Hi there,

My 14 yr old son and I are newbies to this stuff. We are seriously considering buying a '51 F-1 (from the original owner no less : ) and fixing it up for my son to drive in a couple years. Can anyone recommend a good book on rebuilding/restoring '51 Ford trucks and/or a good, detailed, lots of color pictures book on restoring old vehicles in general?

Thanks,
Tyler and Christian

 

Welcome to FTE. We love pictures here.
It sounds like you guys have a plan, it will be a wonderful project for you two.

I have a book titled "How to Restore Your Ford Pickup" by Tom Brownell. It is a pretty good book. But really, this forum will give you more direct advice and pictures than any book can give you. We have some really fantastic people here with worlds of knowledge.

Be sure to read this article, really good stuff.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A CLASSIC FORD TRUCK: Part 1 .: Articles

Once you buy a truck, you need to get a shop manual and I really suggest this book, which comes in a pdf file.
1948-56 Ford Truck Master Parts Catalog CD - HiPo Parts Garage

If you post pictures of the truck you are looking at, the experts here can give you some good advice as to what issues you might be getting into.

At the top of this forum is a Read First thread. Go through that for some more good info.

When you get a truck be sure to take lots and lots of pictures (I have over 1200 in my pictures folder right now.) Label everything, you will not remember where that part goes when the time comes to put it back on.

Also, put your location in your about me info. There may be people close by that can help out.

This is a friendly forum, we don't to the bashing thing that many others do. We welcome all levels of skill and no question is too dumb. (Especially if it includes pictures.)

Did I say pictures, we love pictures.

 

Welcome to FTE

The 1948/56 Ford Truck Parts Catalog does not include body parts for 1948/52 trucks, chassis parts only.

faxonautolit.com (located in Riverside CA) has reprinted the bound paper "1944/52 Ford Passenger Car/Truck Body Parts Catalog."

But, it's not only pricey ($70.00), but is smaller than the original catalog (it's about 1/2 the size, as I recall).

Originals can be even pricier...if you can find one.

 

Thanks Joe and Bill! I posted pics in an album...

 

That is a beautiful truck. If you don't want it/take it, I surely would. Especially if I was in the neighborhood.

 

Hey Tyler, I just saw your pic of the 51 and it looks awesome man. Great foundation for a build. That truck has great "patina". If you weren't going for the "shiny paint" when you are done you could just go the patina look and run a modern drive train. Kinda like the truck in this thread:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...air-force.html

 

That's a nice and solid looking truck. It's also a 5 Star Deluxe Cab. It has more options and "bling" than the regular truck.

<a href="http://bit.ly/p7i64T" target="_blank" />Check out this image!</a>

 

Here is my 51 to help you make up your mine on getting a 51 5 star . Your son will see what it could look like with hard work and a little money. BUY IT DUDE !!!!! You can go custom like the yeller one or stock like the green one.

 

Very nicely done Arrowheadfred! Truck is gorgeous. If that doesn't make him buy that truck nothing will.

 

That's a beautiful project truck. Are you guys going to do a stock restoration?

 

There are some great books out there, see above. Remember that the info in a book may be years out of date, especially when it comes to references. I'm biased, but the best source of info is this site. If you're going to hot rod it, this site first, then try jalopy journal and hotrodders dot com. More general hot rod info on the second two. Restoration is this site again. There are several other Ford truck sites for the stock guys and some one will post that shortly.
Welcome to the forum! -Rusty

 

Tyler,
Im with Rusty on this one. Utilize the search function to utmost. It is a wonderful. Once you get past some of the possible abrasiveness of the HAMB and use it's SEARCH function it is good too. Books are good but become outdated quickly as new "ah ha's" come about when someone tries something and realizes it will work on these old trucks. Like as possible different seat options become known out of later model vehicles you wont get that out of a book. WELCOME and much success with your project.

 

Welcome to FTE... As others have said "here is a great if not best resource"! We have a great bunch of guys and girls here that love these ol' iron.... The CD is a much needed... One thing I can tell you is check the VIN and title match and remember its 60 years old... I love the door art work... Neat feature....

 

Thanks for all the info and encouragement fellas. I am also considering a '57 GMC (GASP!!!! BLASPHEMY!!! STONE HIM!!!!) that I found just up the road. I'll post pics soon.

Tyler (unless you're gonna stone me, then my name is Hank

 

Welcome to FTE to you and your Son, Hes one lucky teenager to be abel to do this with you. This is a friendly place, with a lot of talented folks so dont be shy, we love pictures when you get your truck. (Jimmy)