[Project66]

Man, it has been a year since posting. I moved to a new house and you know how that goes...
Truck coming home from storage soon...

Looks great! I'm thinking about doing this same process on the bed floor...do you have pics of what you fabricated to attach the bed to the frame with the new bed floor structure?

Actually I created a mount in the corner of the floor braces down to the frame using steel. I got it close but allowed room to metal shim it up.
I will post some more pics when I get it home in a couple of weeks.

[2dr_sedan]

Old thread I know, but I'd like to see how the truck is turning out...

[Project66]

Ok, Just bought and remodeled my house so we are getting back working on the truck.
Thought I would post fitment of a 29x15-20 Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R Radial. Tubs are 14" wide, 4 3/4 over stock.
Bed is sitting on the floor so it is a rough fitment. Seems like it will work when I get the rear cut to length.