I purchased my '51 F1 back in March. I found it on Craigslist and talked the fella into selling it so cheap that I just couldn't pass it up. It already had a 302/C4 and 9" rear installed and the body was relatively solid so it seemed like my kind of restore. Brought it home for $2700. Here is what it looked like the day I brought it home:









I am learning everything as I go. I'm not a welder or a sheetmetal worker, but I have tackled a 2" chop. Here is the process so far:























So that is where I am at this point. I know that I am no professional so try not to judge my work to harshly. I would love to hear suggestions, tips, comments... Let me know what you think!

 

Nice job... You wont get a lot of props from this site for the rod features, but I like were you are headed. The PO appears to have already removed the front bumper and filled in valance, Great Deal on it.

Next step, lower the truck in my opinion

 

You got more guts then I do. Great job. What color or the valve covers?

 

Thanks! I agree on the lowering. I was doing research on IFS swaps, but one of the members here has pretty much convinced me to stick with the beam. I may go springs under axle, but I don't know what issues, if any, that may cause...

 

Thanks. I think it's more ignorance than guts though. Ha. Synergy green valve covers. The truck will be the same color with all satin black trim. Eventually. I've got a long way to go!

 

Welcome the the Forum and the Dark Side. Nice job on the chop. I think that a 2" chop looks great on these pickups. If you check my gallery you will see how I did mine.

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48 Ford F1 - Dark Side
46 Ford Tudor - Street Rod

"Happiness - 3 pedals and a 5 speed"

 

Man I thought it was synergy green. I love that color. I've been planing on that color myself . I plan to use school bus yellow on the interior and trim. I lost my youngest son a few years ago and his favorite color was yellow, using the yellow on the interior will help keep a since of him with me every time I'm in the truck.

 

Right on, Man! I actually chose this truck as my project in memory of my Dad who I lost a few years ago. We worked on one together when I was a kid, but never finished it.

 

Very nice! I like your approach. Quartering the top was a nightmare for my level of experience. I had a tough time getting the bubble shape back in the top. It looks like tilting the corners had it's own difficulties. You did a nice job pulling it off. Cutting your back window frame out square was smart. I went around mine which made it more difficult than it should have been. I decided on the 2" chop, because I didn't want small windows I just wanted to give it a little lower profile.

 

IMHO I believe a 2 " chop is the max one can go before this style truck starts to look funky or like a studebaker truck of the same era .

Are you OK with the '48-'50 hood or is a '51 in the future ?

 

We don't mind the chopped tops and some darkside. It's the rat rods that are practically intolerant around here.

Nice job on the chop and your project.

 

I actually like the '48-'50 hood a lot so I bought trim for it and am planning on using it. I have never been much of a "purist". I just go with what I like/can afford.

 

Thank you, Sir! I am having fun and learning a lot as I go.

 

Looks like you stole that thing for $2700...nice truck man.

 

Thank you.