The time came for me to pick up my Airflow after it's been gone for 7 months getting an engine, transmission and overdrive rebuild. The Airflow was in Orland, CA. As luck would have it, Stu sent me a lead on a yard that had at least one 52 Panel. The yard is open by appointment only. Luckily, the person that was working on my Airflow knew the father (now deceased) and the sons that have now inherited the yard. I was put in contact with one of the sons and set up an appointment to visit the yard while picking up the Airflow. About a month or so ago, I also followed up with another FTE'er in the same area, "timboy", to come out and get some parts from him.

My dad and I headed out at 4am this past Saturday. The first stop made was at the yard, but I was too early and the guy couldn't meet me until a few hours later. I peeked above the fence to wet my appetite.




Since I had time before getting into the yard, I called Tim and was soon on my way there. My visit at Tim's became a shopping emporium. More and more stuff kept coming out of storage. I originally went to pick up a pair of Panel doors and four 16" wheels. I ended up leaving with a pair of clean/99% rust free 48-50 F1 front fenders (uppers/lowers), a pair of 100% rust free 48-50 F1 rear fenders, clean and rust free 48-50 grille/upper/lower valance, clean and rust free 48-52 F2/3 right rear fender, and a box of old fence hanger license plates. Tim also has a 51 Panel that is missing the engine and front fenders. Just yesterday Tim and I struck a deal for me to get the 51 Panel, several flathead parts and engines, as well as other small/misc parts. Tim is a great guy and I had a blast at his place!

This is what I got from Tim.




Me on the left, Tim on the right.



Loaded and leaving Tim's.



51 Panel soon to be mine.




After Tim's, I went back to the yard.

I checked out the 52 Panel and a 49 Panel that were there. Both were not in my price range and too far gone for my liking.






The yard has more than a handful of 48-52 trucks, but most are beat to crap. I picked up several items there: three 16" wheels, two V8 F1 fan shrouds, transmission floor pan cover, 51-52 left front fender (upper/lower), 51-52 lower valance panel, and a Wayne 70 gas pump.









Loaded and leaving the yard.




After leaving the yard, I stopped at a Les Schwab and dropped six wheels to have the tires removed. While that was being done, I went to get the Airflow. Since I didn't have room to take the gas pump home, I left it at Phil's (the person that worked on my Airflow) to be picked up later. Once Phil saw the gas pump, he offered me to buy the two he has in his shop that he never got around to restoring. Since the price was right, I couldn't resist.



Once the Airflow was loaded, I headed back to get the wheels from Les Schwab and had to get to Acampo, CA to check out more parts. Another FTE'er and friend, Victor, "Vegas123", had lined up for me to check out a 48-50 F1 front clip, rear fenders and running boards. When we arrived in Acampo, the parts were junk, except for the running boards, but the seller was stubborn and didn't want to sell just the running boards. So, I struck out there. However, he does have a 56 COE cab for sale at what I think is a reasonable price. I didn't buy it, but if anyone is interested, PM or email me.







After Acampo, we headed home. We arrived at 8pm. I was too tired to do anything that night. I woke up bright and early on Sunday and started going through everything. Everything is now packed and put away in storage at an undisclosed location.





This was a trip long overdue. I haven't done something like this in a few years. This was my dad's first parts trip with me and he had a blast. My dad wants to go with me again. I'm slated to go back in a month or two to get the Panel and parts from Tim and the gas pumps from Phil. Who knows what else I'll find on that trip....

 

Trucks from the yard.

 

The mother load!!!!!

 

Yes, and you got some jewels... the 48-50 F1 rear fenders. That was a score for you!!

 

Those pictures are worth 80,000 words Ilya.
Love the rear bumper on the F3 with the camper top. That whole truck has a lot of character.

Tom
.

 

Holy Cow!

You've been a buys boy

Bobby

 

In on single thread, I think you've honestly posted more pics of old iron than we've seen in at least a year. Looks like a great weekend!!! And the best part about it is the fact that you spent it with your dad.

 

Wow, now that was a road trip. What an exciting day.

 

I can only dream of finding that kind of stuff around here.

 

.........................WWWOOOOWW!!!

 

Wow....wow....all of it cancer free. Dream weekend I'd say. Stu

 

Great score on the parts . While on your parts safaris don't forget the Magic Air heater king in S. Fla.! Later , Denny

 

Not all. The upper 51/52 fender is cancerous.

 

Trust me, I was on the look out for any MAFA heater or remnants. No luck.

 

That looked like a very fun trip