Thread: Getting started...

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What a neat old car, and with a history, too!!! Great find. Guess I'd start by getting all the spacers, shock springs, and blocks taken off to see where it will sit!!! Not sure if anyone makes dropped spindles for the front of the old Fords, have to do some looking on that... Might try a google search for Ford dropped spindles and see what you come up with. I had a similar car when I was a kid with a real gasser look---CAE front axle and a 406 with 4 speed. Keep us updated on your progress and thanks for the pics!!! Lots of memories came back when I saw them!!!!!

Do what Dave said, put it back to what should be there and see how it sit's.
But the most important thing is to make sure it is mechanically sound. Start with brakes including new lines, then suspension and steering, motor transmission and rear end. I would recommend doing this first before you buy wheels and tires you might find that during this time you will change your mind several times on what you want the final look to be.

It is a great looking project, and it must still be pretty mean judging by the fact you have to keep it chained up like a dog

Ron

All that's been said is good advice, I would add that you'll want to evaluate the suspension pieces you have that need help, and where you want to end up. Unless you want to spread your expenses over a several year period, while using the car, rebuilding to stock configuration first might mean you'll be spending money twice when you do the lowering.

Here's one company that focuses on this era Ford; www.jamcosuspension.com

Oh, and that does look like a 9".

Thanks for the replies. I will do my best to keep people informed. This will be a long term project until I sell my other one (79 CJ7). I wasn't aware anyone made lowering springs for these cars. I did find out that I could add disc brakes to the front, and in doing so will automatically net 1" lower stance. Also, Fat Man Fab sells 3" dropped spindles for this car.

Because of its age/condition, I was planning on new fuel lines, tank & filter, new brakes (F&R), lines & master cylinder, rebuild engine & rear end, new clutch, new coolant system, new wiring harness, new suspension, etc.

Do you think that the OEM springs are salvagable given their age & wear/tear? I would think I'd be better off removing spacers, take some measurements, order necessary components and go. Does anyone have any experience using lowering springs vs dropped spindles (is one better than the other?) I could save $ with lowered springs and disc brake kit, vs buying stock springs, disc brake kit and Fat Man droppe spindles.

Next question is how do I determine wheel size and backspacing, and tire size? The disc brake kit requires use of 15" or larger wheel - and I want to use steel rims with center caps.

Chris