Hi all, I'm the proud owner of a 1951 f1.
I was wondering if you all could tell me what I have.
The numbers are as follows
F1R1MP18001

MPC 31A24012

EABG049D B88

Vin, engine and body numbers.

It looks very solid and original.
I was thinking of putting in all modern running gear or should I stay original.

 

 

Nicholas, welcome from 'down under/ to FTE, the best darn place for old Ford trucks. BTW we have several members from your part of the world, possibly from your own neighborhood.

F1R1MP18001

F1= 1/2 ton pick up
R1= 239 cu in Flathead V8 engine
MP= Memphis (Tennessee) Assembly Plant
18001= Serial number

MPC 31A24012 I am assuming these are the stampings off the firewall, if so

MP=Memphis
C= This would be color code, there was no C, so most likely G= Sea Island Green
31A=January 31, 1951 build date
24012= Plant production number for the month


EABG049D B88 is just casting numbers for the heads. EAB indicates heads built after 1950

 

Thanks Joe , I didn't expect a quick response . It must be a G letter then . I'll check in the morning . I am really looking forward to restoring it over the coming years . I plan a full nut and bolt resto but I'm in 2 minds whether I utilise modern ford engine /transmission . I'd like some feedback from other members on there thoughts especially when it comes to value as this car other than colour seems to look original .
I'll have a look for the old colour.
Nick

 

You can't be sure of color by looking at the paint charts online, due to different monitor resolutions and such, but here is a good old Ford paint chart with the codes.
1948-1960 FORD TRUCK COLORS, NAMES, AND CODES

 

Welcome to the forum! I see in your profile you're in Australia, you should add that to your Location in UserCP. We have several other AU owners who will be able to help you.

Your heads are really EAB6049, indicating the last iteration of the flathead V8, and generally considered the best. The block and such could be something else, but those are desirable heads. That's what I'm running and it has been a very good engine. I'd at least give it a chance before yanking it out for something modern.

 

Welcome to FTE!

We'd love to see some pictures of your truck.

 

Welcome Nicholas!

Thanks for the pics - looks like a very solid truck. Before you do any changes or upgrades - and assuming it is safe to drive as it sits today - my suggestion would be to just put some miles on now. With some experience on the road, you'll get a great sense for all the performance elements with the stock equipment. This allows you some enjoyment prior to any time/money commitment. Me, I do like the stock restorations and do understand that not every truck can be kept original - either way, the call is yours.

 

Thanks everyone I appreciate your input .
Nothing could be worse than to wreck a survivor . I am amazed at how solid it is . I am planning to convert it to a 12 volt and put a kit through the carby - does anyone have a link where I can get one ? It does start - reluctantly but when it does it runs clean . I'll get it up on a hoist and have a look aswell . I also believe that ford did import these into Australia back in the day right hand drive - i came across one a few months ago .Thanks and I'll keep you all posted . -

 

Does anyone know what car this would be from , it's on the bonnet

 

It looks similar to this Rolls Royce hood ornament. Not quite like the "Spirit of Ecstasy", but similar.

 

Greeting from another Aussie, you'll find a lot of great help and support here mate. Looks like a nice solid truck, and you are right, Ford did bring some of these into Aus, my F3 is original right hand drive.

I can see the appeal of a modern driveline but the original flatties have a lot of charm, sound amazing and will keep up with traffic no worries.

The hood ornament is a generic piece, doesn't belong to any specific make and can still be bought new.

 

Oh, and a Pertronix electronic ignition conversion made my old flatty fire up so much easier.

 

Welcome to FTE, the best Ford Truck site on the World Wide Web! I say keep it stick looking. It is in great shape!

I give up: what is a "kit through the carby". I can't help you find one if I don't know what it is!

 

Aussie translation = I need to acquire a rebuilt kit for the carburettor and then rebuild it.