harleymsn or anyone
I just purchased a 1948 Ford F1.
vin and engine # is 8HCXXXXX.
My understanding is that the H indicates it should be a six cyl.
It is a v-8. the heads are ford #EAB6049 D and EAB6050 D.

I prefer the v-8, but is it fair to say it is not original

thx, Jack

 

As stated in your other thread, yes, it's a '48, 6-cylinder truck originally. EAB engines didn't even exist until '52 and they were a car engine, so someone clearly transplanted it into your truck. It sounds like they may have had a donor truck if they swapped the battery around.

 

There are a few differences between V8 and 6 cylinder. The starter solenoid and battery are on the driver's side on 6 equipped truck. The accelerator linkage run lower and to the passenger side. Also the radiator and air dam above the radiator are mounted further forward on a 6 truck. A lot has to swapped in order to make a successful swap.

 

If you have the truck in your possession, please start posting some pictures of it.

 

That's why I'd suspect a frame swap, with a good V8 body. There's actually quite a lot to change, wiring especially.

Was it confirmed that the serial number on the frame is what we're talking about? Not just the patent plate or the title?

 

Ford engines didn't have meaningful serial#s or any markings related to the vehicle they were installed in, there is no such thing as matching # trucks.

 

This is the kind of stuff that leads to the merky subject of titling old vehicles. Over a 50-70 year period who knows what has been done to these vehicles and where does one vehicle ends and another, or two old three, starts? If the frame was swapped 20 years ago but the title has the numbers from the cab is it avvalidly title vehicle? Also the title for my '37 has the engine number, what are the chances the engine could have been changed in the first 20 years? Titles are fun.

 

A hand written bill of sale doesn't cut it in most states any more! REALLY gets murky when you buy with an out of state title and want to title or sell it in a different state. Every state's rules are different, the only consistency is that the rules are getting more and more difficult. Don't buy unless you can personally verify that the title is currently valid and transferable to you, then don't delay even a moment transferring it to your name before spending an additional dime or minute of your time on it.