I have a 1951 Ford F1 that my grandfather bought brand new. My dad inherited at 1981 when my grandfather passed. I inherited it in 1990 when my father passed. The truck was stolen 8 years ago I received Anonymous phone call two weeks ago about the whereabouts of this truck I would like to restore it back to original as possible where is a good place to start the cab and doors are in great shape the front fenders need to be replaced the back fenders are in great shape but the back body is in bad shape

 

 

Welcome to FTE! Glad to hear that you got your truck back!

 

The front fenders look ok in the photo. Before making a plan on the restoration, you need to figure out what your final plans are, street rod, rat rod, trailer queen, driver, etc. Once you have that plan finalized, then we can assist in making suggestions.

Later!
Mr. Ed

 

That really doesn't look in to bad of shape just surface rust.You have some expertise here that van help you along. I am building a 51 also.

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm thinking of a daily driver . I know I would like rack and pinion steering and disc brakes.the front fenders has a lot of Bondo.Any advice would greatly appreciated

 

Jimmie , your location in Fla please . Am in Pt. St. Luce on the E. coast . Welcome to FTE . Many helpful / knowledgeable people on here .

 

Old Town / Dixie County. On the West Coast

 

I would just get it running, check the fluid and brakes on the rear, change the front end to an IFS with rack and pinion steering and disc brakes, sand off the rust and prime, then have a good time. Since you are going for a daily driver, you can then make any modifications as you go along.

Later!
Mr. Ed

 

Welcome to FTE, the best Ford truck forum on the world wide Web!

I would get it running and stopping and drive it before you change anything. If the components are in good shape the stock steering is good and the drum brakes are adequate. If you find them lasking to your taste then you can add these so called new fangled updates! LOL, I am a stocker.

BTW, it is awesome that you found your truck and got it back. Was anything missing or messed up when you got it back?

 

The seat is missing and the engine is froze up...But I'm glad to have it back

 

The body and fenders on your truck look good to me too. I agree with the others that are recommending that you get your truck up and running before thinking about modifications.

You'll get lots of advice here on how to approach your engine that seems to be frozen up. The solution may not be as involved or expensive as you may think. My truck sat for many years without being run and getting it going wasn't very difficult.

Congratulations on finding your long lost truck. You have a great story, and we look forward to following your progress.

 

I am a little over an hour south of you. Glad to help if I can. There is a member just a few miles east of you but I can not think of his name right now.
Edit: Just remembered, SierraPoppa is over in High Springs.

 

That is awesome that your truck has been in your family from new!
Was it purchased in FL?

 

Yes there was a Ford dealship in Cross City. I have a picture of my Grandfather and my Aunt the day he bought it .... I will post pic when I can find it ... Wish I knew the name of the dealership