First project! '61 uni
 

Hello guys! I am now the proud new owner of a 1961 unibody shortbed. It's a straight six with four in the floor, not the big window cab. I picked the truck up for $700 with a clean local title(when I find it). The rust on the truck body is pretty extensive, but the frame is solid. The seat and headliner are shot but the dash is all good and all there. There is a crack in the windshield that I didn't notice till i got it home. There seems to be a repair done on the crack already. The engine might be toast. When I picked it up the valve cover was off and has a bent push rod. I will be posting pictures here pretty soon. Donations of parts and knoledge are always welcome!

Sounds like a great project! can't wait to see some pics of it.... I just had a front windshield put in mine (Again!) cost was about 180.

Also, Welcome to FTE!

Im still trying to figure out a way to get pictures from my BlackBerry on to here(I recently destroyed my android phone).

Anyway, I have started to get into the truck and have broke the first bolt! It turns out that the rear end is locked up for one reason or another. I think it's the brake shoes being rusted in place due to the parking brake had been set for so long.

On the brake drum is there any retainer to remove before pulling it off? Im getting the expected resistance from it, but there is some give and spring to it!

Did these trucks come with a 9in rear end?

So I have more information on the truck! Could anyone tell me what the glove box tag really means?

Serial number: G10jg17523

W.B: 114

Color: B

Model: 6100

Date trans: A

Axle: 11

Max. Gvw lbs: 5000

Crt net HP: 114

RPM: 3600

DSO: blank?

I talked to a body shop earlier this afternoon and found out that one of the guys is selling a 4.6l running engine/tranny/wiring harness for $650 with 100k on it. Are brackets made for this conversion, or would i have to fabricate and weld something onto the frame? Also, what would that mean as far as the shift on the column since its an auto tranny?

Welcome to FTE

1961/62: No DSO code unless the truck is a Domestic Special Order.

F10 = F100 2WD

J = 223 1V I-6.

G = Chicago IL Assembly Plant.

171523 = 1961, assembled May 1961.

114" Wheelbase.

B = Caribbean Turquoise.

F100 2WD, 5,000 lbs. GVWR

A = Ford 3 speed manual transmission, non syncro 1st gear (F = Borg Warner T-98 4 speed).

11 = Ford 9" Rear Axle / 3.70-1 / No Limited Slip / 3,300 lbs. Rear Axle Capacity.

5,000 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

114 net HP @ 3,600 RPM

Moved to proper forum. Your welcome Bill.......................lol

my apologizes on the serial number, i was copying it down from a picture. I went out and wrote it down by hand so this one should be correct

F10JG171523

The last owner informed me when i picked up the truck that the tranny was not stock. He changed the 3 speed out for the current 4 speed in it.

Thank you for the information.

If the rear end happens to be rusted shut, and not just frozen brake drums, what are my options? is it possible to rebuild the axle or should i just look for another?

Correct VIN edited into post 8.

Moved to where it will wither and die on the vine.....


Garbz

Like Garbz said, you've done this guy no favors by moving his thread to the unibody section.....:-huh

^I would have thought that a 1961 unibody would have been just find along with the 1961-1966 trucks. More traffic at least.

I agree, 61steven! Did moving the thread also make your pics disappear?

There's really nothing unique enough about the unis to justify segregating them to their own forum. Even the uni owners don't frequent this section much. I would request to transfer back to the 61-66 or least post any of your issues that aren't specific to the uni in the 61-66 section. Otherwise, you'll go for days or even weeks without any response! jmho:)

Randy