I had an F1 that I bought several months ago, and after letting it sit untouched for several weeks, I came to the conclusion that it was too far gone to mess with (SEVERE rust issues...) So,I sold it, and I found this. It was used on a farm as a grain truck, and has been parked for about 3 years. It needs (so I'm told) a battery, fuel lines, and a good tune up. I picked it up for $800. Not exactly what I was wanting (it's an F4) but I figured if all else failed, I could scrap the frame and hold on to the cab, fenders, hood, etc. For Kentucky, they're actually in pretty good shape. I have another friend who said that he'd get it running for me (and cover the costs) if I'd let him use it for a couple of weeks to gravel a few roads on his farm. He said he may even take the dump bed off my hands. Sounded like a decent deal. Oh, and this one has a title! Does it look like I got a decent deal? I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think the wheels on it are the widowmakers...anyone know?

 

 

Love these F-4s You got a decent or better deal IMO. You really won't know the deal 'till you get her running. The hydraulic dumps are very handy.

 

I didn't see your other truck but this one looks pretty decent. and a good price.

Oh and those fronts look like widow makers to me, cant tell for sure with the pictures of the rears but it appears as if they have that raised band which would tell us they are also widow makers. find yourself some old RV wheels 19.5" tubeless and you'll be good to go.

Josh

 

Nothing like a big dump!

 

Looks like a pretty decent deal, especially if you can get the engine running. If it turns over you should be able to get it running. I like the F-4s, they're big trucks with the duals on the back but they don't have the frame rust issue the double framed F-5 and F-6 have. The F-4, because they don't have the double frame, are a little lighter. There were less F-4 made than any of the other sized trucks. They were too heavy for hauling lighter loads and too light for hauling the heavier loads so not many people saw a fit for them.

The wheels look like WMs to me. Sure way to tell is look at the concave side of the rims. If there's a 2" band running the circumference of the rim it's a WM. Also, if the tires are 18" or 20" they have to be multi-part rims, not nessecary WMs but the other type of multi-part rims have a snap ring set up.

Truckdog is the true wheel expert, I'm sure he'll stop by and offer his expertise.

 

Yup, really nice truck. Except for the wheels. They are WMs. Stu

 

So, with those being identified as WM's...are there any safety issues I need to watch out for when removing them? Any advice on picking RV wheels and tires (size, etc.) I'm really unfamiliar RV's....and dually's. Bob, did you make it out to Doc's for Truckstock? (random segway) If he makes it an annual event, I may very well get to attend it in 13'.

 

Any difference in the size of the cab on an F-1 and an F-4? If I wanted to put this cab on an F-1 chassis, would there be any differences?

 

cabs are all the same . check bobs website in his signature line, he has a body parts compatibility chart- its pretty handy..

some late 70's and older RVs that were based on Dodge or ford chassis used the same 5 lug 8" circle pattern on the 19.5" wheels.

careful though, once you start looking you can't stop!

 

Good looking truck! Besides the F1 frame, what all do you have planned for it?

 

As stated above, all cabs are the same. I have a F-7 cab on my F-2. It's been 15+ years but I think it was a direct bolt on. Only a few minor differences like the transmission cover, the hole might have to be rearraged and hand brake hole will need to be sealed over. The speedometer is also different.

Yes, I did make it down to Doc's. It was a fun drive 1600 mile trip, there and back, and it was only surpassed by the event.

 

I'm not 100% sure. I know that I want something I can drive, and I can't afford (nor do I want) to build something that I couldn't actually use for it's primary purpse. I'm thinking a very mild restoration utilizing alot of original and NOS parts, and maybe replacing at least the transmission (C4) and doing some performance upgrades/rebuild of the flatty...or swap it out for a 302 or 350/350T combo. If I don't go with the flatty, I've already had a guy here locally offer me most of what I have in the truck for the flatty. I'll probably leave the solid front axle alone and have it rebuilt per AXRacer's suggestion, as well as the drum brakes. I'll definitely be replacing the wheels. I'm going to scrap or sell the dump bed, and basically just clean it up, do what little I can to get it stopping/moving. I don't want to jump too deep into it until I come up with a solid plan of action. If I come into money (or develop patience) I'd like to look at a complete TCI Chassis and get rid of alot of the headaches. But neither one of those too scenarios are going to happen... Then, when it gets too cold to drive it, I'm going to pull the cab off and start fixing rust. Finish cab---start on fender---finish fender---work on other fender---etc. That will probably be the story of my life until next summer.