1952 Ford F-3 Build
 

Everyone seems to be so anxiously awaiting a build thread for my 1952 Ford F-3 and well here it is

I spend the first 2 weeks researching and pumping out numbers and parts to come up with an estimate for how much this build really was going to set me back. Now that that’s finished it is time for the fun to begin. [/size][/font]
In my research and planning I have decided what I ultimately want to do with this vehicle. That is to try and keep what I can original. Yet giving this truck a little modern spin, by apply modern white pearl paint, and giving the engine a little shine. I want to add:

-New 4.11 gear ratio for the rear diff.
-New Edelbrock Heads
-New Edelbrock 4 Barrel Carb. with manual adjustment to ensure engine doesn’t get to much fuel
-New Edelbrock intake adapter
-New Edelbrock air filter

This will give the engine that show piece kind of look yet keeping the original engine and drive tran. throughout the truck. This is not suppose to give me a drag racer because this is a 1 ton and that’s not what I’m going for. I ultimately want a weekend cruiser with the old school kind of look to it

Below are the pictures of the truck as I have purchased it. Solid cab, floors, and front end. Box, tailgate and rear fenders are in need of repair. Might try to even find a better set of them if possible. Though finding F-3 parts turns out to be quite the task. It has a running driving moving Flat Head V8 that seems to run really strong. Interior lights still work, as well as the transmission brake.


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I am going to begin this build kind of in a backwards kind of way. I’m going to get the engine running with all the performance parts the way I would like it to then begin the tear down to the frame to do my frame up restoration. There’s a few things I need to attend to first and that is the leaking gas tank, the brakes (no brakes) and the electrical to see if the headlight, tail light, and cab lighting are still the correct wiring configuration. Dash lights still work so I’m hoping with new assemblies and wiring harnesses the rest will be the same. Then I finally will know what really I have with this truck before I start spending mass amounts of money on it.

I’ll try and keep up with everything I do on this build. Follow if you’d like. Everyone’s input will be greatly appreciated since I am fairly new to this sort of project and am bound to run into alot of problems along the way.
Wish me luck..

Subscribed. Should be interesting to see your progress.

Let me know what parts you may need. I have a few F2-F3 specific parts, as well as many other 51-52 related parts, including Extra Cab deluxe specific parts (like for your doors).

Definetly should be interesting for sure. Hope to get a good start on it here in the next few weeks.

And sounds good will def. let you know if I need anything thanks.

Enjoy.

Also subscribing. I look forward to seeing your progress. :-wink

Hopefully everyone should see some progress sooner then later!

I'm here to follow along as well.

May I suggest going through the brakes as you clean the engine up and fix the lights. Than just drive the tires off her for a while and let her tell ya what she wants.
If the steering is in good shape than pump some grease in every time ya move it and it should loosen up. With the large steering wheel and no load these trucks steer pretty easy if all is well with it.

Thats the first and foremost after I get the new tank in and installed I need to bleed the lines and get them all cleaned up and working. Thanks for the advice on the wheel will for sure try that out.

I meant large Steering Wheel. I fixed it. I think you understood anyway

Looking forward to following this. Thanks for sharing.

Paul

Gonna get back to mine after a bathroom remodel.i am kinda in the same boat as you.mine shows 73000 miles,seems to run well.planning a homemade wiring harness just to start and charge for now. Then the brakes.

Gas Tank
 

Well last night I decided to tackle the gas tank. I started by undoing the fuel line from the tank below the cab. (PB blastered them 2 days ago to lossen up any corrosion or rust that might be holding them in place) The fitting broke lose like nothing. Then I proceeded to pull the tank from the cab lossening the two cab bolts and also the clamps holding the tank filler pipe in place. Once those where removed I pulled the tank wretched off the fuel line fitting from the tank. Well not really to my surprise it was rusted inside and no wonder it was leaking..

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The origonal fitting.

From what I have been told those fitting are obselete because there not allowed to be used anymore. This is because of the fuel shut off valve which apparently fuel can escape and could ignite from exhaust fumes.. Either way I couldnt find one so I went to my local nut and bolt place in search of a fitting. They had exactly what I needed perfect bolt pattern and everything. :)

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The new fitting.

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Where Fitting goes (bottom of tank)

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Tank

I then today used a extentable flash light to flash in light inside the tank just to see if any rust could be seen. The tank definetly looked bad inside and well rather then take the risk, I'm doing a frame up rebuild I priced out a new tank set up complete with rubbers and float and the whole works. Going to pick it all up this weekend and hopefully get it all back together.

Bleeding the brakes is next on the list ! Sorry for the boring stuff but I'm sure there will be alot of stuff to bore you before I get to the fun flashy stuff. :(

Heres a few snap shots of the inside of the cab, definetly in great shape quite impressed actually!!

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Yeah I have had mine for about 3 weeks now at most. Been alot of planning finally starting to fix the minor things here and there so I can take it for a real good ride and see what I have to work with. My wiring seems to be not to bad thus far anyway we will see as I get more into it. Fuel tank is down, brakes then then big engine part order. Good luck to you and your build!

No problem. Seems to be the best way to go about a build now adays so many people with so many resources there is no problem you and everyone else can't help with ! Thanks for following.

Definetly did thanks for the advice.

The same fitting with the valve was available at my local NAPA store.