After getting started on a new 1951 F1 project truck I recently found my way into the FTE site. I found there to be very valuable information, recommendations and really good Q&A postings that are directly related to the plans I have for my latest '51 F1 project. Which in turn is why I joined FTE as a member. I'm sure I will be on the asking side of this forum for some time before I can provide answers to others myself. I spent the last few weeks researching and planning the restoration/build plan for the F1 truck. I managed to find a totally rust and damage free original F1 locally here in Arizona. Very resonable price. The body and frame has already been bead blasted and temporarily primed. It has no engine, trans, glass, gauges, gas tank, seat, etc. It is pretty much just an original good condition chassis and body. The steering and brakes work great too. After much researching and planning, my daily driver build plan is as follows:

• Restore body to original design with upgrade paint job and brightwork.
• Modify chassis as required for a Mustang-II IFS and engine/trans install. Probably power steering as well.
• Install a 1997-99 Explorer 8.8 rear axle w/dics brakes. Maybe a 4 link, but not sure yet. Truck planned to drop about 2-1/2" to 3".
• Power brake system.
• Already picked up a 351Windsor engine with a C6 Tranny attached. Very slight mods to engine planned. Mostly heads, manifolds and carb. I'm about half way through engine rebuild.
• Looking to include AC in response to high temps in AZ. this will take some more planning.
• Gas tank in rear of chassis, probably with electric fuel pump.
• New bed floor
• New steering column.
• New bucket style seats with center console. Still working on overall design in order to incorporate all interior to exterior build aspects.
• Power windows. They need to be tinted for intense sun here.
• Instead of fuzzy dice hanging from the mirror, I think I will hang my empty inside out wallet from the mirror.
• And of course all of the other little items that will need attention as well.
• Finally, if there is any funds remaining, intense pyschotherapy before planning the next project.

I have done a few vehicle restorations some time ago and I'm really looking forward to starting back up again. Not to mention the absolute need to get additional tools and shop equipment.
So, if you all can bare with me, I will have a lot of questions over the next few months. Also looking forward to contributing as I can for others.
Thanks in advance, Jaybird51

 

Welcome to the forum! It sounds like you've been working on a plan for some time, and you have it pretty well thought out. I like your ideas. I've got to admit, though, this is my favorite part...
Once you start digging in, it won't be long before you have experience, knowledge and advice to share. We look forward to your contributions.

Best wishes for your truck.

 

Welcome Jaybird51!

All that great planning and no pics? We'll look forward to seeing your find and watching your progress.

Happy Motoring!

DW

 

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you have plans for the vehicle to look like an old Ford truck.

 

I like your plans. We LOVE 51s!

 

Welcome to FTE Jaybird!

Here's one way to feed our addiction to pictures using Photobucket.

Go to Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket and sign up for a free account. Then create an album for your truck. Upload any pics you want to post on FTE to that album. Have this album open on your computer when you want to post pics on FTE.

While you're making a post on FTE, select the pic you want to post from your Photobucket album. When the large version of the pic is open, right mouse click on it and select "View Image Info". The image info will be highlighted and will look something like this:
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ghtsafter1.jpg

Copy that highlighted info (right click / copy).

When you have the spot in your post where you want the pic to be placed, select the "Insert Image" icon at the top of the post (looks like a mountain) and paste (right click / paste) the image info you copied in the highlighted box (just shows "http://" when it opens).

Your pic will be placed in the post.

Hope that helps.

 

Welcome Jay! I like your plan especially the inside out wallet!
We also have a 351W in our 1950 - nice choice there.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1