Does anyone know if the F1, F2, or F3 is the most desireable or most rare model in 1950? I am looking at a nice F3 1950 for $500 and want to make sure it is going to be worth something when I am done restoring it. Also, are parts harder to come by on any of these models? Thanks!

 

According to several price guides the F2/3 & 250/350 trucks have the same value as the F1 or later F100.
Some mechanical parts are a little harder to find but NAPA and AutoZone have kept my 54 F350 happy.

Fenders are different on the F1/100 and are small openings, the others are larger. Often easier to find good fenders on a big truck that is high off the ground.

Hoods, grilles are the same. Doors and cabs may be set up differently for accessories such as side mirrors, PTO's, etc.

 

The F-1 is the most desireable of the 3. You would find more buyers if you were to sell it later. The F-2 or F-3 usually have a crashbox tranny ( double clutching) and are a bear to steer. The 2 hardest parts to find are running boards and bed parts for the F-2 or F-3's. They don't repo those parts. If the truck is good body wise, you're 1/2 way there. Mechanical parts for the most part are available thru good parts houses. If it's a rust bucket, I'd stay away from it.

Barry

50 F-1

 

I restored my 1948 F3 dump truck 5 years ago & found it hard to find some of the brake & syspention parts. I still havent found rear drums for it, luckely the drums on it are good. Look at a few parts catalogs online & you will see that you can get just about any part for an f1 somewhat easier than that of an f2 or f3.

 

I all depends on what you like. I prefer the longer box on the F-2 & F-3's. Some parts may be harder to find but many parts for the F-1 fit the F-3's. They aren't harder to steer. They use the same box as the F-1's. Sometimes I find it easier to keep a vehicle under control with manual steering at least on gravel roads. Why do you want to know how much it would be worth? Are you gonna fix it up to later sell it? If so you will lose money. By the way I have a '51 M-3.

 

Gravel roads?
they still have those?

 

Perhaps our property taxes are a bit lower than San Diego? I can take a picture of an outhouse if I stand on the edge of my property.

Can anybody beat that one?

 

I'd go with the F-1 for no other reason than parts availability. Some F-1 parts fit F-2s & F-3s, but there are very few reproduction parts made especially for the F-2 and F-3. The 120 inch wheelbase also limits what bed you can put on it unless you do drastic surgery on the frame. I paid $500 for my F-3 because that was all I could afford on a retirement income. I would much rather have had an F-1 if the opportunity had presented itself. It's a great project though and I'm enjoying doing it. That's what its all about.

 

Fenders we still have an outhouse attached to our old garage. We don't use it anymore.

 

It depends on your intended use, I like the F-1 because I'm going the streetrod route, and I found a nice one close to home.
55 Forder: I have to drive 1/2mi. to the pavement where I live.
fatfenders: I also have an outhouse atached to my barn,only 50ft. from my new garage. Yes we do still use it.

 

As previously stated, in reality 1/2 tons seem to command a higher sale price. Especially when restored. Doesn't make them better and certainly not more useful. Just more popular.

And only here can I come and lose an outhouse contest. You guys are the greatest.

 

<b> The F-2 or F-3 usually have a crashbox tranny ( double clutching) and are a bear to steer.</b>

In reality my F350 with 17" wheels steers a heck of a lot easier than a friends F100. I can see why many like an IFS.
I dont know if the F3 is that much different but the heavier frame in the 350 must certainly contribute to steering stability.

 

'And only here can I come and lose an outhouse contest. You guys are the greatest."

Cool I managed to beat Fenders. This place is the best!

 

The pickup truck that I am restoring is a M68, which is the canadian cousin of the F3. I personally take great satisfaction in knowing that when it is finished that it will be unique in the fact that there will not be many others around. That said if you are considering buying an F3 to fix up it would be a good idea to get one with a good box and fenders. If you're looking for mechanical parts Joblot in Queens, New York would be a good place to check. They have recently received a shipment of F2 and F3 brake drums to the best of my knowledge.
Joe

 

I'd like an F-3 with a flat bed to haul around other vehicles and junk. Maybe even go off roading (incomplete sentence). heh heh.

My town has a large area where the roads are dirt. The strange part is that the "gheto" is fully paved but the park in the gheto has no grass at all.

Clayton