New 51 project
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New User
Joined: Dec 2015
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New 51 project
First time restoring a truck. Have done several mustangs and working on a 68 camaro. Have always loved the 51-52s. Here's my question. I just imo scored a 51 f3. Not rust and in really good shape. I want a f1 because I love the looks. Where the rear fenders run all the way to the rear of the truck box. But for the price I couldn't walk away. Can anyone send me a link for shortening the frame of the f3 to make the f1 box and fenders work. Making a driver not for show. Will be welding in a new front crossmember for new suspenion and will be going with a new 9in or 8.8. Just need help with shortening the frame correctly
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 100
From: Marana, Arizona
Welcome the the forum. The best one on the planet for what you are doing. Plenty of people on here to help you out with this.
I'm a newb myself for these trucks and I'm working on a 52 F3. The bed and running boards are super hard to find so please don't scrap them. Plenty of guys on here would love to take them off your hands.
Good luck with your project!
Scott
I'm a newb myself for these trucks and I'm working on a 52 F3. The bed and running boards are super hard to find so please don't scrap them. Plenty of guys on here would love to take them off your hands.
Good luck with your project!
Scott
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,165
Likes: 4,767
From: Burbank, WA
Welcome to the forum! There's no big secret to turning an F3 into an F1. The big difference is the 8" in the wheelbase you need to remove from the frame rails right behind the cab, from 122" to 114". There's a bit to bob from the tail of the rails for the bed to fit, but that's about it. The important part is making your cuts even and square, and doing a good, safe job of welding the halves back together. You're probably aware that the wheel openings are different size between the F1 and larger trucks. If you use F1 rear fenders, (which is mandatory with the F1 bed) you'll need to procure a set of F1 fronts to match. Otherwise it looks kinda goofy and unbalanced with big openings in front and small in back.
Good luck with your project.
Good luck with your project.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,364
Likes: 5,377
From: Central PA
Welcome to FTE, The best Ford truck forum on the world wide web.
Guys here have done it and will be along to help you. But we need to see pictures of your truck and tell us where you are from.
Guys here have done it and will be along to help you. But we need to see pictures of your truck and tell us where you are from.
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New User
Joined: Dec 2015
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From montgomery, al. Thank guys. I knew I would need to replace the fenders on the front and back. So when the times right I'll let the f3 bed, fenders and board go to a good home. My concern was with shortening the frame. I was also looking at installing and welding in a aftermarket front suspension Mustang 2 style. I am assuming that the frame Rail width on an F3 is the same as an F1. All the aftermarket front suspension kits show to be for F ones. Will they fit my F3
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New User
Joined: Dec 2015
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Sorry these are the best picks I have at the moment. The truck is in Texas and I'm leaving out after the first to pick it up. I pull the trigger on it monday. Just wanting to make sure I'm going to be able to do what I want before completing the deal.
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: San Antonio, Texas
Nice looking truck! I'm glad you're not coming for it this week because lots of Texas is having seriously crazy and dangerous weather right now. Safe travels and I look forward to seeing your build thread!
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New User
Joined: Dec 2015
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I know. I was suppose to go this week and get it but I have family in Perryman and they warned me about the blizzard and snow. So I'm hoping to go the week after. That is if the mods I want to do can be done.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 165
From: Harpswell Maine
That is a very nice looking F3. I am an F1 guy however if I owned that truck I would not change it. I do not see visible rust in the usual spots, appears to be very solid. Changing it to an F1 the only thing that you are buying (have bought) is the cab that you keep as is. The fenders running boards and bed are all different. If you do change it to an F-1 there are guys on this forum that will buy all of the non F-1 sheet metal and be thrilled. IMHO keep it an F3.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,924
Likes: 134
From: Houston
I am also one of the people who think you should leave it an F-3. When you go to car shows or on tours you see a lot of half tons. How many bigger pickups do you see? Many of us on this forum think the F-2 & F-3 pickups are really neat, under appreciated trucks.
That truck looks really nice. If you do end up converting it be aware that the F-2 / F-3 frame is taller and thicker than an F-1 frame. The width is the same as the F-1.
Here is a picture of my F-2 for comparison (and hopefully nudge you a bit toward keeping your truck a 3/4 ton):
That truck looks really nice. If you do end up converting it be aware that the F-2 / F-3 frame is taller and thicker than an F-1 frame. The width is the same as the F-1.
Here is a picture of my F-2 for comparison (and hopefully nudge you a bit toward keeping your truck a 3/4 ton):
