I'm not really old enough yet for a midlife crisis, but I'm hoping to have this truck running by the time I am. I just traded my 78 F250 4x4 project for a 52 F1 shortbed. It's rusted pretty bad in all the typical spots. It was a vegetable farm truck at some point. Or, at least the doors were, lol. It's not original, with a old 302 that's frozen, but "ran when parked" of course. It has automatic and what I was told is a 9" rear. But I'm skeptical. I haven't got to go over it yet, but will in a few days. I'm wondering if I made a bad choice now. My plan is a rat rod, with all Ford parts. I don't know what motor yet, possibly another 302 for a quick swap. maybe a later model EFI 460, or 5.4 like in my 2000 Harley F150. I'm gonna look around awhile and see what turns up. Here are a couple pics, I'll get better ones later. Tell me how bad it is, I can take it.

 

Hey Brian,
It looks like fun! It's kind of camo colored - good hunting truck!
Actually the dash looks to be original - pretty rare in these trucks that have been "upgraded" by previous owners. 289/302/351W would all use the same engine mounts so you can broaden your engine search. We've got a slightly modified 351W in our 1950 - works fine. Welcome to our corner of FTE.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

I haven't seen many that aren't worth saving (some, sure). As long as you are willing to put in the time and effort, it is worth it.

A couple of suggestions though :
1. try not to use the term "rat rod" here - it isn't thought of well.
2. If possible, get it running, driving, stopping, and reliable. Then move on to the cosmetics.
3.Tackle one project at a time to avoid being overwhelmed. Many of us have picked up someone else's project that had grand designs of a frame off rebuild, get it blown apart, and then just stop because they are overwhelmed by the effort ahead.
3a. Once it is driving, enjoy it. Take on one project at a time, then enjoy driving it again before moving on to the next project.

Enjoy the truck - it's always an adventure.

 

That looks like a challenge, but it sounds like you have the right attitude and expectations to make it happen. And since you've been here awhile already as a member.....you already know that FTE can help you answer any question or provide any help you need.
Thanks for the pictures!

 

Looks like youll have your work cut out for you.
Good find.

 

Flatties, yblocks, and 351c's are getting hard to find. Im putting a C in mine. My choice was the desire to get one before they are gone. Just be warned its not a cheap rebuild like windsor family or modular.

 

hey dmack!!!
where did u get so smart? i dove right in just like u said not to. my 54 is all over my pole barn....and NOW i'm contemplating buying another one in the same condition!!!
i need physical restraints to keep me away from pay pals!! you r right though, i need to follow my own advise and K.I.S.S.!
q in 'cuse

 

They do tend to be an obsession! I just looked at a f350 but the other half said I've got too many projects already.

 

At least nobody said to cut my losses and run. Lol.

Dmack91, that's pretty much the plan I had mapped out in my head. Getting it moving and stopping are first on the list. Ok, maybe along with getting the door latches working again.

 

Welcome to the forum!

Make friends with someone with a good sandblaster, it will save you a bunch of time!

 

Welcome to the forum, and I second the sandblaster suggestion. Find out what you got from the beginning. They usually look a lot more promising with a good coat of epoxy primer.

 

I have to say that while the suggestions I posted earlier would be great, I can't say as I followed them. They would just allow you to enjoy the truck more, working on it as you go.

My excuse on my 50 is that I bought it in pieces. I knew it would be a big project, but had very little in it to begin with. As I had never done body work before, I was concerned if I would stick with it or not. I decided to start on the body first since I was making my own patch panels, so there was very little cost involved. I discovered that I enjoyed the metal work ( even though I am not very good at it), sanding basically sucks, but it got me to the point of painting, which has a lot of instant gratification. I figured if I got burned out on it at that point, I could still get my money's worth out of it. No way I am getting rid of it now - having too much fun.

I am working on the running gear now (too cold to fill and paint now). Still having fun, which is the whole point.

Sorry if I hijacked your thread, but this forum is full of great people with an incredible amount of knowledge they are willing to share.

 

Welcome to the 48-56 forum!

I may be an optimist, but the body looks pretty good to me!

Keep the pics coming!

Dan

 

I think it looks cool too. Good luck man...lots of great info and guys here.

 

Cool find!! Looking forward to see what you do with it