fordtrucks-digest Thursday, April 23 1998 Volume 02 : Number 111



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Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1960 And Older Trucks Digest
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In this issue:

Re: priority punch list [Rich Garber ]
Re: Wheel Color [Rich Garber ]
RE: chrome [Alec Fernandez ]
Ray Cardogno's broken fuel gauges [TonyDePaul ]
Re: fenders [MichellHC ]
Distributor Rotation ["Mike Morton "]
Re: Bill 1951 f-1 302 AOD/FI [billjhs ]
Re: 9" Ford rear ends [billjhs ]
Re: Parts sources (V2 #110) [Tstyskal ]
pins [David Stokes ]
Re: 56 fenders [Cathy Greenlaw ]
sheared pin [KLaff61624 ]
great F1 web page ["ron harrison" ]
Rear Fenders ["Don & Teresa Neighbors" ]
Butt-Ugly '57s????? ["Don & Teresa Neighbors" ]
Re: Biggest Ford Trucks [Ray Cardogno ]
Re: To the Girls [RPietsch webtv.net (Richard Pietsch)]
Re: Tilt front ends [RPietsch webtv.net (Richard Pietsch)]
Re: More on the FMX [RPietsch webtv.net (Richard Pietsch)]
AC for '53 F-100 ["Maciazek, John" ]
Re: Biggest Ford Trucks [Dan Koster ]
gas tank [jc & terry ]
notes from underground [Jan ]
[none] [Jan ]
Re: insulation [Cdalep ]
Re: notes from underground [FoMoCoNUT2 ]

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Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 07:21:14 -0500
From: Rich Garber
Subject: Re: priority punch list

At 08:12 AM 4/21/98 -0400, you wrote:
> O.K. all you experienced project truck builders
>
> I'm one of those people who is doing a frame off build up of a 53
> f-100. First time ever attempted a project like this


Try "How to restore your Ford pickup" by Tom Brownell about $25.00.
Everone has there own opions about this and although I don't agree
with Tom about everthing he writes, overall its a good book.

Personally, I start with taking them down to a bare frame, leaving
major assy. together and compleate. Once the frame sparkles, just
reverse what you did.

My second restoration will be different from the first, you live
and learn.

If you have any spacific questions, Please ask, I do have lots of pictures.

Rich
54 F100

PS: Take Lots of pictures! Its amazing how fast we forget.

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 07:47:11 -0500
From: Rich Garber
Subject: Re: Wheel Color

>>
>> Howard,
>>
According to the Red Book, The wheels were Snowshoe White and
matched the grill. Prior to 55 the wheels were the body color.

Rich
54 F100

PS: That Hood ornament. Saw my niegbor, He only has one, traded
the other. His part number starts with BM and is different than
mine. Mabey they changed slightly ever year?

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 08:14:33 -0400
From: Alec Fernandez
Subject: RE: chrome

Scott,

I need a chrome Grill for my '56. My current plan is to get
John (Of John's F-Fun Hundreds fame) to take a grill with him
to Pigeon Forge and swap him there for $340. The grill I have on the
parts truck which I will use as an exchange is
very straight with some surface rust but not too bad and I
was wondering if it would be more cost effective to have
it re-chromed. Does anybody know what the going rate is and
where I can get it done? I'm in North Carolina.
(It's a 6 cyl grill if that makes any difference).

Thanks,
Alec
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Scott [SMTP:wm_69 yahoo.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 1998 7:25 PM
> To: fordtrucks listservice.net
> Subject: chrome
>
> Hey guys, just got back me nice looking chrome bumper, grill and hood
> grill! Man they look so good. Just had to share that with someone
> who would appriciate it. (my mom takes very little in the truck)
> BTW, it's a 52 F-1. Later. Pics of it will be on my page soon.
> Scott
>
>
>
>
> ==
>
>
> 1952 Ford Pickup
> Please take a look at my 1952 Ford Pickup Page:
> http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/9731/
> _________________________________________________________
> DO YOU YAHOO!?
> >
> +-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1960 and Older
> --------------+
> | Send posts to fordtrucks listservice.net, removal form on the web
> |
> | site.
> |
> +---------- Visit Our Web Site: http://www.ford-trucks.com/
> ----------+

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Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 08:45:10 EDT
From: TonyDePaul
Subject: Ray Cardogno's broken fuel gauges

Ray,

About those broken fuel gauges on your '53-'55 Fords... You wouldn't run out
of fuel so often if you had a broken-gauge '49 like mine. Talk about economy
of engineering: Tilt seat forward; Knock on tank; Evaluate miles-to-go. See,
if a guy wants to knock on the tank in a '53, he's got to get his tux all
dirty.

Also, I like the safety aspect of having the tank behind the seat. In an
explosion situation, you get blown out the front windshield, which is
breakable and acts as a cushion. In a '53, you hit the roof.

Unless, of course, your '53 has run out of gas... because you... weren't able
to knock on the... tank...

Forget everything I said. ;-)

Tony

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Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 11:43:24 EDT
From: MichellHC
Subject: Re: fenders

Dear David,
If the femders are solid, get them they will work. Fords from 53 to 56 used
the same rear fender on all there pickups from F100 to F350. The only
difference on any of these fenders was on the left side with the wheel well
indention for the side mounted spaire. The F-250 had a slightly larger wheel
well indentation for the bigger wheel and tire. Other than that one
difference, there are none.

Michelle C.

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Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 12:49:00 -0500
From: "Mike Morton "
Subject: Distributor Rotation

Can anyone tell me for sure the direction of the distributor rotation? I
think it turns counterclockwise. I sheared off the roll pin that drives
the distributor off the cam. My truck is stored about 90 miles from
where I live and I am wondering if the oil pump would have locked up for
some reason. The distributor turns freely so that is about the only
thing I can think of that would cause the roll pin to break. Any other
ideas.

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Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 17:01:00 -0400
From: billjhs
Subject: Re: Bill 1951 f-1 302 AOD/FI

Ok, Well what I can tell is that the AOD for 83 didn't have a computer hookup or a
lock up convertor, it just has 4 speeds with 4th being overdrive. I moved the
entire FUEL INJECTION harness and computer from the donor car right into my truck.

Bill

RJC988 wrote:

> Bill,
>
> How does your AOD hooked up? Do you still have use of the lookup torque
> convertor? Did you move the entire computer or use an aftermarket system? i
> want to install the 302/AOD combo in my 57, but all the magazines I have found
> only list the 350/700r4 (ch*vy). I want to stay all Ford, but I do want an
> adequate system.
>
> Glenn in Bartlett
> Soapy the 57 F-100
> +-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1960 and Older --------------+
> | Send posts to fordtrucks listservice.net, removal form on the web |
> | site. |
> +---------- Visit Our Web Site: http://www.ford-trucks.com/ ----------+

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 17:03:26 -0400
From: billjhs
Subject: Re: 9" Ford rear ends

I couldn't tell you, It had already been removed and was the perfect width. Sorry

TNickolson wrote:

> To Bill; 1951 F1
> Thanks for the information, did you get your donor rear end from a 1972 F150?
> The rest of your information I had already assumed needed to be done. My
> biggest concern was the overall width of the donor unit. It's expensive to
> start cutting and weilding and make one fit, I could do all the rest of the
> work myself.
>
> Thanks
>
> Tom
> +-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1960 and Older --------------+
> | Send posts to fordtrucks listservice.net, removal form on the web |
> | site. |
> +---------- Visit Our Web Site: http://www.ford-trucks.com/ ----------+

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 19:06:56 EDT
From: Tstyskal
Subject: Re: Parts sources (V2 #110)

Mike Morton asked if Gibbons F100 gibbon Ne was still in business?
Yes I believe it still is, I got their catalog for fiberglass reproductions.
They are located at P.O.Box 490, East Front St, Gibbbon Ne. 1-800-833-8019
orders only Info at 1-308-468-6178 or Fax 1-308-468-6172
I hope this helps. I'm new to this list service. I'm trying to restore a 1953
F250 Express Long bed, sheesh parts are hard to come by....If anyone can help
let me know..running boards and tailgate (54 inch wide bed) (94 inches long)
thanks(

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 17:24:36 -0700 (PDT)
From: David Stokes
Subject: pins

My first 56 had a steering problem in that depending on which side of the
tires I hit a bump or a curb would dictate which direction the truck would
pull unitl I hit another bump. This really wears out tires fast. The
problem was kingpins. Mine were in so tight that the mechanic had to pull
the axel and send it to a machine shop where 16,000 lbs of pressure and
$135 dollars (1980 dollars) it ran and steered great. Just some thoughts.

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 20:28:00 -0400
From: Cathy Greenlaw
Subject: Re: 56 fenders

David Stokes wrote:

> Are the rear fenders from a long bed the same size as those on a short
> bed. I have been
> checking around and 50% say yes and 50% say no.

Dave, I hate to muddy the water after Michell's nice note, but a word of
caution. I have what is supposed to be a long bed '55 3/4 ton box, and what I
know is a '55 F100 box. The fenders on the supposed 3/4 ton are bigger than
the ones on the 'F100. Iin fact someone replaced the original F100's with the
bigger ones, 'cause you can see the pattern where the factory studs were cut
off and redrilled to fit. The height seems the same but the fenders are
longer. A bit of measurement could save some problems here. Did Ford ever make
two things the same?47 Fred

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 21:33:50 EDT
From: KLaff61624
Subject: sheared pin

Mike I had the same problem twice. My oil pump locked up due to pieces of the
valve seal breaking off after they had hardened once , and the second time I
had the screen on the sump tube too far off the floor of the oil pan. It had
a piece of metal that I somehow failed to get out of the block after the
rebuild, and happened to show up when I had the truck wide open and sideways
(just a saying like "hammer down"). It did not shear the pin, but it striped
the teeth off the distributer gear and the cam gear, plus caused the valves to
hit the piston top, all in all not a fun day! If you have not checked the
inside of your oil pan I strongly recommend that you do so..The opinions
expressed in this letter is solely my own.....lets hear what others have to
say.....my experiencies are kind of embarrassing.

Ken L 55

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 19:17:40 -0700
From: "ron harrison"
Subject: great F1 web page

Several folks have asked about rebuilding schedules and moving the gas tank
to the rear. My son and I have been restoring a '48 F1, sort of stumbling
through it bit by bit and have had to redo some experiments.
Last week I finally found a great web-site by Dan Wentz called "Welcome F1
Lovers".
It is in all respects a "how-to" manual of over twenty-five pages including
photos. It begins with modifications he has made to his truck: 351C/C4
installation, front disc brakes, power brakes, and tilt steering column.
Then mods he is planning: 9" rear end and fuel tank relocation. Then
pictures of his truck and photos of every year F1 as assembled at the
Fabulous Fords show at Knotts Berry Farm last year. He winds up with a
"survival guide" of parts sources on and off the Web, and the last page is
a list of parts he has for sale.
I copied the entire thing to an inkjet printer and bound it as an
"instruction" manual that my son and I can refer to. I highly recommend it
to all. Sent an e-mail to Dan, and he responded quickly with other tidbits
of info. He has obviously put a lot of good work into his site. It is at
www.geocities.com/MotorCity/3623/

Enjoy, and please give him an electronic pat on the back.

Ron 48 F1

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 23:42:24 -0400
From: "Don & Teresa Neighbors"
Subject: Rear Fenders

David, my Obsolete Ford catalog list the same fenders for stepsides up
until (I think) 1972. I don't have the catalog handy, or I'd dig the
numbers up for you. There is, however, a difference in the tailgate between
an F100 and an F250, because the bed is 5 inches wider on the F250. Fenders
should not be a problem, though.

Don Neighbors
'54 F250 Named Grover

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 23:42:32 -0400
From: "Don & Teresa Neighbors"
Subject: Butt-Ugly '57s?????

Hey, I learned how to R&R an engine, AND how to drive in a '57 F100
Stepside Longbed! I loved that truck as only a 16-year-old could! Ugly???
Can't convince me of it!

Don Neighbors
'54 F250 Named Grover

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 23 Apr 1998 01:27:44 -0400
From: Ray Cardogno
Subject: Re: Biggest Ford Trucks

>From: MichellHC
>Subject: Biggest Ford Trucks
>
>......The N series was
>replaced with the L series in 1969 The designation L came form the city of
>Louisville Ky. where the trucks were produced. The Louisville truck plant
>became the plant where all the Ford heavy trucks were produced.....

Hey Michelle,
I appreciated you exposition on the big ford trucks. You're the first
person to mention The L series. I got a 73 L-700 Ramp truck, but thought it
would be blasphemy to talk about it here. I recently put a rebuilt 391
under the hood. I carry my fat fendered babies (or are they geriatric
specimins?) around on it. It goes down the road faster than my stock 50's
big trucks. I do however regularly use my big 50's trucks for work all over
the central new england area. I just hang out in the right-hand lane a bit.
Sorry for talking about the L series gang. I'll try not to do it again.

Ray C

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 23 Apr 1998 02:14:19 -0700
From: RPietsch webtv.net (Richard Pietsch)
Subject: Re: To the Girls

Just a word of welcome to Michelle and any and all the other women truck
enthusiasts out there. There is a couple in our local truck club that
wouldn't be involved at all if it weren't for the gal. The guy realy has
no real interest in the sport.

Rix56 The Rat

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 23 Apr 1998 02:29:11 -0700
From: RPietsch webtv.net (Richard Pietsch)
Subject: Re: Tilt front ends

I was going to install the "Caddy" trunk latch on mine like T-bird Terry
did, but I just never got around to it. I have just let its own weight
hold down and it has never shown the slightest sign that it ever wanted
to move around. Not even when the drunk hit us head on and totaled out
the truck. It's since been rebuilt with a new frame, but still has no
hood "latch". And it's been that way since 1987.


Rix56 The Rat

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 23 Apr 1998 02:49:27 -0700
From: RPietsch webtv.net (Richard Pietsch)
Subject: Re: More on the FMX

I can vouch for the durability for the FMX transmission. We have one in
our 1970 Cougar. We have owned the car since 1972 and it has over
280,000 miles on it and the pan has never, that's right, NEVER been off
the transmission. I replace the motor, a 351C 2V, at 235,000 but the
tranny is the original, and will still chirp the tires going into second
gear. Quite frankly I'm afraid to pull the pan now for fear that
everything in there will fall out with the fluid.
PS. I got a spare tranny with the replacement motor so if it ever does
go out, I have a replacement. BTW the transmission went out on my
wifes '94 Explorer with only 52,000 miles on it. Thank goodness for
extended warrenties, the replacement cost on that one would have been
$2800.00.

Rix56 The Rat

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 23 Apr 1998 08:21:06 -0500
From: "Maciazek, John"
Subject: AC for '53 F-100

> I have a '53 that I am going to start working on again (have had the
> truck for about 25 years, it's just been siting for the last 15
> though). I want to add Air Conditioning. I have looked at the
> Vintage Air solutions. Is this the best way to go? It has a '66 352
> truck engine. Any help is appreciated.
>
> Also, I need to replace the bed. I have been thinking of going with
> oak and am considering having the metal strips chromed. Any one have
> any feedback on doing this?
>
> Thanks in advance!

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 23 Apr 1998 13:36:26 -0700 (PDT)
From: Dan Koster
Subject: Re: Biggest Ford Trucks

Michelle,

Thanks for the history (in 250 words or less). I must admit
I had no idea a few of those series existed those years.
You certainly brought the subject to light.

There is something else you can help me with, and that is
that I need to know all the models made each year, from
1953-59.

While you're at it, (I know I pressing my luck here) could
you give me at least a general idea of what engines were
offered in the larger trucks?

Thanks,

Dan


p.s. You must really have a great manual to be able to get all of this
handy info out of it.

p.p.s. I don't think any of us minded the long post



- ---MichellHC wrote:
>
> I checked the parts manual. I found that for 51 and 52
> the F-8 was the biggest. Starting in 53 the F-900 was
> top dog...




_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 23 Apr 1998 18:24:43 -0700
From: jc & terry
Subject: gas tank

Thanks for the tip, I guess I should have made myself a little more clear. I
am running a 71 Boss 351 C eng. in the truck. I just wanted to move the tank
out of the cab not only for the sake of safety, but also because I got tired
of hearing it slosh around. Still looking for a good tank that will fit the
rear. I have seem many aftermarket tanks, but I am jsut as sure that there i
something I could pick up at the junk yard that would fit well and be just as
effective.

Michelle

i agree with you about the move. did the same myself. i had to get a custom
aftermarket at a swap meet cause here in cal. all tanks in j-yards have
holes punched in them to drain all fluids before thay can be put in the
yard. toxic waste ya know. anyway, the sswaps are a good place to look. keep
us posted.

T-bird Terry

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 23 Apr 1998 22:18:59 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jan
Subject: notes from underground

Notes from underground:

There is always something new coming up with "Louise." That's one of the
reasons I like her so much. Never a dull moment. Like I recently found a
leak in the heater coil. I removed it for inspection, re-routing one hose
back into the radiator for the summer, since I know I don't want the extra
heat in the cab.

Was this a bad thing? She doesn't seem to be running any hotter according
to the temp guage. Have I overlooked any potential problems? It seems
such a straightforward thing to do...

The hole must be very small since the leak is slow. When I reconnect the
coil next fall, Plan A is to put some powdered stop leak in the hose just
before it enters the heater coil, and see if that doesn't stop it. Anyone
got any better ideas? General thoughts about powdered stop leak? How
much to use? My little container didn't come with instructions :(.

Thanks!
Jan

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 23 Apr 1998 22:20:41 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jan
Subject: [none]

Well good folks, I heard that hello from Michelle asking about women here
on the list. I'm one, a female, that is. Working my way through the
automotive school of hard knocks, learn as you go, face what you fear.
The automobile is something I've wanted to understand for a long time and
by golly, it's seeping in, bit by bit.

I've been here about 10 months, reading steadily, gathering a library and
tools as bits of cash free up from time to time.

"Louise" is now fairly road-worthy and reliable. That was my first
priority since I find myself needing a vehicle these days. I'm now
preparing to sand and prime her for her east coast life (she was raised in
California and isn't used to the damp). Plan to cover her scraped and
rusted parts little by little, though I know this isn't ideal, it fits
with my fiscal and logistic world view.

What's everyone think of Bondo? Only have one 6" x 6" spot under the rear
of the driver's side cab near the gas fill that needs big attention
(rusted through). The rest is cosmetic and preventative.

Don't have a resident expert, though my SO is supportive and doesn't seem
to mind taking me out to dinner with grease under my fingernails.

Jan
'53 Ford F-250
232 straight 6

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 23 Apr 1998 22:45:46 EDT
From: Cdalep
Subject: Re: insulation

Finally , Got the prices on the closed cell rubber insulation, it comes in six
thicknesses , 1/8 inch, 1/4 , 3/8in, 1/2 in 3/4 in and 1 in. It is sold in
36 x 48 inch sheets and starts at $5.00, 8.00, 11.00, 14.00, 20.00 and 21.00
per sheet per thichness. My 54 is getting a layer of 3/4 on the firewall and
under the carpet and 1/2 inch throughout the rest of the cab including inside
the doors. I think I'll have a real quiet ride. Cliff

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 23 Apr 1998 23:41:26 EDT
From: FoMoCoNUT2....

---

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