The front end fits! - 1954 Ford F600 Car Hauler Build part 18

[@ceesklumper]

Tenacity, to cut the mounts you just finished and start all over again; better man than me!

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

Haha. I didn't want to, but when I slept on it I knew it had to be done ;)

[@mini696]

To be fair almost every part on every car he does has been modified at least six times. This is normal, and this is what I'm here for.

[@Renesis97]

@@HomeBuiltByJeff I’m quite sure someone always says “if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing twice”… am I right?😂

[@Pstaines439]

The new lowered cab looks SO much better! Less like Mater😂

[@andrewbrown9460]

Mate!! That’s looking the goods. Well done Jeff, it’s really taking shape 👍

[@franccoch4676]

wow, it's awesome to see you're still in a good mood while redoing what you did last week. This attitude is very inspiring 😀

[@jamesdeath3477]

Looking great. Nice to see it without half the chassis hanging out of the grille.

[@FanatikBuilds]

Sitting really nicely Jeff! I can already see it with new wheels and a yellow Alfa on the back 😎🔥

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

That is the plan :D

[@ronintres6757]

That's really special, because I don't know anything about it, I had no idea whether one would fit the other. the frame of the coaster was still sticking out and the wheelhouse was still hanging a bit strangely. And after the last changes, the front fits as if it was made for it, really beautiful! 👍🏻🙂

[@volvogt21]

I'm totally amazed by your ability to not say Clarence after you use the word clearance.

[@skreebduchank1501]

You could also use blocks below the rear axle tubes to raise the axle and lower the rear.

[@MADTAS4]

This is my favourite HBBJ project! Excited by the patina paint job as well.

[@ibidu1]

The project would look amazing with a nice solid black paintjob, all the opening smoothed out, and big fat chrome wheels.

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

No way I am going to spend 6 months on body work for that.... ;)

[@Yosemite_Sam]

​@@HomeBuiltByJeff Pity. It would look killer in black. Understandable at this stage though.

[@glennmartin2403]

Secret Batman motif on the grille………excellent Easter egg!

[@iankelleher5072]

Amazing work as always. Really taking shape. The lower cab looks great and less dragging yourself up into the cab

[@Me-dh5go]

Hope to see you folks at a Goodguys show in Columbus, OH. I know the Alfaferra (sp) would be a huge hit

[@peterbonnez]

Excellent. I was wondering how you'd sort the steering box. You certainly have a talent for getting big things into tight spaces...

[@johnnysmith863]

Definitely worth doing twice. Just looking at a patinated ex-fire service 1954 F600 on Hagerty... looks superb! Yours will too.

[@DansFFR]

That truck is gonna be the coolest car carrier I'm sure! Loving it!

[@yamnut1]

Was certainly looking forward to this episode on the Frankenhauler And wasn't disappointed at all! You smashed it again with all the engineering... albeit on the Second attempt! ...I think there's a phrase for that !! 😂

[@aickananta3973]

I really love to see one man show that you did on this "monster bus truck" 😊. Keep up the good work, besy regard from indonesia

[@AW_DIY_garage]

Jeff, the cab mounting looks good. I wasn't opposed to the original layout, but lowering it makes it look SOO good.

[@paulwhite7475]

Put lowering blocks between the diff and the springs

[@MrDimetri]

Hey Jeff, just a trick that has been a massive time saver for drilling steel onsite at work. Get one of your Irwin quick grip clamps (you may need a longer one) and position it to squeeze from the back of the drill over your work piece. Put the drill in low speed for larger bits and apply steady pressure with the clamp. You can put a block of wood on the backside of your material if you’re drilling all the way through so you don’t hit your clamp too.

[@RichardHancock-x6w]

You are going to have to give this thing an insane paint job!!! Don't disappoint me Jeff!

[@angusmackay7281]

Lowering the mounts was so worth it. It's totally transformed the look. Will you be adding a crossmember at the front to replace the strength of the one you cut out?

[@ivanmkennedy]

That looks wat better with the lower cab. Nice work!

[@AudreyH48]

As a american, we lower leaf spring cars/trucks with blocks. Super quick, easy solid. No messing with different springs.

[@emmajacobs5575]

It’s worse for axle tramp (axle hop), though. The ideal solution would be reverse eye springs, though I doubt if they’re an off the shelf item.

[@Louie2309]

Yeah don’t stuff around and use secondhand springs from something eise. Any springmaker can come up with a new set of springs or even reset your existing springs to get what you want. The best part of this is the springs are retempered an will have added/ removed leaves or different thickness leaves added to maintain the spring rate you require for capacity as well as new unbolts to match . On a different note, the plazacutter is cool. Hardly in the spirit of what the average do it yourselfer can equip their workshop with. Hell, most professional steel fabrication shops can’t afford them, but still cool.

[@TigerRogers0660]

Looks like a truck from the front now. Impressive work!!

[@andrekardol]

You could use airbags inbetween the leafsprings and the axle, then it will be height adjustable

[@edcass9]

A coaster chassis! What a great idea. Can't wait to see how it turns out

[@alanpaulick7815]

Thanks for sharing Jeff and Mrs Jeff. Take care.

[@plus790]

You've clearanced the cab for the torsion springs NOW, but the whole thing about suspension parts is they move! As you continue to add weight and when you travel over bumps, you'll find you probably need at least 25mm clearance.

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

Torsion bars just twist, they don't bend ;)

[@jackkirmond9587]

I once built a Ford Escort Rally car with the rear leaf springs been made up of various leaves to get the height and firmness I wanted for the (horrible) shocks I could afford. I later converted the car to a road/race (sprint and hillclimb) car and subsequently lowered it to a more suitable height. for the rear I just took the bottom thick leaf (Holden one tonner) turned it upside down and clamped it all back together. it made for a perfect ride height and perfect firmness for My budget. Not sure if this would have been considered legal or not but it worked for several years.

[@oiygfdxssfgg]

Always impressed with your work Jeff

[@weshipitjamaica4354]

Love this project

[@cameronmills8453]

Keep up the good work, Jeff!

[@badstimpy]

With 4x4’s in SA if you do a body lift , it’s only a solid mount that is legal . I used some aluminium round stock as rubber or urethane is illegal . I found no additional vibration or harshness at all .

[@DropAGearDisappear]

looks nice a bit lower! looking good, cant wait to see it finished with the Alferrari on the back!!

[@EliteRock]

That's some determination to get the truck the way you want it. You mentioned lowering the cab a couple of episodes ago when I commented about sitting nice and high to watch the world go by which I'd forgotten about, but you'll still be up at at least SUV height and getting those views. BTW, I always think of a torsion bar as a coil spring that's been straightened out (or vice versa)!

[@ChrisChandler-y4g]

+1 on not going full airbag. I think part of the reason truck cabs were mounted with rubber was to compensate for tolerance variations in cab mounts @ the factory. Since it's a standard non- extension cab with a full roof it's essentially like a torque box, ( one of the reasons I chose a 2 door post sedan unibody for my build)

[@computiNATEor]

The new cab mounts did the trick! I would still personally try to have the cab mounted on at least some very basic rubber isolators, just for NVH reasons. If it’s to be a usable runabout truck, NVH will be important :)

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

The NVH in the bus was fine, so I don't imagine it should be much different in the truck, but time will tell.

[@Low760]

​@@HomeBuiltByJeffthe bus is not a tiny cabin.

[@dgadver]

Great job! Looking better and better!!!!

[@albegt98]

good job Jeff 👍💪

[@jerehada]

Could be the strap line of the channel “there is no more room”

[@James-m1j5o]

Starting to look good, just thinking how great it would look with a nice paint job, I know you want a patina look, but I just can't bring myself to agree.

[@LobbyDaLobster]

That can always come later if he wants to.

[@nandi123]

I vote for a period correct paint job.

[@stevenwest1494]

Great progress! Thanks for all the content, all hail the algorithm. You're nearly at 200k subscribers!

[@esh92]

That is some good progress this week, great job, Jeff! it's way too soon but have you already thought about the lights? i would replace the original headlights with an aftermarket round LED pair, that would get rid of all the individual lights (blinkers, side lights, etc.), which i think would make the truck look cleaner. if you're gonna keep the patina and want that older look and feel though, maybe stick to the originals and just upgrade the bulbs. either way i'm looking forward to see how you get on 👌

[@andrewworley8946]

Has Mrs Someone been on the giggle juice..? 😂😂😂

[@fredericrike5974]

Pick up truck frames regularly twist- more than you might think, which is why they used to use squishy mounts- to reduce cab distortion. Same reason exists for the space between the cab and load box- to give more room for the differing twist from one end of he other of the frame. But if you have any doubt, set the Coaster frame up on jack stands and jack up any one corner and measure how much you can raise it before another corner raises off it's stand. This , btw, is how your MOT guys run a test on a kit car frame, from some of the Aussies and Kiwis that are on forums. The last "but" is that Toyota has one of the top reps for NVH control/suppression (noise, vibration and harshness, IIRC), do if it's good enough for Toyota, I would do just as you have done- that big Coaster body would not have liked much distortion with all of the windows and such. Before I forget; it's your project car, Jeff; this is the good part -it's going to get built your way! In this installment at --4:24--, looking at the frame rail tells the story of how Toyotas engineers did it- the frame is fully boxed or plated like it was made tubular and much stronger, stiffer that the open C commonly seen under trucks. Loved the fiddly bit with the grille and steering box. It came out awesome! On the springs; don't lose sight of how that would effect if for carrying a load- it's already lower than a stock Ford of that era. Mrs. Jeff, you are far too kind to a man who was a scoundrel in many ways- but you are telling the story of the brand, not really a bio. Loved it all- the cashmere (?) suits you well and another fine Australian wool to boot, I'll bet!

[@ReverseKanga909]

Love it how you just keep plugging on and getting things done. What an awesome giveaway, have entered, would love to be the lucky one! Look forward to the next video as always!

[@rogergags]

Crazy man........we love it.

[@KenPapadopoulos-r9y]

Addicted to this series. 👍👍❤️❤️

[@H1WEX]

Rather than change the leaf springs, why not add lowering blocks and longer U bolts? The axle will still have the same clearance to the frame as flat springs, but will work better.

[@stevemullen8457]

Just use lowering blocks and longer U bolts between the rear springs and the differential. You could have mounted the body a few inches lower.

[@1one3_Racing]

I finally launched my channel this week. It went worse than I imagined it would! At least it means I don't have film my work anymore! Congrats on channel success and getting the Alfa on the road. Looked really good at WTAC.

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

You can't expect a channel to take off out of nowhere. It took years of consistent posting to get any real traction.

[@1one3_Racing]

@HomeBuiltByJeff yeah I get that. I set a target of 100 views per video and I'd keep going with it. But 3 views in the first weekend is kind of embarrassing. And I uploaded the first 3 videos in the series and the 3 people only watched the first 2. So....

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

@@1one3_Racing You need to look at posting links in Facebook groups and forums. People need a way to find them.

[@1one3_Racing]

@HomeBuiltByJeff thanks. I'll do that. I don't want to be one of those annoying guys who constantly promotes his own gear though. I've been hesitant so far but I've dropped a few links. I might just have to be ruthless!

[@starfox_wr-45e93]

With @Low-Standards Jay 'influence' and guidance on this build, it's a real surprise Jeff's truck as any suspension at all left 😂

[@jeremypowell107]

Looking awesome can’t wait for next episode!!

[@florasdad1]

Looking good Jeff

[@benjohnson7170]

I do jobs 3 times just to make sure....😂 .Looks tops

[@paularietta6744]

Looking so good man. Great job!

[@danielhayward7214]

In Australia are you allowed to use lowering block on the rear axle

[@Low760]

Not for engineering.

[@IanK1962]

If lowering blocks are out of the equation on your side of the ditch , can you build taller spring perches to lower the back ?.

[@danielhughes9556]

I love this build. It's no DATSUN, but I've always loved these Ford's. Two steps forward and one step back. It happens. C'est la vie. Two questions though. Why not Mount the cab so the wheels are perfectly centered? And two, won't changing the length of the drag link change the geometry of the steering. Not the actual alignment though.

[@crabapple1974]

Will you add that front crossection back in? Seems it would prevent the rails from twisting especially if you drive over a bump etc with one wheel and no the other.

[@sylvainflecheux1814]

Merci pour ces beaux projets

[@TimDawson67]

That's looking damn good!

[@TheSouthern75]

Jeff yo0u need to get some transfer punches ... they're cheap and i reckon they're the best thing since sliced bread ... would have made that steering box job even easier ... and they're like $40 for a cheap set. A cheap mag-drill would have also been a helpful addition.

[@johan21mp]

With the torsion bars now being that close to the cab, are you not running risk of the engineer pulling out the ol' 10 mil rule? Can't wait to see you start building up the tray mate. Hope you do a proper bed with fenders and bodywork

[@jimclarke1108]

V8 badge Jeff, twin exhaust to match?😁

[@BrendanJMcMahon]

Nice work!! Love a bit of fabrication

[@E.T.GARAGE]

Great job Jeff.👍😎👍

[@jayinmi3706]

The rust spot on the grill (near where you fixed the dent) looks like a Batman symbol. lol

[@dimitristsalatsanis7912]

You’re not happy , you do it again , no issue , i get it !!!

[@billmcintosh1242]

Looks really great ! Fantastic progress, how are all the clearances for your engineer? Bill Mc

[@spinnetti]

I'm surprised you didn't cut the frame rails further back, then weld the front section back on so that you could reused the steering box mounts with no mods required, and retain the front cross bar as is.

[@playwme3]

Engineers usually don’t like a chassis welded together, even outside the major stress zones.

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

That then creates an engineering issue as that join would have to be reinforced to a standard, etc.

[@MicahBell_1860]

Does the frame rails need that front cross member re-welded in?

[@dieselbassohyah1533]

Not sure about rim size, but low profile tires would bring it down a bit as well. Great work otherwise. Love the channel

[@Papa-Bogey]

LCS - Patreon for the win! Great transformation with the drop. Question - as the springs in the back get flatter, will that compromise the load capacity? And is that why you might install a bag (or bags)? Another early Saturday morning starts off right. Thanks!

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

It shouldn't as they will come from another truck with a similar load rating. The bags would be more to be able to keep it low with no load and if it is loaded up I can still keep it level.

[@Low760]

​@@HomeBuiltByJeffyou won't find lighter springs without re rating them really, the coaster is a very light vehicle vs a truck as they run springs over the axle.

[@Full_Garage]

Great progress, and lowering the cab made a noticeable difference. What about the 10mm clearance issue that is required between tge mechanical components and the body that you had in the Alfarrari?

[@Low760]

He's comparing himself to a guy who has no care for legalities. It's going to end badly.

[@martinblower5856]

Looking good can't wait for next Sunday

[@scblue01]

Looks lovely!

[@sakariaro530]

That cab floor will be replaced including the spot weld seams alomg the floor i hope? Pretty pitted and perforated by rust. Putting anything over that (like stone chip guard) will give corrosion problems in the floor

[@bradgriffiths7507]

I vaguely remember the engineer with the Alfa mentioning 10mm(?) gap all around the engine components. Is there a similar limit with the steering? (thinking about the proximity of the steering box/arm)

[@klobucarpa]

Either get the rear springs de-arched, or use lowering blocks between the springs and axle, assuming that's up to Australian vehicle code.....

[@sylvainflecheux1814]

Il y a quelque chose de plus simple à faire pour abaisser l’arrière. Tu peux mettre des cales entre le pont et les lames de ressort.

[@seanalexander9531]

Dead right about having the right drills mate! What brand step drills are you using? They seem to be able to take some punishment. 🤘

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

I think they are Milwalkee ones from memory. Seem to be lasting a bit better than the super cheap ones.

[@seanalexander9531]

​@@HomeBuiltByJeff thanks mate, much appreciated 🤩

[@Me-dh5go]

I'm curious, do you think you could of moved the cab forward to avoid cutting the frame?

[@rongeernaert1208]

High tech think work !🤠

[@oldieman730]

Oh yeah.. looking good.

[@bigmac60]

Great progress

[@L0000NEY]

Great content as always Jeff. I always look forward to Sunday night :). Are lowering blocks not an option for the rear leaf springs?

[@lucianjbg]

Nice builds sir

[@Low760]

It's a tow vehicle, don't make it low. Simple.

[@Jordbaehjelm]

I don't know if it will work on you truck, but on the VW Caddy you can lower the car by mounting the leafspring holders up side down. So the rear aksel goes over the springs.

[@Jordbaehjelm]

Just watch it again, and they are all ready that way, so never mind... 😁

[@anomamos9095]

What about a hard left turn? Does the box and shaft clear the tyre?

[@Kiwi-pp7rg]

Yeh Ok, well done, clever Aussies are few and far to be found, most of them live in New Zealand

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

Haha.

[@Rat_Poison_Devil]

👍

[@stevecurtis5321]

Can you get a gear stick to go in the top of the gearbox ?

[@davidparry1982]

….and now you have a truck 🎉👍❤️

[@PeterHatch-mx7zc]

😎😁👍