Hi guys. I've decided that I want an old Ford truck. We already have a '49 Chevy 3/4 ton and a '50 Dodge 1/2 ton, so now we need a Ford to complete the set. I like the '46-'50 body styles, but I'm not set on one particular "size" of truck, so that may give me more options. It HAS to have a V8 flathead though, I've always wanted one. I'm not buying a "restored" truck, I'd prefer something original with some patina that I can just drive and not worry about getting stone chips in it. Basically, I need a "buyers guide" of sorts for old Fords. What are some things to watch out for, common issues, etc? Is there any model to stay away from? Any input is appreciated! Thanks

 

Before you buy a truck, what are you really wanting? Your search includes two distinct series of trucks, 42-47 (42 is almost identical to 46-47) and 48-50. Also there are different sizes of trucks and they drive and handle very differently. The 1/2 ton through 1 ton are available with a pickup bed or flatbed. The ton and a half and 2 ton had either flatbed or purpose built truck beds installed.

The 42-47 trucks come in 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, 1 ton, ton and a half, and 2 ton. The half ton is your regular pickup and will cruise happily to about 60 m.p.h. in stock form. These were available with a 6 1/2 foot pickup bed or a 6 foot flatbed. The pickup looks like this:


The 3/4 and 1 ton are the same size. Unless you are really lucky you can only find these with 4.86 axle ratio, so stock they cruise happily at around 45-50 m.p.h. This example has a flat bed, but 8 foot pickup beds were also common:


The ton and a half and 2 ton trucks were the big trucks Ford offered. These come with a variety of axle ratios, both one and two speed. The fastest version has a 5.14 single speed axle and will cruise at 55 m.p.h. This ratio axle is somewhat rare and usually the larger trucks cruise around 40-45 m.p.h.:


The 48-50 trucks were restyled with new front sheet metal, cabs, and rear fenders. These started the F-series. The sizes range from the half ton F-1 to the three ton F-8. I'll throw a picture of a half ton and a 3/4 ton up and let other people put up pictures of the larger trucks.

The F-1 was again available with the pickup bed or flatbed. The rear axles changed design, but the ratios stayed about the same so stock cruising is about 55 m.p.h. There has been a lot of discussion here about increasing the cruising speed of these trucks while keeping them looking stock. Here is my brother's F-1:


The F-2 and F-3 replaced the 3/4 and 1 ton respectively. These again had the low gear rear axles, but now with 8 lug wheels. There has been a lot of discussion on this board about rear axle swaps to get a better cruising speed with these trucks while keeping them looking stock. Here is my F-2:


Decide on what year of truck you want, and what you will use it for and we can help you narrow down exactly what you should look for.

 

The 48 through 50 are very popular styles. Lots of repo parts avaliable and lots of parts to modify stock if that's where your going with the project. The 51 and 52 are almost the same exept for the front end sheet metal and the grill. The F-1 again is the half ton which is what I have. I'm not sure when
Ford started putting flatheads into the trucks, but I know the 48 through 52 did. My avatar is a 51 F-1. The 52 looks the same but with different trim on the hood..

 

Just to note, the flathead 8 was available through the 1953 model ('54 (Mercury) in Canada and you're close, so keep that in mind) The 51 & 52 had a similar style to the 48-50 except for vertical grill (manure spreader) as opposed to the horizontal (monkey face), a larger rear window and different instrument panel. There are plenty of new parts available for these, Mac's has a huge inventory of new repro parts and they are just off Transit Rd before you get to Lockport.
Curious as to where in the Southtowns you are, I'm originally from Windom.

 

I wound up with a 48 F1, quite by accident. Wasn't even looking when it caught my eye. Something that makes the 48 special, in my opinion, is that it's the first year for the F series trucks. I enjoy telling people that when they see a Ford pickup, F whatever, that this was the start of the series, the F1. Good conversation starter.

 

Great replies so far. Thanks! I like the style of the 42-47 the most, but I also wouldn't mind a 48-50. In doing a bit of searching around the internet, it seems like the 1/2 ton trucks bring the highest prices. I think I'll spend most of my time searching for 3/4 and 1 tons. The big trucks are cool too, but they seem a bit impractical for me and I'm assuming the parts are more expensive and harder to come by. The goal here is to have a truck I can jump and and drive to town, take to a few of the local cruise nights, and maybe even use it as a truck as needed. I'm not looking for a commuter. Again, I'd prefer something original. If it has some dings and patina I'm perfectly fine with that. I'm obviously not new to old trucks, so if I have to do brakes, a tune up, or other basic repairs I'm good with that. I'm capable of fixing anything (professional heavy equipment mechanic for 15 years), but I just don't need/want another rehab project. So, I guess that's that. Here's a pic of the Dodge. It's 100% original unrestored with 83,000 on the clock - Something in this condition would be perfect:

 

Likle Rusty (Rhopper) - We have a 1948-50 style truck.
Our's is a 1950 - In restoring our's a few things learned:

o The 1953 & up trucks have just about everything available.
'48-'50 there are loads of parts but - steel fenders, hoods, &
doors are harder to come by.

o The stock '48-'50 have just one vaccum style window wiper -
Need to upgrade to 2 wipers - some fun involved under the dash for
that one.

o The Driver's side door locks from the inside & then you slide out the
passenger side in the stock format.

o To reach highway speeds comfortably it's fairly straight forward to
replace the back axle with the bigger 9 inch & better gearing.

o '48-'50 cabs are just a little more narrow than later years - Sitting 3
across the bench - hmmmm it's a squeeze - hopefully the third
passenger is a yougster.

o The Gas tank is in the cab - A lot of guys move it out back under the
bed.

Our not stock 1950 below...

Ben in Austin

 

We looked at several different models. I had always wanted a '53 because I love the style and that was the 50th anniversary of Ford. The 42-47's are cool because of the back fenders and the "jail bar" grills, but parts are tough to find. We then decided on a F1 because they have those huge, wide front fenders that are so cool. Then we found our 49 and I couldn't be happier. There is just some extra cool factor about it being a forty-something model and we love the "monkey face". Talk about having character!!!

 

In total agreement with advice on installing a 9" rear. If you get a 3/4 ton truck it will probably have a granny 1st gear which you may never use. If however you have a 9" rear with a cruiser gear it will not be as bad. Also there are many ratios from which to select. If you install one and do not care for it just replace it. It is really easy to install another third member.