1969 Ford F100 / 2002 Ford Lightning "Thunder's Truck"

[V8TV]

When a customer called our shop suggesting his idea of mating a 1969 F100 Ranger with a 2002 Ford Lightning, we thought it was a cool idea but thought we would be taking the engine and transmission from the Lightning and putting them in the '69 truck. After doing much evaluation of the amount of time and parts it would take to make a '69 F100 not only have the power of the Lightning, but also the cornering ability, comfortable ride, braking, and reliability, he proposed we do a complete body swap on to the Lightning frame.



He's owned the 1969 F100 Ranger for many years, and this example is a very clean truck with 54,000 miles. It has a 390 V8, and a three speed manual on the column. While attending an auto auction, he came across a 2002 Ford Lightning that had been totaled by an insurance company, but had only received minor damage from a low-speed front end impact.

[V8TV]

We suspect the reason for the total was that the radiator, air-conditioning coil, transmission cooler, and other core support mounted items had been damaged, and they were expensive to replace.

He bought the truck, and even with the damaged components, it still ran and drove. It was then measured to make sure the wheelbase was square, removing any suspicion of frame damage and it was decided that this would be a great candidate for the body swap.



The build plan also included a few upgrades to the 1969 truck body, including a Vintage Air system, an idiot tilt steering column, upgraded audio, Dakota Digital VHX gauges, and a few other creature comforts.

[V8TV]

When both trucks arrived in the V8 Speed & Resto shop, we were very impressed with the quality of the '69. It has been repainted and some of the trim is a little faded, but overall it is a very nice truck. The plan is to leave the exterior as it is.



Measurements were taken to compare the wheelbase, track with, and other crucial dimensions to see if the swap would be feasible.



We concluded that this could work, so disassembly of the Lightning began.

[V8TV]

The electrical system was disconnected, as were the brake lines, steering linkage, engine harness, fuel lines, emergency brake cables, and anything else tying the body to the chassis.




Soon, the crew had the Lightning cab and bed off the frame.

[V8TV]

Next, they brought in the '69 F100 to do the same trick of removing the cab and bed.





The Lightning chassis was slid under the '69 Cab and the test fitting began.

[bonecrrusher]

Now thats kick ass!

[V8TV]

Originally Posted by bonecrrusher

Now thats kick ass!

Thanks, it's going to be a sleeper for sure!

[Rick D]

Cool project Kevin!! This will take a few people by surprise for sure!

[Boss 5.0]

This should be a fun build to watch. I have a 70 F100, and while a cool truck, the suspension etc is really lacking. I will be following closely.

Glenn

[waynieZ]

Nice project. It should be quite the ride when your done.