Found a 51 thats in good shape. Straight truck, without much, if any, body rust, with the exception of the floorpan. Good patina and the truck runs and drives, when the tires aren't flat. He's asking $2000. What do you think? Interior and seat are destroyed but gauges work and dash is there.

 

Howdy! Wecome to FTE! The guys here who can really answer your questions are gonna want to see pics! Post 'em as soon as you can! And where are you from? It usually a good idea to post your whereabouts so nearby guys can help you out locally when needed. Good luck! tyler

 

Yes, we want pictures. Some of us are particulary fond of the F3, or 'tonner'. V8 or 6? Price varies with location, but it's ballpark for sure. Search here for 'widowmakers'.... Can be a killer for the deal if you don't find replacements. Either 51 or 52, can't remember which can use modern 16" one piece wheels commonly found.

 

Many things affect the value of a truck, one of the biggest is location. Are there a lot of this kind of vehicle in your part of the country. A truck like this in the sunny southwest is worth a lot less than one in the same condition up here in the upper Midwest where everything is eaten away by the salt we have dumped on our roads.

How bad is the floor boards? If it's just a little rot through around the gas pedal then it's probably not too bad, but the floor is soft and full of holes then it's a major repair. The seat can easily be recovered, kits are sold by the restoration parts guys. The tires are a given on an old truck to be in need of replacement.

It's also really hard to offer a suggestion on value without seeing pictures. Just from your description I would say $2000 would be the upper limit for a truck in the condition you described, more like a $1500 truck if you're in the northern part of the country if the floor is really in bad shape.

 

I just saw you said it was an F-3, that kinds of brings the value down a bit over an F-1. The brakes and wheels, if they're stock are a big expense. If they're stock wheels search for "Widow Makers". Click on this link. Ford two piece rims two piece rims[/url] Also search for F-3 brakes, there's a lot of discussions on both subjects.

 

I'm aware of the widowmakers. He said the wheels in the back will fit and are from a later model truck. I'm in NE GA, but he said this truck came from Idaho and had been sitting in a barn for the last 15 years with some occasional use on a farm.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/43224955@N00/12612001765
https://www.flickr.com/photos/43224955@N00/12612080313
https://www.flickr.com/photos/43224955@N00/12612076813
https://www.flickr.com/photos/43224955@N00/12612067973

 

I'll add my welcome. Glad to have you hanging around, and hope another F-3 gets saved.

I'll also add a bit about your 17" widow maker wheels. All F-3 two wheel drive trucks from 48 to 52 came with them. Period. We've had a few guys think they are one piece, they are not. Between 1948 and mid year 1951 Ford equipped F-3s with 14" rear drums which needed the 17" wheels for clearance. In mid 51 and on into 52 they went to 12" rear brake drums. So, like GB said, on a late 51 you could easily swap on any 16" F-250 wheels that are 1996 or earlier. If your truck is an early year 51 the solutions aren't so simple, but there are solutions. First task is to figure out which you have. Easiest way to tell is by the location of the parking brake. If the handle is located in the left foot well it's an early truck. If it's located on the passenger side of the shifter it's a late year truck. If you have an early truck please don't shy away from it, but you should use that as a bargaining point with the seller. You could easily have $500 to spend either on different wheels or different rear axle versus a late 51 truck. Stu

Edit - we were typing at the same time. Looks like you are in luck with it. Nice truck. Stu

 

what do u want to do with it when your done..??? i can tell u not to go on any major highway for the rear in these will get u maybe 55mph. so u may want to think of hot rodding it. late model drive train for sure. if u are going to keep it stock then do not put a lot of money into it. i'm finding out the hard way u don't get your investment back.. and that sucks..

 

If we asked how many guys have gotten their money back when selling I'm kinda sure we'd see few hands in the air. That's no matter which model. Stu

 

Patina looks good. Floorpan near the pedals is going to need some work. Get it running like a top, get some late model wheels on it (hopefully), and maybe it's a $4000 truck instead of a $2000 one. It has some character and I want to keep that intact.

 

Hey Clark,
I don't think $2,000 is bad for a running old truck. You will have to spend time & money making it safe to drive but that's to be expected. Have fun with it. I like the multi-color look.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

That looks like a pretty nice solid truck. If you like it i would buy it before someone else does.

Ps. Ive got some 8lug 17.5" wheels for sale in the classifieds if you end up needing something.

 

I say buy it. It has 'Idaho' written all over it. Do I see a lock ring on those wheels? I have found for the most part that trucks from dry climates are way easier on the pocketbook. Someone else already paid the 1500.00 for the shipping to GA.

 

Welcome to FTE!

Location is a big issue with a project truck. Having this one close will save you some dollars compared to many alternatives. The price isn't out of line - quibble if you are inclined as the F3 are generally less desirable. The cost of brakes/wheels is higher and the stock differential/tranny gearing are less compatible with modern street use. If you are accepting of the realities of the F3 - meaning that you aren't going to hit highway speeds unless it is on a trailer - go for it.

DW