I am going to start a project as soon as I find a truck. I'm looking at the 48 - 53 models. Looking for folks around Atlanta, GA that can offer advice.

 

Welcome drphil88!

Glad to have you join us. Just a note on the years you listed, 48-52 have a similar body style but it changed in the 53-55 models. Start asking your questions and read some of the stickies at the top of the forum if you haven't already, especially John Niolon's, "Help for all you Newbies".

 

Hi and welcome,

Actually, you found the best place for advice right here. The 48-52 trucks are what we call "Bonus Built" - a Ford nickname.

Here is a link to the picture gallery here at FTE, so you can look at some of th edifferences in the trucks. In the Bonus Built family there are actually 2 sub families 48-50 which are essentially identical with the exception of VERY minor changes; and the 51/52 years which again are, with a few exceptions (ie engines, hood trim), identical. The main differences between the 48-50 and 51/52 families are the front grille, and back window - again minor differences. 51 and 52 are a little harder to find parts for.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/pictorial/1951.html

Also, there were different weight ratings for the trucks: F1 was half tone F2 3/4 ton etc. This makes a difference because the larger trucks have a longer wheel base and a longer bed (that is impossible to find sheet metal for).

Here is a previous link about the truck differences that we had earlier:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...-look-for.html

Feel free to ask any questions you might have - chances are we have the answers here!