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1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II #1334511
11/12/12 11:41 PM
11/12/12 11:41 PM
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Escondido, California
JonGottaDemonDad Offline OP
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Moparts,

We are looking into getting a fatman mustang II setup and want to see if anyone here has tackled this on a A100.

I have done alot of reading about different ideas but have not seen many photos or recommended setup for the mustang II frontend. We are planning to airbag the truck as well I am open to suggestions based upon your experience.

Thanks,

Craig

Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: JonGottaDemonDad] #1334512
11/13/12 12:11 AM
11/13/12 12:11 AM
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Escondido, California
JonGottaDemonDad Offline OP
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FYI

We are planning on putting a 5.7 Hemi with transmission, computer etc when the mustang II setup is completed.

Craig

Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: JonGottaDemonDad] #1334513
11/13/12 01:35 AM
11/13/12 01:35 AM
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Omaha, Nebraska
Scott Carl Offline
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Not sure if this is a good answer but if you haven't already bought a mustang II front end, another option is the older (pre 98??) Dakota 2x fronts. Keeps the a100 all mopar

Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: Scott Carl] #1334514
11/13/12 02:02 AM
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JonGottaDemonDad Offline OP
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How well does the Dakota stuff go in?

Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: Scott Carl] #1334515
11/13/12 10:19 AM
11/13/12 10:19 AM
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Endicott, NY, USA
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Quote:

Not sure if this is a good answer but if you haven't already bought a mustang II front end, another option is the older (pre 98??) Dakota 2x fronts. Keeps the a100 all mopar






I know you will here different but the Mustang II will be at the max with the weight of that vehicle. I think the Dakota 2x front is a much better choice.

Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: crazyjjk] #1334516
11/13/12 12:34 PM
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if you are looking at a fatman---first look at the weld in dakota
setup--it looks like a fatman---there have been a few posts here with pictures--but i cant think of the name used on it....bob....PS i think it might be industrial chassis inc...bob

Last edited by savoy64; 11/13/12 01:18 PM.
Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: savoy64] #1334517
11/13/12 01:31 PM
11/13/12 01:31 PM
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Chino Valley
RodStRace Offline
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Craig, I think I know what A-100 you are talkin' about!
First, consider use. Is this a street only PU with only enough power to get the front light, or is it going to see some air time?
Do you want to make it a canyon carver, or just decent? Due to the weight bias, you will want a big sway bar in front. What is available?
Are you going with a static drop or are you looking at air bags? Again, what's available for your choices?

Coby Gewertz (Church)'s Van Go van has a MII front end installed. He also used a box to change the steering column. Problem is, he didn't do a full build thread anywhere that I know of. He's got a bunch of pics on facebook, but I don't 'do' FB. https://www.facebook.com/coby.gewertz.9
http://rodandkulture.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=30
Here's a vid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPym946yE58

KSNPVMT did an air conversion on the stock axle.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=684598&highlight=free+candy


Here's the only pic I have of the front suspension on Van Go

7460513-steering%201.jpg (591 downloads)
Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: RodStRace] #1334518
11/13/12 07:02 PM
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the post with pictures is in street rodders---it says "dakota f body-You there poorboy?"----it will probably cost the same as the fatman setup....bob

Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: savoy64] #1334519
11/13/12 09:03 PM
11/13/12 09:03 PM
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Escondido, CA. Ron Podsiadly,...
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Craig, I have a must II frontend, a astro van frontend and a Dakota frame over here, we can get "ALL" the necessary measurements from them and decide what frontend will be the best way to go when we start on the A100
don't get ahead of yourself, we need to map out a good plan and then get to it..... Ron...

Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: Mopar Ron] #1334520
11/13/12 10:28 PM
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JonGottaDemonDad Offline OP
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You guys have already post some good information on here which is more than what I have been able to find searching the internet.

Fortunately I also have Ron's expertise on doing this build but I like to read and learn as much as possible before making a decision.

Hoping to have this going by the end of next summer so I am only in the planning stages right now. My next step is to purchase the crossmember and then start getting the frame and airbags together.

Craig

Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: JonGottaDemonDad] #1334521
11/13/12 11:04 PM
11/13/12 11:04 PM
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Chino Valley
RodStRace Offline
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Craig (and Ron), aside from the front track, I'd be very careful about getting a true wheelhouse size for each front end. Turn the wheels to full lock and see what each requires and how it relates to the stock lock-to-lock. This can be adjusted with offsets of the wheels too, but plan for it.
Here's a pic of the other part Coby used.

7461156-steering%202.jpg (478 downloads)
Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: RodStRace] #1334522
11/13/12 11:05 PM
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Chino Valley
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And how it looks done...

Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: RodStRace] #1334523
11/13/12 11:17 PM
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One more thing to ponder is the trans and rear axle.
There is only enough room for a 727 in a PU without a serious driveshaft problem.
Consider swapping in a late model IRS, so the driveshaft doesn't have to follow the 3rd member. You could probably put a late model trans in then.
Again, if considering air bags, look at what's available before selecting the rear.
Heck, you might try to find a rolled 300 or charger and do a full drivetrain swap. Too bad the front suspension is struts, that will not work!
http://www.airliftperformance.com/applications/domestics/chrysler-300/

http://www.salvageautosauction.com/vehic...illings-Montana

Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: JonGottaDemonDad] #1334524
11/13/12 11:59 PM
11/13/12 11:59 PM
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Candler,NC / Myrtle Beach, SC
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What about a front end out from under a Crown Vic? I hear they make a quick and easy install if the width works out right. A local guy put one under a 60 or 61 Ford unibody pickup, and it looked nice. Maybe go to the Pic n Pull and check one out. Good luck.

Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: JDMopar] #1334525
11/14/12 01:10 AM
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Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: RodStRace] #1334526
11/14/12 02:18 AM
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JonGottaDemonDad Offline OP
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I have looked at some of the crown vic stuff posted online. Looks like quite a few people have used (late model Crown Vic) pretty effectively. It would require some modification for the width of the A100.

I personally do not care about the angle of the steering wheel but I am a little afraid of getting too funky when it comes to a steering wheel and any type of steering box.

Craig

Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: JonGottaDemonDad] #1334527
11/14/12 02:20 AM
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JonGottaDemonDad Offline OP
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Some good stuff on the Crown Vic in the 67 pickup. Looks like some casual reading.

Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: JonGottaDemonDad] #1334528
11/14/12 12:02 PM
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Econoline with a MII swap
http://vintage-vans.forumotion.com/t27181-mustang-ii-ifs-build

Notice he also addressed the steering with a gearbox to change the direction from the rack forward to the steering column up and back. In this case, a VW bus one.

Mention of Gene Winfield's Pacifica remake too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMqwv_VUo...e=results_video

Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: RodStRace] #1334529
11/14/12 05:03 PM
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JonGottaDemonDad Offline OP
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excellent stuff!

Thanks

Craig

Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: RodStRace] #1334530
11/14/12 08:38 PM
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Escondido, CA. Ron Podsiadly,...
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Quote:

Econoline with a MII swap
http://vintage-vans.forumotion.com/t27181-mustang-ii-ifs-build

Notice he also addressed the steering with a gearbox to change the direction from the rack forward to the steering column up and back. In this case, a VW bus one.

Mention of Gene Winfield's Pacifica remake too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMqwv_VUo...e=results_video





John, great info in that link and I like the VW in and out box I think that would work great under the A100 with a power rack and Power disk brakes

I also like the Independent rear idea, just need to find something cheap and complete. Ron...

Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: Mopar Ron] #1334531
11/14/12 08:57 PM
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I know I don't have a say in this [although if I stand too close, I might end up aligning it eventually], but...

...does Craig have frugal and workable alternatives, other than putting Pinto hardware under all that weight?



Down to just a blue car now.
Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: 68HemiB] #1334532
11/14/12 09:22 PM
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Escondido, CA. Ron Podsiadly,...
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Quote:

I know I don't have a say in this [although if I stand too close, I might end up aligning it eventually], but...

...does Craig have frugal and workable alternatives, other than putting Pinto hardware under all that weight?






actually a A100 with a V8 weighs in at just around 3000lbs(a 78 V8 mustang II is around 3300lbs)
I know of a lot heaver streetrods that have the must II frontend in them and they work just fine.
I would trust one upwards of 3600-3700lbs.
we will be using a fatman crossmember and they are made from 3/16 plate and we would be going with tube "A" arms as well as a power rack and 11" brakes

I don't see a problem using one, but we are open to any different ideas
I have no problem using something that looks like it would be better.

I have thought hard about the Dakota because they also have a rack mounted in front but with some quick measurements it looks like it might be just a hair to wide, dakota's have wheels with about 5 1/2" back space, if you go with anything else the front track get pretty close to the fender.

we are still looking,any ideas would be help full.
but as of now I lean towards the must II Ron...

Last edited by Mopar Ron; 11/14/12 09:24 PM.
Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: Mopar Ron] #1334533
11/15/12 12:19 AM
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JonGottaDemonDad Offline OP
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Keep your ideas coming they are all very helpful!

Craig

Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: JonGottaDemonDad] #1334534
11/15/12 11:08 AM
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AMC Pacer IFS...If the frame rails are 32 or a little less it would work perfectly. You can go slightly wider but if you are around 34 you will have to cut into the spring pockets and use narrower springs.

I'm trying to see if I can get one in my 68 Scout but I'm at roughly 34 inches for my frame.


1970 Dodge d100/eventually going on a 77 D100 frame
Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: Soopernaut] #1334535
11/15/12 11:54 AM
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the pacer clip is notable because it uses chevy balljoints and tie rod ends and the downside is it uses a one year only rack and pinion that cannot be bought anywhere----so if you need a rebuild done you have to hope the builder sends it back to you----a good hodrod clip to consider is the jaguar XJ6--the only downside here is a rear steer rack that may make you set the motor back an inch or 2 more---the upside is it is more narrow than the dakota or crown vic and the independent rear is made of dana 44 components too....bob

Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: savoy64] #1334536
11/15/12 02:18 PM
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Great thread! Thanks to everyone here for all the helpful input.

Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: JonsGottaDusta] #1334537
11/15/12 02:42 PM
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You are welcome!
I would assume you want to slam it if Air Bags are in the plans. So how much handling are you planning on?
Sure something that has a roof at around 6 feet isn't going to kick butt on the Hotchkis Challenger, but some guys trade looks for corner G's, look at the gassers being built.
However if you want a good cornering van, another source is circle track stuff. It's often cheaper than rod stuff, because they have to meet a lower price point and the typical user buys more than one part per car, due to race damage.
Grab a Circle Track mag and send for catalogs.

Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: savoy64] #1334538
11/16/12 10:55 AM
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Quote:

the pacer clip is notable because it uses chevy balljoints and tie rod ends and the downside is it uses a one year only rack and pinion that cannot be bought anywhere----so if you need a rebuild done you have to hope the builder sends it back to you----




Are you sure the Pacer uses Chevy ball joints and tie rod ends? If so, do you know the Chevy application?

It uses a 6 year only rack and pinion and it is available from what I've researched, but still not a common item. Here is a link to a Mustang rack installed on a Pacer. http://pacertruck.wordpress.com/2010/09/21/installing-a-mustang-rack-pinion-in-a-pacer/

There are aftermarket brakes available plus disc brake conversions for the drum brake models. Also the spindles are 2 piece and all brake components interchange from the 40s to the 80s other than the Eagles. You also get to keep your 5 on 4.5 inch bolt pattern unlike the Jag swap.


1970 Dodge d100/eventually going on a 77 D100 frame
Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: Soopernaut] #1334539
11/16/12 10:06 PM
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JonGottaDemonDad Offline OP
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We are looking at the aftermarket application so we are going to purchase a custom mustang II crossmember like the one below.

http://www.fulltiltstreetrods.com/cross_members.htm

This crossmember will be a custom width for our application. With the A100 the rack is behind the steering wheel so everything is reversed which takes out your typical standard passenger application. I have done alot of reading and still a noob when it comes to this work and all that is entails.

Ron (Mopar Ron) is the street rod expert so I am gleaning from his 40 years of experience to get this job done right.

We want to use the truck for a variety of purposes from daily driver to making some longer trip around SoCal for a business we are starting.

Currently we are not planning to autocross the truck but it will make some passes at Barona when it is all done. But I am certainly open to all suggestions when it comes to making this vehicle handle better.

We are hoping the A100 and a 5.7 Hemi drive train will do pretty good on the 1/8 mile.

It will take some time to read though all the link you have posted the resources are amazing.

I love your suggestions as we are investigating each one for the best direction for this build.

We actually put the A100 up for sale for a few months since we have a few project already in the yard. We had people offer to take it off our hands at junkyard prices so I decided to keep it and build it to drive around town.

Your knowledge is helping to influence our direction!

Craig

Re: 1965 A100 pickup conversion to Mustang II [Re: JonGottaDemonDad] #1334540
11/16/12 10:12 PM
11/16/12 10:12 PM
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As far as how low to go (air bags) I am not sure yet. All depends how much work it is going to take to get there.

We want to make it look cool but also keep it practical.

Craig

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