In the next couple months, my brother and I will be starting in on project the Old Ford F68 we recently purchased.

Tips on any measurements to take?
Anything you wish you did before dissassembling?

What was the most important thing you learned on your build?

 

Here is the Truck, My first Ford Project

Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - kamkuda's Album: 1951 Ford F68 - Picture

 

Welcome to FTE!
First thing is to read the first three articles in this thread.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...s-how-tos.html

Take pictures of everything. Anything to take off you tag and bag. Even if it is the most obvious part in the world, put a label on it.
Be sure to get this book: 1948-56 Ford Truck Master Parts Catalog CD - HiPo Parts Garage
It is worth every penny ($22) and more.
They come apart a lot easier than they go back together.
Most people that disassemble their trucks (including me) wish they would have gotten the truck running and stopping first, then tear into it.

What are your plans for the truck?
One of the most important things I learned was patience and to ask questions.
Oh, and when you take pictures; post a lot of them up here. We love pictures.
Cool truck.

 

when in doubt, post a question on FTE. Do a search of the forum for threads on topics you are interested in. become a supporter of FTE and get rid of the advertisements. plus all the above advice.

 

1948/56 Ford Truck Parts Catalog does not include body parts for 1948/52 (see pics below), so you'll need a 1944/52 Ford Passenger Car & Ford Truck Body Parts Catalog

Not available on a CD, so you'll need to find a bound paper original at a swap meet, on ebay, from a literature dealer that advertises in Hemmings Motor News.

Or you might "luck out" by 'hitting' long time Ford Dealers in your area, because one never knows what one may find. Some dealers never throw anything away.

faxonautolit.com has originals, but Ed's not cheap. He's also reprinted this catalog, but it's 1/2 the size of the original and he wants 75 bucks for it.

Ford & Mercury trucks that were assembled in Canada were only sold new in Canada, so there's Ford Motor Co. of Canada Ltd only Ford/Mercury truck parts catalogs, almost as hard to find as Jimmy Hoffa.

kamkuda: Your "About Me" profile says you live in Ontario Canada (why I added the above info). It also says 1951 F150. No F150's until 1975.

Pics from hipoparts.com CD ~ Left: Text / Right: Illustrations.

 

Thanks I ordered the CD.

Here is another project that I finished that is on the road now. (not down the track yet)

Here is what we started with....... 1968 Road Ruiner

 

For the Truck.

I usually plan in stages

Stage 1
Get the truck running with the Flat head Never had a flat head, kinda cool

Get the truck somewhat drivable if possible and access where the problem/upgrade are

I like the patina... My brother not so much. But we will keep it that way
Disassemble. Fix the body with new metal.
Fix the interior with leather seats etc.
New wood for the box.
I think it has a dump box and try to get it working.

Stage 2, potential upgrade to fuel, electrical, rear end (any suggestions right away?
or
Stage 3, stage the frame and suspension.

We will see after stage 1 is done.

 

Other TIPS?

Please keep them coming

 

Welcome to FTE

See post 5. Body parts are cab and related parts.

 

Start looking for a part time job to pay for it.

Sorry, couldn't resist....

 

Take a million photos (ok hundreds) and video of your project. You WILL need it for reference down the road.

Never throw away anything until you are absolutely sure you don't need it.

Label EVERYTHING you take off. Bag it, tag it. Use PERMANENT ink, auto fluids will break down most pen inks over time. The also make nylon ties with a tab on them to write stuff on.

Keep a list in your shop near the project of parts needed, parts ordered, parts replaced. Over time you will see the progress on the board as well as the truck. Organization will get your project completed.

Set a realistic budget for time and money. Then add 20% more time and money. These trucks are a labor of love, not a return on financial investment.

Don't go crazy with mods, upgrades, chops, etc. that your skill level, money and time can't handle (unless you want to sell the project before completion).

Fall in love and bond with your truck before teardown (if possible). An emotional bond with the truck will help you on those long cold nights in the shop when you want to put a match to it.

Try to get the support of your spouse, kids, etc. Ask them to help and get them involved. Their support is important.


Good luck!

 

Nice Roadrunner video!!

Welcome to the forum. The most important thing is to have a plan. It sounds like you already have that!! You don't have to stick with the plan, but it's good to have some set of guidelines to work to.

Dan

 

Welcome to FTE - great guys that are very helpful on here. Take pictures of every detail ! That way you have a reference to look at when you put it back together a year or two from now (that is if your like the majority of us). Find a ton of extra cash somewhere as you never have enough for that unexpected part!!

 

Thanks

Any suggestions for a list parts suppliers?
I will need glass, weather stripping
etc etc

Do you have any favorites??

 

When (if?) you pull fenders, cab, etc. to work on them, tack in some bracing to help them retain their fit. Search the forum for AxRacer's sheet metal adjustment and hood dance routine. Search the forum. Search the forum. Search the forum.

An "advanced search" is a mighty powerful tool.