Welcome, Scott, glad to have you. Posting on this site was probably the best decision you will ever make. The folks here are great and have a wealth of knowledge. You have only to ask and you shall receive all the information and opinions you can stand. Most of these folks have been in your shoes and are standing on the shoulders of those who helped them. They are ready to return the favor. Keep us posted on your progress.

Gil

 

Welcome to FTE!!, A great place to find info ...even on your's!
Sift thru the Good Stuff, Have FUN with the forum,Get some PIC'S ..FAST!!

 

OK, you all sucked me into the fight! There is no doubt that the 48-50 are the best looking!!!
I put ECI disc brakes on mine and everything fit perfectly. See my gallery for pics.

 

Thanks for all the good information. The VIN decoding, I especially appreciate, but as far as my truck goes it'll be about two weeks before I get to tear into it. My shop failed final inspection today. (24 X 36) This is not my first restoration, but it is my first Ford truck restoration. I have restored Chevy's in the past. The reason for the Ford truck is my grandfather had one and I still have the work bed off of it. I plan to restore it and put it on. I am open for any upgrades that I need to do to make it safe to drive daily. Need to know who sells the best disc brake kit and where to get it. I saw the pictures on the gallery--very nice.

I will try to post pictures on my next day off. Sorry, but the only time I can check the postings is at night.

 

For disk brake conversions you might see what MP Brakes has to offer. Nice people and all they do is brakes.
AFA converting to disks, first decide what you will be using for your rear axle: Stock (only if you are a masochist with deep pockets for replacement parts and gas IMHO), Ford 9" (the "standard" for Hipro hotrods and race cars) Ford 8" (a viable choice for a cruiser) Jag SJ IRS (a "sexy" setup that handles like a sports car), 53 Hudson Hornet (for those who have to be "different" LOL!), etc etc. So you can match those brakes with the appropriate fronts. Next decide on power assist or manual ( I'd suggest power unless you are a world class runner or speed skater, and are the only one likely to drive your truck and only on the weekends. That then brings up the question of thru the floor pedals with underslung master cylinder like stock or more modern hanging pedals with firewall mounted MC.
Hope you didn't think this was going to be a walk in the park, there are a million decisions that need to be made and that impact one another, but to most that's what makes this hobby fun!
Welcome!

 

I bought two more trucks last week one is a 51 and the other is my 52. Iam going to use one 51 for parts and use the other for trade.

 

Welcome scotto531, Look at this post for the Disc Conversion Bonus Built

Like my dad used to say "They Are All Nice When They Are Running" he spent many years as an Auto Mechanic.

 

There are pictures of my disc brake conversion in my gallery.
I used ECI and everything worked out perfectly.

 

scotto531; Welcome to the FTE, There's a world of knowledge here at your finger tips. I went through the same thoughts as you about the disc brakes. I finally went with the jag IFS and IRS It was a LOT cheaper and easier to install. With a plus POWER STEERING. The IRS also gave me disc brakes in the back to. Good luck with the build, Keep us posted on the progress. (pics, Pics,)

 

Hi Scott nad welcome!

I've restored a 55, a 56 , and now my 51 Five Star Deluxe. You might find getting parts for the 51 a little more challenging than the 53-56s but still not to bad. This is the best place to start with any question or need, as you can see. There's tons of folks who have alreadty run into and solved all the things you will run into - and they all have great ideas! One of the best places to start is getting a couple pubs. A 51 Shop Manual and the Chassis Parts Catalogue are very good. The Shop Manual has the procedures for doing things, and the Chassis Parts Catalogue has exploded drawings that show ho whtings are assembled.

Anyway - welcome and ask us anything anytime!