Looks like I'm about to pull the trigger on acquiring a 1950 F-3 this weekend. It looks like it is someone else's abandoned project. From the pictures I have seen, it looks surprisingly rust free and all there, although the inspection this Saturday will tell the real tale. It has the original V8 engine and seems otherwise unmodified from stock.

I've been lurking here for a few months and have read a significant portion of all of the historical posts and the online FAQs so I think I have a good basic understanding, but I had imagined I would get an F-1 not an F-3, so I need to know what I should look for differently in an F-3.

- I understand that, if original, it will likely have the 'widowmaker' wheels, correct?
- can the IFS upgrades (I'm partial to the Jag) apply to the F-3 in the same way as the F-1?
- is parts availability any different for the specific F-3 body pieces?
- he is offering me a 9 inch rear from a late 60s F100 to include with the deal - should I take it?

My longer term plans include conversion to a 302 with a C4 behind. Does this seem correct and reasonable?

Appreciate all of your feedback. I expect this to be a long journey, littered with many more questions for the group.

Steve

 

Hi Steve, welcome.

The F3 body parts can be difficult to find at times. You'll have better luck using this member network for stuff (classifieds) than hoping that catalog companies will have them. It is hit or miss for body items on anything larger than the 1/2 ton.
Anything that the seller is offering to include - take it and smile even if you think you won't need it now. We have all had misssed opportunities and regrets for not getting parts when they were first offered. Have him fill the bed with everything including the kitchen sink. If it's metal you can always find a home for it later as scrap for $$.

Good luck, and post pictures when you can. We are good buyer's agents and co-enablers after the sale.

Tom

 

The jag IFS should work as will the late 60's 9 inch.

 

Will the Jag IFS be strong enough to Handel the heavy loads /trailer towing the F3 was designed to haul?

 

I would use the Jag in an F-3 but would get an IFS from the V-12 version since it will have the heavier springs.

 

Welcome to the forum Ste14mi. Happy to hear another F3 saved Hope your Saturday inspection goes well!!!!

 

Welcome to FTE! Parts will be an issue for the bigger trucks as well as the widowmakers. Be very careful picking up someone else's project. Taking apart is easy, putting back together is something else. Of course if you are experienced in this stuff it's less of an issue.

Show us pictures. Our experts can give you some special things to look for and possible suggestions on price. Although, our suggestions can run the gamut.

Also, I see you are in Illinois. We have lots of guys from there. If you are close to someone, they might be willing to go with you. We always love an excuse to look at old iron. Even more if we are helping someone else spend their money.

 

The F100 9" rear end will be too narrow to use with the F3 Express Bed. The bed is wider than in the F1s. If you do end up using the 9" rear, you may need to add wheel spacers. If not, you can sell the 9" for $300-400 possibly. They're becoming scarce and in demand. Take the 9" rear end if he's including.

Pay close attention to the bed, tailgate and running boards. There are no reproductions for these items and can be hard to find in better shape. The rest of the body panels can be patched. The cab and grille are the same as F1s.

 

Iyla, I stand corrected, I was not thinking of the wider bed. Since the Jag IFS is essentially the same track width as the late 60's 9 inch, perhaps the Jag is not right. The f-3 front track width must also be wider. Does that open up the possibility of the wider crown vic IFS?

 

I'll add my welcome. And would suggest you guys seek out Jeff Filson's input (Jeff and Nicolle) since he is making these changes to his F-3. He has the Jag front clip in, and has the bed that he got from me on it with I assume a 9" since it has five lug hubs. Plus he's a Pekin, Ill, guy. Stu

 

Good suggestion Stu.
Here is Jeff's build thread https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...d-49-f321.html

 

The track width is the same for the F-1/2/3. The bed is wider but the rear fenders are also shorter by the same amount. The rear track width is the 61.25" that is the same all the way till 1972. The front is however 58".

 

Welcome to the site! I too thought I'd have a F 1, in fact that's what I thought I was getting from a certain online action site. Pick my truck up, and lo and behold it was a F 3. It was a project that was started by aomeone else, and then left undone. Long story short, I couldn't be happier. Little bit challenging finding some parts (thanks Stu for rims), but wouldn't change a thing.

Dave

 

Ah, I was aware of the narrower rear fenders on the f-2,3. I should keep my postings limited to F-1's!

 

Hey Steve,
Welcome aboard! Post some pics when you get a chance &
good luck this weekend. You are doing a lot more research than we did. My son saw our 1950 F1 on craigslist & thought it looked cool - somehow it snuck in the garage.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1