hi guys, i just wanted to introduce myself. I am not new to the forum or to fords, however i am new to the F1 model. i just picked up a 52' F1. It has a flathead, reds headers, 12v conversion with VW stuff. otherwise it is pretty much stock with a recent backyard paint job. From what i can tell it has a bigger f2+ 4 speed trans with the granny low and the side PTO. The rear springs and diff may be off a later f-2+ truck? there seems to be a wealth of knowledge of these old fords and i am looking forward to being apart of The club. please take a look at the photos and let me know what you see, original or not. Like i said i am new to this model ford so i would like to identify exactly what i have.

i know everyone likes pics so lets get to it!

 

 

The 4 speed was an option in the F1, so it could very well be stock. From the looks of everything else, I wouldn't question it. The rear looks like the original Dana 44 with the addition of aftermarket overload springs. I have a parts F1 that has a set like that, made by Moog. All in all, it looks like a fine and fun rig. Welcome to the club!

 

very nice... so what is "the project" part?

plans? or just drive it for now?

 

the immediate "TO DO" list is below.

pull the carb and fix the leak at the fuel inlet, it appears that the inlet was cross threaded at 1 point and it seeps fuel while running.

pull the overload springs and remove every other leaf on the rear spring pack. I hope to lower the rear 2" so i may have to relocate the hangers slightly to achieve.
put some time in rebuilding / replacing the drag link and tie rods. my drag link appears to be bent is it supposed to be straight?

i need to either find a new pair of rear steelies or straighten 1 of the rears i have. they have more of a positive offset than factory wheels pushing the outer edge closer to the fender lip. i am not sure how i like that.

new tires, fronts are 205/70 15 and are too short looking. rears are 235/75/15. my plan is to go with 215/75/15 all the way around with a cheap think whitewall (mini van tire). once i get the new tires on i can address how much drop i want on the front. i am thinking a 3" drop beam or using posies drop springs not sure what at this point.

i need to paint the wheels, i am trying to decide on the color. originally i was thinking red but that look is a little too popular for my taste. i dont mind the copper, maybe i will repaint with a center cap in chrome. thoughts?

 

Somebody has given that truck a lot of love and TLC at some point, very nice. Its good to have you back on the board with such a nice project.

 

Cool truck! Love the all black look.
I like the copper wheels alot, but tend to favor blackwall tires myself...
When pulling leaves, be careful not to pull too many, your suspension will get "mushy". I think I pulled 3-4 from the rear.
What rear gears does it have? 215/75 15 tires may leave you lacking some highway speed.

 

i like the black and the copper wheels are growing on me. rear gears i have not checked but i assume they are north of 350. what were the factory ratios? 373 and 392? yes, the rig is lacking highway capabilities now. phase 2 of my plan includes a s10 t-5 swap.

thanks for the heads up on the leaf springs. i was thinking 4 max. i dont plan to haul anything but dont want too much body roll. do you have any photos of your stance after you removed the leafs?

 

Welcome to the BonusBuilt ward!

The bend in the drag link is normal; if you look at the orientation of the *****, the offset is needed to make a straight connection from pitman arm to spindle.

Standard rear axle would be a 3.92, which works well behind a T5. The T5 is a pretty involved swap, be sure you know what you're getting into! I went the Ford 9"/3.50 ratio and am pretty pleased, but something between 2nd and 3rd would be nice.

I second the blackwall comments, and staying tall. "Station wagon" tires just don't fill the wheelwells either. Your truck has later wheels, likely F-100 '67-on, which is a good thing in most respects but you won't be able to run stock hubcaps. What about some black dogdish's with the copper?

 

forgive me if it is obvious but what is the "bonusbuilt" term?
I have read up on the t-5 swap and there is a lot involved and that is why my current phase is to get the stance, wheels, tires figured out for the look i am after, then address highway drivability, it does sound a bit backwards but this is not my primary transportation.

now that i look at my front wheels, they appear to be later wheels as well.

 

Hey 96,
Welcome to '48-'56 Group!
Nice start - posting a lot of pics. No interior shots - how's it look in there?

You have a red engine, red battery, red horn, etc & then copper wheels.
I think it has to be red/maroon. We call that copper color burnt orange around here - maybe I'm just tired of getting run off the road by all of the college kids driving University of Texas burnt orange cars in town.

That's a nice truck. I'd just drive it a while before jumping on too many major items. How'd you come across it?

Ben in Austin
1950 F1
351W/AOD

 

the interior needs help. The seat is decent, the floors are good other than some stress cracks at the mounts (i am good at sheet metal work so not too big of a deal). it has a heater, not connected. no wipers, no working gauges other than the fuel (12v conversion). no headliner and some idiot cut holes in the doors for speakers so i need to patch all that back up. i will get some pics of the mess inside soon.

 

BonusBuilt = 48 - 52 trucks

 

I think I pulled 4 from the back and 3 from the front.....plus de-arched the fronts. Stock front axle.
I did the T-5 swap behind the flat V8 also.

 

Stock rear end ratio was 3.92 and 4.11 for 51-52 trucks. My 51 currently has 15" wheels with 215/75/15 thin white wall tires. I put bullet style hub cover and bullet style lug nuts. Kind of a poor man's spider caps. The wheels are the correct ones with the innie nubs. I'm looking to sell them (have all 5). PM me if you're interested. The rubber is practically new. Bullet lug nuts and hub covers not included.

Perhaps this will give you an idea of the look.