Please Help
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Montgomery, TEXAS
Please Help
I'm, new to restoring, and I just bought a 1950 Ford F1 Truck. It has the original Flathead V8 and 3 speed tranny. it runs great other than the first gear clanks and I'm missing the R on the hood emblem where it spells out F.O.R.D. I tell people its a FOD haha. Does anyone know where I can get just the letter R? Also what do you make of the clanking sound in first gear, this can't be normal right? I would actually like a 4 speed to put in but don't know where or what kind would fit any help would be appreciated.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 11
From: Crossville, Tn
First off, Welcome to FTE, the best darn place to learn about your new truck, get advice and meet some great old Ford truck folks. The letters are available from several aftermarket dealers, but usually are sold only in sets. I'm not smart enough on tranny's to advise you on the 'clanks' but i am sure that someone will be along soon to help you out with that. As for switching to a 4 speed, I am sure you will be advised that it would not be an enhancement, as the original 4 speed was a non synchronized transmission and the extra gear was merely a granny gear that you would probably never need with an F1. After you get a minimum of (I think) 5 post you will be able to add photos, we all love photos and require you to post many many photos of your truck.
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,513
Likes: 394
From: W. Central FL.
Welcome to the forum. A "clanking" in first gear only is possibly a cluster gear with a chipped tooth. Could be a bearing or universal joint. Hard to give a positive diagnosis without hands on. Perhaps someone will offer the missing letter.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Montgomery, TEXAS
I will post more, I plan on clearing a spot in my Shop and then start the dissasemble, by removing the body from the frame. Once i get the frame all cleaned up, painted, and replacement parts in, then ill start on the body. I will take pictures as My son and I have a lot of fun learning and discovering. Found the Cowl vent today, wow they really thought the whole no A/C thru didnt they, ingenius if you ask me.
Trending Topics
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,993
Likes: 420
From: u-rah-rah Wisconsin
Welcome Jay!
Good looking ride. If you don't already have one, I would strongly suggest a Shop Manual as an early purchase. The $30 or so you'll spend is well worth the avoided aggravation and confusion.
Good looking ride. If you don't already have one, I would strongly suggest a Shop Manual as an early purchase. The $30 or so you'll spend is well worth the avoided aggravation and confusion.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
From: Frankfort, Ohio
Hi Jay, I also have a 50, I bought new Ford letters from Midwest Early Ford, they had some blems for $35. for the four. It is hard to see the blemishes. I have the old ones but they are pitted. Welcome to the forum.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Montgomery, TEXAS
Thank for the Tip
Thanks for the tip, just placed one on order, thanks to you.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,668
Likes: 1,249
From: Jefferson City, MO
I would also recommend this book on CD. It's more than worth the $20
1948-56 Ford Truck Master Parts Catalog CD - HiPo Parts Garage
You mention taking it all apart. That is a big chore. I don't know your skill level or how deep your pockets are, but doing a full restore can take a LONG time. We often suggest driving her around a bit to find out what she needs. Now if you have the time, money and skill, then it's a different story.
Here are some great articles on getting started:
TRIALS OF A FIRST TIME BUILDER
Post number 7 on this thread by AxRacer is a great read on developing a build plan:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...1955-f250.html
I look forward to watching your build.
1948-56 Ford Truck Master Parts Catalog CD - HiPo Parts Garage
You mention taking it all apart. That is a big chore. I don't know your skill level or how deep your pockets are, but doing a full restore can take a LONG time. We often suggest driving her around a bit to find out what she needs. Now if you have the time, money and skill, then it's a different story.
Here are some great articles on getting started:
TRIALS OF A FIRST TIME BUILDER
Post number 7 on this thread by AxRacer is a great read on developing a build plan:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...1955-f250.html
I look forward to watching your build.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,347
Likes: 5,372
From: Central PA
I will post more, I plan on clearing a spot in my Shop and then start the dissasemble, by removing the body from the frame. Once i get the frame all cleaned up, painted, and replacement parts in, then ill start on the body. I will take pictures as My son and I have a lot of fun learning and discovering. Found the Cowl vent today, wow they really thought the whole no A/C thru didnt they, ingenius if you ask me.
First of all welcome to FTE, the best Ford truck forum in the world wide web!
Second, congrats on getting a nice old truck and joining our fraternity.
Third, and most important ...... before you jump into tearing this truck apart, drive it and enjoy it. Get that tranny noise figured out and keep driving it. You might fall in love with it as it is. Some guys pay big bucks for faux patina like yours. Many guys here would love to have a good drivable truck like yours but theirs, for various reasons, is in pieces in their garage.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Montgomery, TEXAS
I hear ya
Whoa, slow down there, please!
First of all welcome to FTE, the best Ford truck forum in the world wide web!
Second, congrats on getting a nice old truck and joining our fraternity.
Third, and most important ...... before you jump into tearing this truck apart, drive it and enjoy it. Get that tranny noise figured out and keep driving it. You might fall in love with it as it is. Some guys pay big bucks for faux patina like yours. Many guys here would love to have a good drivable truck like yours but theirs, for various reasons, is in pieces in their garage.
First of all welcome to FTE, the best Ford truck forum in the world wide web!
Second, congrats on getting a nice old truck and joining our fraternity.
Third, and most important ...... before you jump into tearing this truck apart, drive it and enjoy it. Get that tranny noise figured out and keep driving it. You might fall in love with it as it is. Some guys pay big bucks for faux patina like yours. Many guys here would love to have a good drivable truck like yours but theirs, for various reasons, is in pieces in their garage.
I have driven it around some, I do love the way it is, other than the tranny, no e brake, the exhaust fumes and gas fumes in the cab along with all the rubber cab mounts and bed mounts completely missing or dry rotted causing so much noise in the cab. I just figured that since those mounts and bushing need to be replaced while I have it off might as well clean up the frame fix the brake and replace the exhaust with headers and dual it out bring the pipes all the way back in stead of right under the cab, and fix the tranny. once that is done I will drive it more before deciding whether or not to paint. I kind of like that old color on her.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Rather than putting in an old 4 speed (not an improvement as said), there are adapters available to install a late model T-5 5 speed behind your flathead, the perfect swap: 4 full syncro gears + overdrive allows you to stay in the somewhat narrow powerband of the flatty, get good cruising speed, good gas mileage and use the OEM rear axle (gear ratio). The T5 is fairly plentiful and relatively inexpensive, and is available in many configurations, shifter locations, depending if you want to retain the bench seat or go to buckets. Another great resource (and it's free) is to request a catalog from Classic Haulers Home - Classic Haulers F-1 Parts it has a wealth of useful information in it besides listing all the parts you might need for stock or modified build. Almost more useful than the shop manual, especially if you are going to be updating/modifying, and did I mention it's free?