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1953 ford truck fiberglass front end

6K views 5 replies 6 participants last post by  PRHeloPilot 
#1 ·
just wondering if anyone knows where i can get a fiberglass frontend for my 1953 ford truck
 
#3 ·
F100 fiberglass fronend

Just read an article in a mag about fiberglass front ends.
he encountered a lot of problems with the fit.
Cowl radius was wrong, it was to wide, & a few other problems. It was a Fairlane unit & I have heard they are one of the best out there. Problem is in the 50s the molds & bodies were not as controled as they are today & they really didn't worry about getting a good fit especially on trucks.
I stayed with the original steel on my 56 for these reasons.
No matter who makes the mold it will probably not fit well without a lot of work.
 
#4 ·
I've never seen one I could respect. They are always front tilt and look like they were patched in place. Also, they change shape over time and the fit you start with is not what you end up with after a couple of years. Your resale value will be better in metal.
 
#5 ·
I purchased a Fairlane front end for my 48 F1. The previous post was right about the poor initial fit of these front ends. I had to do alot of modifications to it to get a good fit, including re-arching the hood to cowl area, making a new brace to hold the hood shape, sectioning of the lower fenders and numerous other mods. Don't expect to just buy one and pop it in place. The article on the 53 nose is over at the Ford Truck Enthusiast web site. It was written by John Niolan. I have talked to him by email at that site a few times and we both agree about the fit problems of these parts. I have some pics at that site that show the process of my installation in the Gallery area of the site. Mine are at Jim's 48 F1. Mr Niolan also has an excellent site there about his 53. Might be worth your time to check it out.
 
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