i've been looking at buying a 48-56 model truck and restoring it. i would prefer something in the f-3 range and above if i go with a diesel, but anything would do if i go with a SB v8. ive found three that i think i can get for a steal. a 48 or 49 model f1, 51 or 52 model f3(its a dually, so im assuming f3 or above) and a 53-56 model of some kind. they are good solid bodies, no rust, etc, but need full restoration. i have found tons of sites that sell restoration parts, emblems, bumpers, interior, etc for the 53-56 but cant find anything for the 48-52 models. i like the looks of both body styles, but ive seen too many restorations sit in the garage for years because they cant find parts for them and id like to avoid that. should i stay away from the 48-52 models or is there a decent aftermarket for them too?

 

I've got a 49 F1, i've been using these sites/catalogs, but i see people use accranyms for other companies that I dont know.

LMC Truck: LMC Truck Parts: Chevy Chevrolet Blazer S10 GMC Jimmy S15 Ford Bronco Ranger Pickup Pick Up Accessories/Catalogs
Sacramento Vintage Ford: Sacramento Vintage Ford :: 1.888.FORD.100
Classic Haulers (aka: something else) : Classic Haulers F-1 Parts - Home

 

thanks for the links.

 

Parts do seem easier to find for a 53-56 around where I live, but I guess I'm a bit bias as I've never really tried to shop for earlier parts, though I've seen a few in a couple yards quite complete.

Personally I wouldn't let this be the determining factor of what year you buy. Look at them all, and decide on exactly what year you want and why you like it best. No point in restoring something, putting all that effort in and feeling regret because you like a different year better, even if slightly better.

Besides, with craigslist and some patients, you can find anything or be found by anyone with your parts.


Another important question is how critical is being concour to this project? A lot of parts can be made to work easier than finding originals, but if you're determined to be 100% original, going Frankenstein won't work.

 

I honestly think that either way you decide, you won't have much trouble building either. As mentioned previously, it may also depend if you are restoring or rodding the vehicle.

 

well, i like both body styles a lot. so id be fine with either one of them. they each have advantages/disadvantages for what im going to use it for. as far as it being original.......its not even going to be close lol. my main thing is being able to find body parts and interior/chrome/emblem type parts. i can make my own door panels and seats, but if i cant find a bumper or a fender for it, then ill be hurting. what im leaning towards though is the frame/suspension off of a newer f350/dodge 3500 dually, drive line out of a 12v cummins, and the body from the 48-56 truck. so whether its all stock or not doesnt matter. i just dont want a shiny new paint job with rusted/broken emblems and a warped bumper. my first choice would be to put a IDI 7.3 turbo in it, but i hear that it will not fit. so thats where the cummins comes in.....

 

if you do an F3 and can't find a bumper but locate some 5 inch metal tube, have the ends bent a bit and capped and bolt it on. It'll have more impact absorption capability then the original style bumper, and it'll look cool.

 

Howdie!

The 56 F-100 repro parts business has that truck to the point hwere you can almost build one from scratch from spare parts now.

I have done a 55, an 56 and now a 51. I'm finding that 51 and 52 parts are th emost difficult, and there were a lot of "innovations" they tried in those two years that didn't catch (like the 1/2 inch offset front brake drums) which make those parts unique and thus hard to find/expensive.

Here's a fe wother things to think about: the 48-52 is a 2 person truck you're not going to ge tthree people weighing over 100 pounds in one. The 53s on up will seat 3 people.

While 53 to 56 parts are geneously available, 48-50 parts are getting lots better. Sheet metal for th e53 to 56 is being reproduced. Some of the 48 to 50 stuff is too. 51-52 is not.

Read the posts here about beds!!!!!!!!!!! If you want a larger truck, you WILL NOT Be able to find ANY new sheet metal for the 8 1/2 foot Express Box that came on the 48-52 F2+ trucks - you will have to find a good used bed someplace - be prepared to sell the liver!

48-52 trucks are very difficult to adapt to modern clutches because of the pedal design.

Anyway, just a few rambles!

 

IMO, go with what you want first, then go with what's available second, and go with what's the best condition third. Not necessarily in that order. I see you have a few TC's, I have one I'm building myself.

 

thats what i was noticing. you can find anything you want for the 53-56. i think wal mart is even carrying parts for them now lol. for the bed, im probably going to end up having to fabricate something myself. the three trucks ive found are in a reallllllly bad section of town. if you would even call it a town....more of deliverance country. i stopped and looked at one of the 48-49 models and the guy opened the door in a t-shirt and nothing else, drunk, looked like his parents were real close relatives, and his house reeked of ****. and that was the best house of the 3......

 

imho 48-52 thats the way to go 53-56 is way over done every mag has one on it they are nice but too many out there besides cant beat the grill . parts are a problem somewhat but that depends on your skill and patience have fun

 

While parts are a little more difficult to find, I went with a '50 F-1. I love the smell of a mig welder in the morning.

 

well, the truck i want the most is probably the one that id be least likely to stop and talk to the owner lol. i could probably get that 53-56 i saw for $100. but its in some rough country. the kind of place where people shoot at you for turning around in their driveway. i go up there for work about once a week and every time i drive past it i want to stop and ask about it, but then i think better of it.

what kind of tc are you building? all of mine are 88's. i used to have an 87 too but the tfi module caught on fire and burned the front end up on it. mine are all stock, but i think they are great little cars. decent power, great gas mileage, and handle as good as any car out there.