here is the bed. not sure if that is original rear bumper since it sticks out a foot. Plan on taking it off anyways along with the angle brackets on the bed sides

 

OK, I did not know if you wanted to stay "original" as far as the bed floor. New stamped metal floors for the 40-50 once were available from Mac Hills, no longer available which is probably a good thing! I replaced the original wood and and metal which might have been the most challenging thing that I did on Willard, over 100 spot welds and almost impossible to get it "flat". I am not aware of any one else on the forum that did the same job.You are headed in the right direction.

 

Very nice,welcome to FTE.

 

Good call on the bumper. Doesn't appear to be correct and the placement is - shall we say - odd.

 

Welcome to FTE and nice truck. Glad you found yours a little closer to home!

 

I think your rear bumper looks like a front bumper that has been modified with the 4 bolt holes on the face of the bumper to work on the rear of your truck. Looks like this bumper a little, but my holes are way out wide. Since dealers were able to get front bumpers from Ford they would make brackets to attach front bumpers as rear bumpers. No paper trail... just seen a few that looks like your....

 

Hello neighbor to the west. That's a nice old truck you have there.

 

Anyone know where you can find original parts? I need a front bed panel. Mines beat up and I would like to replace it with an original. Thanks

 

Any thought on motor oil to use in this old v-8 I was told i needed some oil to add back in the zinc for the camshaft. Any Thoughts?

 

There are as many opinions on oil as there are about the right gas. I run 10-40 with a Marvel Mystery Oil chaser. Even the house brand oils on a big box shelf are much better than the best brands back in the day. Your call either way.

 

I am sure it has been discussed many times… what about synthetic oil?

 

NAPA machine shop recommended a zink additive which I purchased

 

Slowly Coming apart

 

looking good. Very good fine.....

 

Ok, got the engine and tranny out. I am having a hard time finding anyone in my area that knows much about the flathead. It currently runs like a top so not much is needed. I really just need it cleaned an painted but I know the best way to do this is by tearing it apart. I'm not really an old engine guy so i am a bit leary of tearing it down myself. What's the best strategy? Find a guy who knows these motors and have it redone or just degrease and spray paint? Any help is much appreciated.