Hi guys
I have a 1948 F1 that was imported to South Africa in the late 40's early 50's in kit form and assembled in Port Elizabeth. It is a right hand drive. I inherrited the truck and don't know much about it's history. It is in good shape and pretty much original but I need to find a part or two. I can't seem to find out what the switch on top of the dash and above the speedo was for. I just have a hole there. I would appreciate any help.

 

Welcome White Lion!
Always good to have another truck with history find the right new home. We'll like you more if you can share some pictures. Now, to your question. The wiper control is in the place you describe. If there is only a hole, it is likely that the vacuum motor for the wiper is also missing as a post in the motor protrudes through the dash.

 

This South African truck was on eBay some years ago:

 

Nose missing the Bonnet catch




Thanks for the reply FortyNiner but I have a wiper switch below the speedo. Will take a couple of photos of the dash when I get a chance. The truck that was on ebay was sweet.Bobj49f2 do you know if it sold and if so for what price?? Mine is also missing the bonnet catch and from what I understand they are quite difficult to get hold of. Herewith a pic of my baby..

 

Interesting history, Is there any more detail on the disassembled vehicles and why this was done?
Interesting to see a right hand drive F-1.

 

WL,
That's a good looking little truck you've got there. I like the dark green. I would guess that somewhere along the way somebody modified the wipers (probably switching over to electric) and put the *** in a former choke/accessory hole below the gauges.

Jim

 

Welcome to FTE, White Lion! That is a sharp looking truck you have there. I love the dark green.

 

That is beautiful!

 

I don't remember how much the truck sold on eBay, it had to about ten years ago. Interesting, now the passenger side door is the driver's door so now the driver's door has the door lock and the gas tank filler is on the driver's side. 50% of the I drive up to the pump on the wrong side because my daily driver has the fill tube behind the driver's (left) side.

As for shipping the truck in pieces, I read a article years ago about Ford sending Model As crated in pieces to remote areas in the states to save on shipping. I'd assume the did the same to save shipping space.

 

Shipping space was one reason. In addition, many nations required a percentage of local content to qualify for sale in country (or to avoid punishing duties) - assembling locally usually satified the requirement. Very common practice.

 

Original plate from the engine compartment


Yup, I would think that during the late 40's and early 50's cargo ships for carrying vehicles were far and few between so it was probably easier or possibly the only way to bring vehicles in if they were in kit form. Wouldn't surprise me if it didn't have something to do with my countries chequered past and possibly sanctions or such at the time.
I think Blue50F-1 is right about moving the wiper switch as there is no choke on my truck and the switches under the gauges from left to right are....ignition, lights, wipers and starter. The more I look at photos of the other guys trucks, the more I see I am missing on mine . Ashtray ****, Glove Compartment Liner, Rear View Mirror, Speaker Cover, Radio Compartment Cover and a couple of other bits and bobs. A little frustrating as the goods aren't available here and that the Dollar is so strong to the SA Rand but we will get it done sooner or later.

 

Money is the great equalizer in all hobbies. Live with it. Patience and good planning will help you get through the worst of times.

 

What would be the purpose of the two crimped in nuts in the depressions above the air cleaner on the firewall? They are not on my '49, is that something peculiar to '48 or a right hand drive truck? Parking brake mounting holes on a RH drive?

 

Will have to get in under the dash and see if I can find out for you. Will let you know.

 

Note that the engine is a 59-series engine, rather than the 8RT. May have been swapped in by a PO, or could be that locally produced engines switched production later. Very early 48's here used the 59's too, just to use up stock. I believe I see a "C" on the head casting number, which would indicate Canadian production. Canada produced many of the export trucks.

I believe the crimped nut is for a ground strap that went from the firewall down to the intake or bellhousing. I have seen several 48-50's that were restored to a high standard, that have the ground strap from the battery terminal going to a similar nut just below the starter relay on the firewall, with the second strap as above. Not a good setup IMHO.