Proud new owner of a 1948 F1
#1
02-23-2012, 03:38 PM
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Proud new owner of a 1948 F1
Hi,
I am new to the forum and the proud new owner of a 1948 Ford F1 pickup. I am not very knowledgeable about auto mechanics but love the old big-fender pickups. I just found one in a barn in Oregon. I have never restored a vehicle before but my instincts told me that this was a good find. I bought it from the original owner's grandson - it has been on their farm since his grandpa bought it in '48(he still had the original bill of sale from the local Ford dealer and log book documenting its mileage). They had put a diesel tank in the bed and used it to fuel his tractors and do the lighter work around the farm. The truck is straight and completely intact. I checked the floors, bed, door bottoms, fenders, etc and there is only minor superficial rust. The best part is the truck only has 27,847 miles on it. The truck has the flathead six motor in it. He told me that it hasn't run since the '70's and here is my question: What is the best start-up procedure I can use to see if it will still run without a major overhaul?
Thanks.
I am new to the forum and the proud new owner of a 1948 Ford F1 pickup. I am not very knowledgeable about auto mechanics but love the old big-fender pickups. I just found one in a barn in Oregon. I have never restored a vehicle before but my instincts told me that this was a good find. I bought it from the original owner's grandson - it has been on their farm since his grandpa bought it in '48(he still had the original bill of sale from the local Ford dealer and log book documenting its mileage). They had put a diesel tank in the bed and used it to fuel his tractors and do the lighter work around the farm. The truck is straight and completely intact. I checked the floors, bed, door bottoms, fenders, etc and there is only minor superficial rust. The best part is the truck only has 27,847 miles on it. The truck has the flathead six motor in it. He told me that it hasn't run since the '70's and here is my question: What is the best start-up procedure I can use to see if it will still run without a major overhaul?
Thanks.
#2
02-23-2012, 03:53 PM
Post Fiend
We don't believe you! 
We need pictures.
First, welcome. Second, you need to see if the engine will turn over by hand. If it's not stuck, then to fire it, you need spark, fuel and new fluids. The gas tank is probably varnished, so you will either need to clean it out or set up a temporary fuel tank. Fuel lines will need to be cleaned or replaced as well. Clean the carburetor and fuel pump. You may have a few leaks coming from both if the engine starts becasue the seals and gaskets would be deteriorated from non-use. Change out the spark plugs, condensor, points, spark plug wires, coil, etc. (basically a tune-up). I'm sure that it's still likely a 6v positive ground electrical system. Get a good 6v battery. Clean all connections and have good grounds. Replace the batt cables, if needed. Don't use the ones sold at the local auto parts store. They're not thick enough. Get some 1/0 welding cable and make the battery cables out of that. Change out the fluids (coolant, oil) and filter. Once you have done all of that, you can fire it up.
We need pictures. First, welcome. Second, you need to see if the engine will turn over by hand. If it's not stuck, then to fire it, you need spark, fuel and new fluids. The gas tank is probably varnished, so you will either need to clean it out or set up a temporary fuel tank. Fuel lines will need to be cleaned or replaced as well. Clean the carburetor and fuel pump. You may have a few leaks coming from both if the engine starts becasue the seals and gaskets would be deteriorated from non-use. Change out the spark plugs, condensor, points, spark plug wires, coil, etc. (basically a tune-up). I'm sure that it's still likely a 6v positive ground electrical system. Get a good 6v battery. Clean all connections and have good grounds. Replace the batt cables, if needed. Don't use the ones sold at the local auto parts store. They're not thick enough. Get some 1/0 welding cable and make the battery cables out of that. Change out the fluids (coolant, oil) and filter. Once you have done all of that, you can fire it up.
#3
02-23-2012, 03:59 PM
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#4
02-23-2012, 04:03 PM
Welcome! 51Panelman pretty much covered it. I hope you got some pics of it sitting as-is in that barn. Not many true barn finds left anymore. And like he said, we don't believe you until we see pictures. 
If the engine is stuck, just get it home and we'll all help guide you through that process. Not many original trucks out there nowadays it seems.
If the engine is stuck, just get it home and we'll all help guide you through that process. Not many original trucks out there nowadays it seems.
#6
02-23-2012, 06:29 PM
#7
02-23-2012, 06:33 PM
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#10
02-23-2012, 10:59 PM
Wow, yet another Monkey Face build! These things are commin outta the woodworks lately!
Cool!
Judging by the way you describe the truck's condition, I'm willing to bet you got this thing out of eastern Oregon? My '56 is out of Silverton, OR and wasn't in bad shape at all either. Where are you located at? Definately need to post up some pics! (Truck-**** to most of us!!!) What are your plans for it?
Cool! Judging by the way you describe the truck's condition, I'm willing to bet you got this thing out of eastern Oregon? My '56 is out of Silverton, OR and wasn't in bad shape at all either. Where are you located at? Definately need to post up some pics! (Truck-**** to most of us!!!) What are your plans for it?
#11
02-24-2012, 07:55 AM
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Welcome 
to a resource I also just got into by getting a 49 F6. It's way too exciting to have a great truck to work on. What else would we do? watch t.v.? The people here know way too much; its incredable and humbling. Look forward to seeing pictures worthy of a screen saver. ENJOY the truck and forum. I found it real easy to use photobucket and link it. My usual tools are chainsaws, not computers, others may have ideas too.
to a resource I also just got into by getting a 49 F6. It's way too exciting to have a great truck to work on. What else would we do? watch t.v.? The people here know way too much; its incredable and humbling. Look forward to seeing pictures worthy of a screen saver. ENJOY the truck and forum. I found it real easy to use photobucket and link it. My usual tools are chainsaws, not computers, others may have ideas too.
#14
02-25-2012, 08:40 AM
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Welcome and congrats on your find. There are alot of barns still around in my area and I'm still waiting to come across that one of a kind hand built experimental project done by Henry himself. I'll keep looking!
I also love to hear about another one of these great trucks being save. Now post up those pics!
I also love to hear about another one of these great trucks being save. Now post up those pics!
#15
02-26-2012, 01:43 AM
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