Hey folks, I am a proud new owner of a 51 F1. It is FORD (Found On Road Dead) but hopefully not for long. I really appreciate wealth of information on this forum and hope to shear some stories with you down the road.
First need to get the flatty running again. She needs new water pumps for sure, but the block seems pretty tight. I will run a complete leak down test and will try to turn her over in a week or so.
Yeah here is the picture of her right before I loaded onto the trailer last night.
She has been sitting there for about past 10 years but with a little nudge and a pull from a come along, she was onto the trailer. It was too dark by the time that I got it in the drive way, but I will take some more pictures once I get home tonight. She has the good ol' flatty with 3 on the tree and dana 44 rear. Although the master cylinder holds pressure, the first thing that I will be doing is to replace the master along with all wheel cylinders. Yeah, I used to not care about stopping as much as going, but am becoming more responsible these days.
very nice, I take it your from somewhere warm? I looks pretty clean, I'm in the process of doing the same with my brakes. a dual master cylinder and new cylinder, shoes, lines up front. Don't forget to change all the rubber brake lines and most likely the wiring is hard and brittle. I kinda learned the hard way my wiring had a "candy coating" for insulation. a bit of a setback for me. If it's the factory rear it will either be a 4.25 or 3.90 the latter not being to bad. I have the 4.25 top speed is 50mph!
good luck please post up more pics , I like those mirrors.
Thanks... I am in California so the cancer on her is pretty manageable. I will take some time to assess the brake conditions before getting into it. BTW, you mentioned a dual master cylinder? Is it a pretty straight forward conversion? Yeah I would prefer 2 chamber design where I can still stop the truck if one fails.
Also I believe you are right on the 4.25 or 3.90 set up. One of my many questions... Is the newer Dana 44 components in newer Jeeps compatible with our housing? Also noticed that if I want to go with a 3.73 or so, then I may need a smaller differential. Is that true?
I guess this is just one of many more endless questions to come.
Actually I believe some of these trucks had a 3.73, I had one and gave it away, wish I could trade it back for my 4.2?
on the rear housing of yours is there a tag that tells you what you have? like 37-9 which would be 4:11 ?
I think I'm losing my mind can't remember what mine is now?
someone will be along that really knows these rears and correct me I'm sure...
Quote:
Originally Posted by hxgaser
Thanks... I am in California so the cancer on her is pretty manageable. I will take some time to assess the brake conditions before getting into it. BTW, you mentioned a dual master cylinder? Is it a pretty straight forward conversion? Yeah I would prefer 2 chamber design where I can still stop the truck if one fails.
Also I believe you are right on the 4.25 or 3.90 set up. One of my many questions... Is the newer Dana 44 components in newer Jeeps compatible with our housing? Also noticed that if I want to go with a 3.73 or so, then I may need a smaller differential. Is that true?
I guess this is just one of many more endless questions to come.
welcome aboard. i have gotten some good info on this site. every one is help full. your truck looks great. i live in iowa with the salt gods. they try and make ya fade away. lol.
There are lots of previous threads on getting old flatheads started so yo uwill have a good base to go with.
Check out my galleries. There is one that has all the Salesmans Handbook Charts and Specs (including the rwear end options and specs). Tons of useful info and should answer a lot of your questions about "Bonus Built" trucks!
My 51 with the stock never been apart 83,000 mile V8 would run down the interstate at 75 MPH and keep up with the 3.90 rear but I don't know for how long. I never went more than 15 or 20 miles at a time.
That truck looks to be like the one on CL in San Jose. Am I correct??
And, yes, 51/52s are the best looking trucks!
Welcome to the board. If you're a local guy, you're always welcome at my house.
Yup the truck was on the San Jose Craigs list. I was kinda surprised that not that many people was interested, especially since the previous owner had all parts and etc. The price that they were asking was too much, and cash always talks! I am in Alameda and would love to come by one of these days and chat.
Anyways, thanks everyone for the great welcome. I took some more photos this morning with my phone for what it is worth.
Body is pretty straight. Only bondo areas that I noticed were the driver side cab rear corner and the area below the driver side windshield. I think someone hit the corner with something, and there used to be a spot light at the windshield.
I tried to charge the battery but it was not taking charge last night. But with the charger on I got heater fan motor to run, and the blinkers to come on barely. Also brake lights worked as well. I just about wet my pants when I saw some signs of life. My neighbor has a 6V start station, so I will probably try that this weekend.
Again thank you all for warm welcomes. I am sure I will be picking all your brains soon.
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Good Choice! 
is the beginning of wisdom
