The truck I found doesn't have a motor or tranny..but that's ok..cause my 51 sitting in my back yard does. I need front inner and outers, and this other truck has some pretty good ones. The cab is in even better shape than mine. The back fenders are even in better shape than what I've got!!!! Will all the parts fit on the 51????? I've got to think they do..but because I have never restored anything in my life..I need help..and with you people in this forum..I know I can find it. He's only asking $500 for this other truck, so I think it's a pretty good deal. Please let me now what you think..and also what I need to look out for between the two different year trucks. Thanks!

 

Sounds like the 52 should be the project and the 51 the parts truck if the 52 cab is better. Someone will be along to give you the facts on the differences between the years.

 

'51 and '52 are identical except for the trim on the hood (depending on whether it's a standard or deluxe model) and the F-O-R-D letters across the upper grille filler (where the hood latch is). Go for it!

 

Basically the only difference between the '51 and '51 is some hood trim. The '52 was the first year for the overhead valve six. Check out the front part of the frame, the '52 parts truck I have has a different motor mounting design than my '51. Other than that all of the parts should interchange.

 

Assuming both trucks are the same series, most all of the parts should be interchangeable...and some parts are interchangeable between the series. I'm more familiar with the 48-50 trucks but there are some minor trim differences in the hoods as I remember in 51/52. When I first bought my 48 F3, I did not know the differences in the series or else I would have waited for an F1. Now I have almost completed the conversion to an F1 by using F1 fenders/bed and by shortening the frame.I also paid $500 for mine but it had a running engine and transmission in it. I think $500 for a parts truck is not a bad deal. I have a few free parts from my F-3 in the classifieds. Good luck.

Vern