Hey gang, Joe here after a 2 year hiatus (we were warned it wouldn't go start to finish in one shot!) with a little update. The engine of our 52 with 51 Deluxe cab is now being rebuilt and we're sending our rolling chassis to be blasted and painted. The next step is the tranny - Grandpa Joe swapped the 3-on-the-tree for a four speed mod with a stickshift coming up the floorboard back in the day and we'd like to put it back to 3-on-the-tree.

Where can we source out a proper 3 speed?

The other question is about the running boards - Grandpa or one of his nephews (my dad's cousin) piped a new exhaust through the running boards and the subsequent mods for that have left them both as the only metal on the truck that is really beyond the worth of repair.

Where can we source out new running boards or immaculate used ones?

Great to be back - don't hesitate to fire any questions to refresh my and your memories. Sorry I was away so long! j

 

Welcome back! You know the drill...we like pictures!

 

Sacramento Vintage Ford sells Canadian-made steel running boards that are really nice. Made just like the originals and fit was good on mine. They ain't cheap but quality never is.

Check your steering column down near the gearbox. Are the holes for the column shift mechanism still there? Did your grandpa leave the shifter tube etc in place?

Van Pelt Sales sells rebuilt trans... Ford Flathead Engines - VanPelt Sales, LLC or you can roll the dice on the internet. I don't know if the linkages are still available; most of the linkage bushing aren't (only rebuild kits). Substitutions can be made, tho.

 

I believe I have two 3 speeds with side linkage. I also should have the steering column tube with the corresponding linkage. I'm in California, so at least the coast is the same.

 

Here is another option on running boards. Not sure where they are made but a friend of mine got a pair and said they fit fine.
New Steel Running Boards 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 Ford Pickup Truck F1 | eBay