Both '52's n the stable have ribs . One made in St. Paul & the other in Buffalo .


Found the best ribs at Dreamland in B-Ham , Ala.

 

Sometime very late in 1948, all cabs got the 3 ribs. It was a running change, to stiffen the back of the cab. Once all the dies were modified to include them, no trucks after that left any of the plants without them.
Chuck

 

My F1 has three ribs, built in Memphis.

 

My 48 F1 has no ribs built in Dec. 47 in KC Dean

 

Ok, since I started this all with a bit of mis-information over on the Ford Barn, I'll try to correct myself a bit...

My F-7 is actually a 48 without ribs, it has no firewall code, and its serial number is 88EQ21352.
My F-2 is a 49, has firewall code 49P1DB4121 768 (the third digit may be an F), has ribs, and is serial number 98RD336899, made in the St. Paul plant.

Many thanks to Chuck for setting us straight.

 

Both of my 48s, F1 and F6 have no ribs. The F6 sn is 22,000. The F1 is 133,000 built Nov 12. I agree with Chuck that it was VERY late 48 running change.

My 50 F4 has ribs as do my 52 F2 and 52 F6.

Fred, if you take another look, your F2 should be a 50 based on the serial #. The firewall code should be 4 SP 10B 4121 768
4 is meadow green, SP assembly plant, 10 Feb (which syncs with the serial #)

It's really easy to mis-read these stamped numbers. Keep in mind the early F series year ran with the calendar year - starting Jan. 16, 1948.

Dean, I'd really like to know what your serial number is for your Dec 47 F1. They hit the dealer showrooms Jan 16, '48 so it's possible.

 

mtflat - Thanks! I took another look at the F-2 firewall and you are correct.

 

My 48's serial number is 88 RY 621.The firewall has no numbers on it. The bottom of windshield has two drain tubes that exit on each side of the cowl. I installed a Magic Aire heater and the cab had a knock-plate which surprised me. The tool tray has the rounded corners. The 48 was painted red, but the tool tray and gas tank were painted a tan color. The 48 also has a factory radio, but the brackets for the radio has some of the sloppiest welds you have ever seen. It has only one wiper, no hole in the cab for a wiper on the right side. The glass is dated Nov. 47. Dean

 

Thanks Dean! Interesting piece of history. In order to show up in dealer's showrooms for sale Jan 16th '48 it stands to reason that production started in late '47. Now that I look thru my records I believe I asked you that before ... appreciate seeing it again!

But you obviously have the late series engine given the 8R designation. I used to hear stories of '48 F1s with the early 59A series, but I've never seen any credible proof they existed.

Thanks again! - Tim

 

Dean, can you confirm the engine is an 8RT and not a 59? I have no idea how they'd ID a 59 series engine with the serial number choices they'd have on hand, I wouldn't be surprised if they just stamped an R and called it good.

 

47 truck serial number prefix was 799C. The normal sequence might have been 899C for 48 with a 59 flathead..... just thinking out loud here.

 

When I was looking for a truck to replace my '47 COE, before I found my '49 F4, I looked at a 1 1/2 ton 134" WB truck. It was a '42-'47 bodied truck titled in '48. The serial number actually had an 899T prefix number, which would make it a '48 truck. I wish I had taken a photo.
Mark

 

The 48 had no engine when I bought it. It had set in a shed close to 30 years. The cab and doors and floor were rust free. I bought it for 100.00 with a good title. It's feels good to get lucky. Dean

 

Interesting...thanks!

 

My '48's had no ribs. My '49 F6 has ribs. My '50 F6 had ribs, and my '50 F6 parts truck had ribs.

I did not read the prior comments.