Joe, Fred,
Will do. Had about all of that on my list of things to do. Have located a good deal of the parts and items that I might have to replace, so I think I will be doing good if I can determine, as Fred Says, it won't take an Arm and Leg to get running. Looking forward to getting it here and started. I will post many photos as I progress and once I get it here and can share. Thanks!

CJ

 

What part of Houston are you in? I'm off of Hwy 6 between I-10 and 290.

 

I am just about opposite of you then...I am in Friendswood, TX. Just past Beltway 8 on 45 South headed to Galveston.

 

You are a ways away. I had to get used to the urban sprawl when I moved to Houston. I still find it slightly disconcerting that I can drive for almost 40 miles along the same highway and still be in the Houston city limits.

 

Hey Lindsay,
Welcome Aboard! It's good to see another '50 getting saved. You can do as little or as much as you want on your new truck. Our list included some safety upgrades that I would recommend.

o Brakes - These trucks come with a single chamber master cylinder.... so if you get a leak all the brakes go out at once. We installed a dual chamber master cylinder from a '68 mustang ...$110 off of Rock Auto.

o (3) Point Seat Belts - It's nice to have the modern over the shoulder strap & really well anchored floor belts. You have to add a little metal to attach them but well worth it.

o Better Mirrors - That small back window is a challenge for blind spots. We put in a modern 5 inch concave rear view mirror & better door mirrors. You'll appreciate them driving in Houston.

o Better Rear Gearing - You won't hit highway speeds with the stock rear end. We picked up an Explorer 8.8 axle with 3.73 gearing & a limited diff. from salvage for $225. We also like the disc brakes. 'Not as much work as you would think - probably a weekend. Nice to be able to cruise at 65mph.

o Gas Tank - Some people like sitting in the cab with a smelly tank of gas. We didn't. We moved it out back under the Bed using a 22 gallon '70 mustang replacement tank. ($120 from Rock Auto + new sending unit). You get 40% more range plus no fumes.

o Steering/Front End - These trucks normally need some work to get rid of the drunk monkey handling of a worn out stock front end. You can refurbish the front axle & steering or upgrade to power steering & even a new replacement modern independent front suspension with disc brakes. You'll want better solid steering - fairly complicated multi weekend DIY project.

You'll have fun... tackle what you want ... the truck will let you know
what needs to be done. A lot of expertise here on this board.

Good luck down there in Houston! I love the patina!

Ben in Austin
1950 F1 (351W/AOD)

 

Hello and welcome to the forum. I am in the middle of where 38 Coupe and you are located, I am in the Heights just a few miles from downtown. I am not one of the mechanical or historical experts on here, but I love working on my '52 when I can make time. I have been working on my truck for a little over 6 years now and it is finally just about ready to be licensed and driven. Good luck with yours and there are a lot of experts here willing to share.

 

Here is my cab stamps while it was going down the assembly line.

Hi Lindsey, Welcome to FTE. There is a great forum post where we are building a data base of the Serial numbers and plant building stamps (Stamped right into the firewall). Like yours to be in the DB with all it's info. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...n-cut-off.html

 

It appears to have dual windshield wipers which would also make it a 50.

 

I found this thread when searching for F-1 identification information and the word identify is in the original posting.


I know that this threads is a little long in the tooth, but I've got some questions/comments.


I've had one of these since 1973 and never heard the term "monkey face". Please expound.




o Brakes - I've been driving my 1948 for 45 years using the original "fruit jar" single reservoir master cylinder. I don't recommend you do that, though. I've got a Mustang dual reservoir MC to go into it; along with the power booster.

o (3) Point Seat Belts - agree. I put seat belts in mine many many years ago but will be changing the 2-point mounted lap only belts to 3-point lap/shoulder belts someday soon.

o Better Mirrors - good idea. I've got to say, though, that my F-1 is a panel truck and there's just not much of anything you can do to one of these things to make it easy to see behind you.


o Better Rear Gearing - agreed. I used a Mustang 8" rear. Although I've had various gearsets in it I'm currently using 3.0 - 1 gears. Works really well. Of course I've got a late model V-8 that makes about 3 times the horsepower that my original V-8 had. I doubt you'd be very happy with gears this steep with your flathead inline 6.

o Gas Tank - don't have any comment here; panel truck tanks are underneath between the left frame rail and the driveshaft.

o Steering/Front End - I've got an Aspen/Volare independent in mine, which was fairly common in 1991 when I put it in there. There are much better options now.


None of these make much difference now, since you're probably finished with your repairs/modifications. Just my observations.

Interesting; my '48 has dual windshield wipers.