Ok, so I think I have a handle on it now. Hope I do not sound like a dolt, but am I correct in assuming that the F-1 has smooth flat panels on the inside of the bed and is narrower than the F3 and thats why the fenders are a little fatter? I have compared pics of F1 beds and my F3 bed has a bump out in the inside of the bed at the bottom and I guess that is to accomodate the wider bed and to give the wheel some room?

 

What you said will probably be misunderstood. Late 50 and up have smooth bed sides inside and out. 42 thru mid 50 F1's have a style similar to the 48-52 F2/3's with a raised panel on the bedside. This is a different issue entirely.

I believe what you're describing is the line where the bedside meets the floor.
F1 boxes measure 49" wide inside. F2/3 boxes measure 54" wide inside.

So yes, the bump at the wheelwell allows for an axle width the same as the F1. They just shifted the box side outward 2.5" each side for a total of 5" difference. Basically the wheel well is "tubbed" into the box.

Also, the F2/3 fenders were adjusted the same amount and are 2.5" narrower than F1's.

 

Exactly right...my F3 has a "mini tub" in it. Would be a lot of work to convert to a 6.5 box. Would love to but don't relish the idea of buying all new sheet metal to do it. But if I win the lotto, I may.

 

The Express box is also a little higher and have a stake pocket in the center of the side.

 

Class is now in session. Here's some pictoral education for you.



Bedside from 48-50 F1. Note the "raised" bedside and two rounded stake pockets. No "tub" on the inside to accomodate for the tires (compared to F2-F3 bedside - see pictures below and further down).






Bedside from 51-52 F1. Note the smooth bedside and two squared stake pockets. No "tub" on the inside to accomodate for the tires (compared to F2-F3 bedside - see picture further down).




48-52 F2-F3 bed. It's wider and longer than the F1 bed. Also has raised bedsides and three rounded stake pockets.




You can see the slight "tubbing" in this picture.




Also, look at how the fender mounts on an F2-F3 bed. The front of the rear fenders "wrap" underneath the bed, while the rear of the rear fenders remain mounted flat to the bedside. All F1 rear fenders are mounted flat to the bedsides no matter what year (48-52).






Rear fenders from 48-50 F1. Note a small notch in the bedside mounting area to accomodate for the raised bedside.




Fenders from 51-52. Note they are flat at the bedside mounting edge.





Profile of 48-52 F1 rear fender. Note the wheel opening cutout and compare it to the F2-F3.




Profile of F2-F3 rear fender. Note the larger wheel opening cutout.




Rear fenders from 48-52 F2-F3 on the right side of the picture (next to 48-50 F1 rear fenders). Note the large notch to accomodate for the wider bed and another smaller notch to accomodate for the raised bedside.




Now for the tailgates.

48-50 F1 tailgate. Note the latch brackets in the upper tube rail.




51-52 F1 tailgate. Note the latch brackets below the upper tube rail.




48-52 F2-F3 tailgate. Note the latch brackets in the upper tube rail. The tailgate is also wider from side to side and shorter from top to bottom than the F1 tailgate. The three stamped squares are wider and not as tall as the same squares on an F1 tailgate.







I hope this explains the differences.

 

Wow! Thanks professor, that certainly puts it all in perspective.

 

ok how about on the 53 to 55 f-100 an' f-350 ???

 

What about the front fenders? Are the f3's different than an f1's? I have a front clip for a 51' and up f2 and my truck is a '48 f3. I found a guy who needs a front clip for a 51' f1 and has a 48' f1 front clip for trade. Our clip's wouldnt work for each others application would they?

And who has a bed for a 48' f3? I would be interested! Thanks!

 

The F-1's are all by themselves, 48-50 and 51-2. They have smaller wheel openings than the F-2's and 3's. Most F-1 people don't want the larger wheel openings, and the F-1 fender openings are too small for the larger tires that came on the heavier trucks. That was the thinking behind making a different fender for the various series.

 

Same deal, without all the extra style options. Both models were smooth sided, but the F-250/350 beds are longer and wider with the inside "mini-tubs" just like the earlier trucks.

 

F-2 up to F-6 share the same front fenders. The hood, grill and other parts of the front clip are the same for F-1 through F-6. It is fairly easier to find the larger truck fenders because they were used for some many models. Also many of the big trucks were parked out back when they were no longer needed while the F-1 were used for work trucks, then used again for personal vehicles and so on until many had the life run out of them and were scrapped.

You can use a '48-50 on a '51-52 truck but you have to use the entire front clip because the hoods latch differently with completely different hardware. You can mix and match them but I would assume it would take a good amount of cobbling to make it work.

 

Dnef, I have an express bed if your looking for one. Give me a call. 801 six 94 8826.
Josh

 

Ilya - the Express beds and tailgates are wider and taller than the F-1 beds and gates, not shorter. Here's the factory diagrams. Stu

 

I think the cobbling would be minimal, Bob, as long as the header panel (above the grille) used matched the hood (48-50/51-2). That's where the difference is, and I believe they would physically interchange in the space.