Thinking about investing in a shop manual for 'old blue'. Can anyone tell me what info is in the shop manual and is it something that could help me throughout my "first" restoration project? Thanks in advance.

 

I'd invest in one. Has all the information you would ever need. They make a cd version also for a little cheaper and you just print off the pages you need when you need it. That way the book doesn't get oil and dirt all over the pages. I can't find the link right now but hopefully someone will post it for the cd version.

 

The actual Ford shop manual was written by Ford for use by Ford dealership mechanics. It will teach you nearly everything you want to know about the mechanics of your truck, from simple removal of door latches to rebuild instructions of the entire drivetrain. You'll find electrical diagrams, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting information, specifications and more. If you have a question about how to do something, the answer is likely in there. You can become the resident expert on effies and answer more questions than you'll ask. ;-) It'll be the best $35 you can spend on your project, imho. That's my 2c.

 

Thanks HkyswiM, I'm probably going to get the shop manual. I thought about a CD version too, but I got a gift certificate for Christmas to Dennis Carpenter and they don't offer a CD version. I was just curious as to what info, such as exploded diagrams and such, that the shop manual would have in it.

 

Thanks for your quick reponse '52 Merc......that pretty much answered my question....thank you!!! The manual that I'm looking at is a part #tr5400 from Dennis Carpenter.....is that the same that you're talking about?

 

I would also suggest this manual:
1948-56 Ford Truck Master Parts Catalog CD - HiPo Parts Garage
It is worth the $20 just to look at the pictures.
It has exploded diagrams of everything.

 

I had to run to my bedroom nightstand to get my Carpenter catalog.
That looks like the one you want.

If you find you want more exploded view details, look for a Ford Chassis Parts Catalog on ebay. That's the catalog that Ford parts guys used to find any part on the truck people might need. It's a great resource, too. Be prepared to step up the benjamins, though, they typically trade in the $50-80 range. But start with the shop manual. It's more of a learning tool with how to info than the parts catalog. Personally, I find both are invaluable.

 

Page 117 in Dennis Carpenter's 1948/56 truck repro parts catalog (2011 paper version) / Call DC @ 800-476-9653, order a free catalog.

TR-5400 = 1954/55 Shop Manual @ $30.00 / Is this a reprint of the original Ford Shop Manual? Dunno, DC doesn't say and there's no picture of it.

TR-4815-6 = DC's reprint of the bound paper 1948/56 Ford Truck Parts Catalog (1964 edition) @ $250.00.

faxonautolit.com has original and reprints of Ford Shop & Owners Manuals // Also has original sales and accessory brochures and etc.

The 1948/56 Ford Truck Parts Catalog is available on a CD from hipoparts.com for 20 bucks.

This CD catalog (scanned from the final 1964 edition) covers chassis and body parts for 1953/56, chassis only parts for 1948/52's.

I'm using an original 1948/56 bound paper catalog (consists of Volume I-Text, Volume II-Illustrations). Both volumes are in an original Ford binder. Got it FREE from local Ford Dealer that closed 8/2008.

Never hurts to ask...check local dealers for old parts catalogs and shop manuals they prolly haven't used in decades.

 

Man....you guys are the best...you've answered ALL my questions, including things that I hadn't thought of....THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!!!