Hello all,

I did post on the new member section today to say hello.

My better half and I purchased a 45 (I was told) pickup.

Has been on a ranch for 10 plus years at least, and out of DMV for about 30 years I was told.

Some pics here, it this works.

Dissasembly Photos by jd52cranbrook | Photobucket

I have ordered some manuals for it, and for now I really have a couple of questions please.

1. I found a engine number on the glove box door. Is that the vin ??
2. How do I tell what year it really could be?

The number on the glove box reads;
7999 C 19991021
I believe that number is correct, I am not at my shop currently.

For now we are just taking it apart to clean and access what exactly is the next step.

But we will be reading this forum to glean what information we can.

Thanks,
JD

 

Hi JD, welcome to FTE. That's a great looking truck you have there, looks to be a good start for a project. Going off the number you provided from the glove box door you have a '47. The number breaks down as a 1947 V8 powered half ton. Since it is possible that the glove box plate is not the original you should cross reference it with the number stamped on top of the drivers side frame rail, right around the steering box. You may need to scrub away 60+ years of rust, grease and crud. If the number matches, then you have a '47. If it's different post it and I can break it down for you. And yes, that is the number you would use for registration Good luck.

 

Thanks much for the info Gary.
I will confirm those numbers as you directed.
This is my first venture into Fords actually. Mostly a Mopar guy.
But we are both excited about getting it back on the road after 30+ years of sitting.
Hopefully the block is sound.
And hope the manuals will help eliminate all the many questions I have in my head.

 

Got done making room in the shop to finally remove the flathead and see what shape it is in. I am sure I'm in for total rebuild.

Definitely going to keep it, will beef it up some. Then some better gearing for highway speeds. This truck will be a very frequent driver.

Did a quick search for HEI conversion, I see mention of it, but not a lot more. I run a GM conversion in my 52 Plymouth Flathead.

Can someone direct me with a link or info on this please?

Thanks in advance.

JD

 

I should add, I do have a dual point, not a crab type cap, but two groups of wires, right and left. Not sure what that is called yet.
Still leaning the Ford.

 

There's no need to use a HEI. Points work good if you get them set right. My brother has a Mallory dual point on his Flathead. Never had any problems with it. I have a Mallory on my 312 Y-block in my '28 PU.