Notices
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

purchasing a 52'

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 27, 2015 | 05:31 PM
  #1  
justchriso's Avatar
justchriso
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
purchasing a 52'

Hey everyone,
So I'm new to the classic world and I've been looking around for a one to restore. You guys have any tips on what to look for? Like what it has or does not have. I found one about 95% original super clean runs and drives, has a bunch of restore parts Minor body rust guy is asking $6750 for it? Thanks
 
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2015 | 05:55 PM
  #2  
Jolly Roger Joe's Avatar
Jolly Roger Joe
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,599
Likes: 34
From: Rockingham, VA
Welcome to FTE!

Here's some helpful articles for your reading pleasure.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A CLASSIC FORD TRUCK: Part 1 - Ford-Trucks.com

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A CLASSIC FORD TRUCK: Part 2 - Ford-Trucks.com
 
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2015 | 10:29 PM
  #3  
Harrier's Avatar
Harrier
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Shutterbug
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,687
Likes: 1,255
From: Jefferson City, MO
Welcome to FTE.
Do you have pictures of the one you're looking at? If you post them here, our experts can give you their thoughts on the truck.

Here is another great article:
TRIALS OF A FIRST TIME BUILDER

And here is an excellent post on developing a build plan:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post13415696

The most important thing is to find a truck that will make you happy. If you enjoy bodywork and fabricating things, then you have more options. If you really want to just get in and drive, then your have different choices. Also, your budget is a very big factor. We also enjoy helping you find a truck, so your location and budget can help us search for you.
 
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2015 | 07:03 AM
  #4  
49willard's Avatar
49willard
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 165
From: Harpswell Maine
My 2 cents is buy the best truck that you can find, PARTICULARLY the best sheet metal! You will save in the long run.
 
Reply
Old May 9, 2015 | 05:49 PM
  #5  
justchriso's Avatar
justchriso
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
thanks for the info guys, I purchased the truck will post pictures shortly.
 
Reply
Old May 10, 2015 | 10:46 AM
  #6  
justchriso's Avatar
justchriso
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 4
Likes: 0









 
Reply
Old May 10, 2015 | 11:25 AM
  #7  
ZOOT's Avatar
ZOOT
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 934
Likes: 2
From: Sterling, Virginia
Welcome to FTE. Lots of good people here eager to help. You got a great deal on the that F1. Has rust in the typical places most have repaired. The straight six is a good engine, I had one in mine and ran it for a couple of years before I put in a 289. You got great head start.
 
Reply
Old May 10, 2015 | 11:42 AM
  #8  
AXracer's Avatar
AXracer
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Hi, and welcome.
Not to rain on your parade, but that truck is going to require a LOT of body work, just from what shows in the pictures that's not a minor amount of rust I'm afraid. Problem is there is almost no exterior repro sheet metal made so most of the patch panels will need to be hand made. Do you like doing body work? Do you have a MIG welder? Dry place to work to house the truck for an extended amount of time while you work on it? Hiring out body work can get quite expensive in a hurry. Here's a write up on repairing F1 front fenders: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...g-try-2-a.html
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old May 10, 2015 | 12:04 PM
  #9  
Harrier's Avatar
Harrier
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Shutterbug
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,687
Likes: 1,255
From: Jefferson City, MO
I love the straight six. You have a nice looking truck there.
Those fenders do look in bad shape, but it seems harder and harder to find trucks that have good fenders.
So what are your plans for the truck?
 
Reply
Old May 10, 2015 | 12:54 PM
  #10  
harleymsn's Avatar
harleymsn
FTE Chapter Leader
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 11
From: Crossville, Tn
Club FTE Silver Member

BTW, you did say it's a 52, right? That is a 51 hood, you did verify that the serial number on the FRAME matches the title right?
 
Reply
Old May 10, 2015 | 04:17 PM
  #11  
pweng1's Avatar
pweng1
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 24
From: Maryland
I think i looked at that truck

what area are you in i think i looked at that truck before
 
Reply
Old May 10, 2015 | 04:45 PM
  #12  
justchriso's Avatar
justchriso
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
thanks guys. and yeah i checked the serial number on the frame with the title. i was unaware it was a 51 hood though. As for the body work, I am fortunate enough to have a good friend/co-worker who lives down the street who is a certified welder and has all the proper equipment, only charge is material and filling the welder tank. For now the truck runs great and is fun to drive, so i have it registered and i plan on driving as is for the summer. Its fun driving it without PS and what not. Future plans, the frame is solid and in great condition so im still a little unsure about chopping it and installing a full IFS. thinking about just doing the disc brake conversion and adding a power steering. I know for sure that i would like to upgrade 6 to 12 volt. Other than that kinda just go with the flow. keep the truck running and drivable while upgrading here an there. I am excited and thankful that there is a site like this. I appreciate all the comments and concerns, like i said I am new to this so every little bit is helpful. Also Pweng1, I picked the truck up in North East, Maryland.
 
Reply
Old May 10, 2015 | 05:10 PM
  #13  
Harrier's Avatar
Harrier
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Shutterbug
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,687
Likes: 1,255
From: Jefferson City, MO
It's a great plan to drive it as is for a while. It will give you a chance to let it tell you what it needs. The stock axle drives just fine, disc brakes are a good safety upgrade, but not necessary if you are not making it a daily driver.

I would vote against a chop, but that's just me. Chops are a pretty big deal and your friend might get tired of that challenge.

Be sure to take lots of pictures and share. We like videos as well. Enjoy your new ride.
 
Reply
Old May 10, 2015 | 05:36 PM
  #14  
FortyNiner's Avatar
FortyNiner
Logistics Pro
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,995
Likes: 422
From: u-rah-rah Wisconsin
Glad to see another new owner of old iron. Joe is spot on, allowing yourself time to just enjoy the experience of this beauty is important. There are always things one might do, but only the disassembly of these trucks is quick and inexpensive, reassembly is usually costly and time consuming. It looks great, thanks for sharing.

DW
 
Reply
Old May 13, 2015 | 11:50 AM
  #15  
purplewg's Avatar
purplewg
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 974
Likes: 5
From: FLA
I was interested in one that had a late model Ford V8 and asked the guy to send me pics of any rust through areas. Boy was I surprised. It is a basket case. Price range in the same area as the OP.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:12 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE