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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
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.
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.
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
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
