Restoring 1949 F2 - Where to start?
#1
Restoring 1949 F2 - Where to start?
Hi all,
I am a new member who recently purchased my great-grandfather's 1949 F2. I want to begin the process of restoring it to drivable condition, but I have NO idea where to start. I was told that it ran as recently as 5 years ago, but am unable to start it now. I'm sure it needs EVERYTHING, but would like some advice on how to begin the process of figuring out where to start. I have limited experience with the mechanics of vehicles, but do have an understanding of the basics. I'll try to attach some pictures of the truck and hopefully they may help with answering some initial questions. Thanks in advance for ANY help!
Nathan
I am a new member who recently purchased my great-grandfather's 1949 F2. I want to begin the process of restoring it to drivable condition, but I have NO idea where to start. I was told that it ran as recently as 5 years ago, but am unable to start it now. I'm sure it needs EVERYTHING, but would like some advice on how to begin the process of figuring out where to start. I have limited experience with the mechanics of vehicles, but do have an understanding of the basics. I'll try to attach some pictures of the truck and hopefully they may help with answering some initial questions. Thanks in advance for ANY help!
Nathan
#2
Hello Nathan-
You've come to the right place for help and encouragement with your "fat fender Ford" truck project. It's great to see another family heirloom being rescued. I'm no expert for sure, but I inherited my Dad's truck in 2012 and did what you are about to do. It's going to take some time and money--probably more of both than you imagine. If you have questions, there are experts on this forum who know every nut and bolt on these old trucks and will be more than willing to give you the help you will need.
Lots of advice has been given in the past on how to proceed with starting up an engine that hasn't run for a while. You can access that information by doing a forum search. You can do that by going to the top right corner of the FTE mast head and select "Forum search". Next select "Advanced search". By doing a little experimenting with the search feature of this forum, you should be able to find the information you need to get started.
About all I needed to do to get my Dad's old truck running was to rebuild the carburetor and change the battery. I believe I also squirted a little oil into each cylinder and "touched up" the points a little. Be sure to disconnect the fuel line so you don't pull crud from the fuel system into the engine. Getting the engine running is just the beginning of course. Next I worked on the brakes--lines, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, etc.
Spending time and money has continued to this day, but it's been especially meaningful to honor my Dad's memory in this way. I've gotten to know some wonderful people along the way, and it's been fun too.
Welcome and good luck with your project.
Jim
You've come to the right place for help and encouragement with your "fat fender Ford" truck project. It's great to see another family heirloom being rescued. I'm no expert for sure, but I inherited my Dad's truck in 2012 and did what you are about to do. It's going to take some time and money--probably more of both than you imagine. If you have questions, there are experts on this forum who know every nut and bolt on these old trucks and will be more than willing to give you the help you will need.
Lots of advice has been given in the past on how to proceed with starting up an engine that hasn't run for a while. You can access that information by doing a forum search. You can do that by going to the top right corner of the FTE mast head and select "Forum search". Next select "Advanced search". By doing a little experimenting with the search feature of this forum, you should be able to find the information you need to get started.
About all I needed to do to get my Dad's old truck running was to rebuild the carburetor and change the battery. I believe I also squirted a little oil into each cylinder and "touched up" the points a little. Be sure to disconnect the fuel line so you don't pull crud from the fuel system into the engine. Getting the engine running is just the beginning of course. Next I worked on the brakes--lines, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, etc.
Spending time and money has continued to this day, but it's been especially meaningful to honor my Dad's memory in this way. I've gotten to know some wonderful people along the way, and it's been fun too.
Welcome and good luck with your project.
Jim
#4
What to do? Well, for starters:
Buy a 49-52 Shop Manual - Amazon or eBay will have them
Clean the gas tank, replace the fuel lines, replace the fuel pump
Clean and rebuild the carb
Replace the plug wires
Refile the points and disty contacts
Check the wheel cylinders - rebuild or replace
Replace the brake lines
Rebuild or replace the master cylinder
Drop the oil pan and clean out the gunk so the fresh motor isn't gunkified
Flush the radiator - expect to replace the hoses
Clean all the battery connections - especially the grounds when you replace the battery (you have a 6 volt POSITIVE ground system)
Check for frayed wiring insulation - make less scary
Before any long road trips, inspect the tires and expect to replace them
Grease all the lube points and check trans/diff fluid levels
It is possible to just feed gas into the carb as you try to jump start this beauty. Might work. Even if it does, you're likely to do most of this list to get safely back on the road.
You'll also need to practice your royal waves (for the new road friends you'll make), grinning like a goof while behind the wheel, and taking pictures to share on FTE.
Enjoy the ride.
Buy a 49-52 Shop Manual - Amazon or eBay will have them
Clean the gas tank, replace the fuel lines, replace the fuel pump
Clean and rebuild the carb
Replace the plug wires
Refile the points and disty contacts
Check the wheel cylinders - rebuild or replace
Replace the brake lines
Rebuild or replace the master cylinder
Drop the oil pan and clean out the gunk so the fresh motor isn't gunkified
Flush the radiator - expect to replace the hoses
Clean all the battery connections - especially the grounds when you replace the battery (you have a 6 volt POSITIVE ground system)
Check for frayed wiring insulation - make less scary
Before any long road trips, inspect the tires and expect to replace them
Grease all the lube points and check trans/diff fluid levels
It is possible to just feed gas into the carb as you try to jump start this beauty. Might work. Even if it does, you're likely to do most of this list to get safely back on the road.
You'll also need to practice your royal waves (for the new road friends you'll make), grinning like a goof while behind the wheel, and taking pictures to share on FTE.
Enjoy the ride.
The following users liked this post:
#5
Welcome Nathan. It looks like you have a great truck there and the fact that it was your great-grandfather's makes it even better. Did he buy it new?
You have a good start in that you took pictures. Continue to take lots of them. But make sure that you organize your pictures on your hard drive so that you can find them later when you need them for reference. I have mine organized by major components: Engine, transmission, body, interior, rear axle, etc.
As cowdog recommended give it a good clean up but be careful with the pressure washer that you don't destroy something that you might need for a pattern later like interior trim panels. Those parts that were badly deteriorated I took off first and stored in plastic bins with covers.
Everybody's experience is limited at first. But you are in the right place to learn. Ask questions as you need and continue to attach pictures as necessary. You will get better answers.
Make a list of what needs to be done. Then prioritize it based upon your abilities. Just don't "bite off more than you can chew".
You have a good start in that you took pictures. Continue to take lots of them. But make sure that you organize your pictures on your hard drive so that you can find them later when you need them for reference. I have mine organized by major components: Engine, transmission, body, interior, rear axle, etc.
As cowdog recommended give it a good clean up but be careful with the pressure washer that you don't destroy something that you might need for a pattern later like interior trim panels. Those parts that were badly deteriorated I took off first and stored in plastic bins with covers.
Everybody's experience is limited at first. But you are in the right place to learn. Ask questions as you need and continue to attach pictures as necessary. You will get better answers.
Make a list of what needs to be done. Then prioritize it based upon your abilities. Just don't "bite off more than you can chew".
#6
Welcome. Most important item is have fun. Take your time, you will get frustrated at some point, walk away for a short time then come back and try again.
Add where you are on your profile as it helps when looking for help or parts, there may even be members near you that can help.
Again, welcome and enjoy
Add where you are on your profile as it helps when looking for help or parts, there may even be members near you that can help.
Again, welcome and enjoy
#7
Trending Topics
#8
Hello Nathan-
You've come to the right place for help and encouragement with your "fat fender Ford" truck project. It's great to see another family heirloom being rescued. I'm no expert for sure, but inherited my Dad's truck in 2014 and did what you are about to do. It's going to take some time and money--probably more of both than you imagine. If you have questions, there are experts on this forum who know every nut and bolt on these old trucks and will be more than willing to give you the help you will need.
Lots of advice has been given in the past on how to proceed with starting up an engine that hasn't run for a while. You can access that information by doing a forum search. You can do that by going to the top right corner of the FTE mast head and select "Forum search". Next select "Advanced search". By doing a little experimenting with the search feature of this forum, you should be able to find the information you need to get started.
About all I needed to do to get my Dad's old truck running was to rebuild the carburetor and change the battery. I believe I also squirted a little oil into each cylinder and "touched up" the points a little. Be sure to disconnect the fuel line so you don't pull crud from the fuel system into the engine. Getting the engine running is just the beginning of course. Next I worked on the brakes--lines, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, etc. Spending time and money has continued to this day, but it's been fun to honor my Dad's memory in this way--I've gotten to know some wonderful people along the way too.
Welcome and good luck with your project.
Jim
You've come to the right place for help and encouragement with your "fat fender Ford" truck project. It's great to see another family heirloom being rescued. I'm no expert for sure, but inherited my Dad's truck in 2014 and did what you are about to do. It's going to take some time and money--probably more of both than you imagine. If you have questions, there are experts on this forum who know every nut and bolt on these old trucks and will be more than willing to give you the help you will need.
Lots of advice has been given in the past on how to proceed with starting up an engine that hasn't run for a while. You can access that information by doing a forum search. You can do that by going to the top right corner of the FTE mast head and select "Forum search". Next select "Advanced search". By doing a little experimenting with the search feature of this forum, you should be able to find the information you need to get started.
About all I needed to do to get my Dad's old truck running was to rebuild the carburetor and change the battery. I believe I also squirted a little oil into each cylinder and "touched up" the points a little. Be sure to disconnect the fuel line so you don't pull crud from the fuel system into the engine. Getting the engine running is just the beginning of course. Next I worked on the brakes--lines, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, etc. Spending time and money has continued to this day, but it's been fun to honor my Dad's memory in this way--I've gotten to know some wonderful people along the way too.
Welcome and good luck with your project.
Jim
#9
Thanks for the reply! Do you mean the exterior only or the engine compartment, too? I'm a little reluctant to spray the engine because of the potentially fragile components, but it does need to be cleaned badly.
#10
What to do? Well, for starters:
Buy a 49-52 Shop Manual - Amazon or eBay will have them
Clean the gas tank, replace the fuel lines, replace the fuel pump
Clean and rebuild the carb
Replace the plug wires
Refile the points and disty contacts
Check the wheel cylinders - rebuild or replace
Replace the brake lines
Rebuild or replace the master cylinder
Drop the oil pan and clean out the gunk so the fresh motor isn't gunkified
Flush the radiator - expect to replace the hoses
Clean all the battery connections - especially the grounds when you replace the battery (you have a 6 volt POSITIVE ground system)
Check for frayed wiring insulation - make less scary
Before any long road trips, inspect the tires and expect to replace them
Grease all the lube points and check trans/diff fluid levels
It is possible to just feed gas into the carb as you try to jump start this beauty. Might work. Even if it does, you're likely to do most of this list to get safely back on the road.
You'll also need to practice your royal waves (for the new road friends you'll make), grinning like a goof while behind the wheel, and taking pictures to share on FTE.
Enjoy the ride.
Buy a 49-52 Shop Manual - Amazon or eBay will have them
Clean the gas tank, replace the fuel lines, replace the fuel pump
Clean and rebuild the carb
Replace the plug wires
Refile the points and disty contacts
Check the wheel cylinders - rebuild or replace
Replace the brake lines
Rebuild or replace the master cylinder
Drop the oil pan and clean out the gunk so the fresh motor isn't gunkified
Flush the radiator - expect to replace the hoses
Clean all the battery connections - especially the grounds when you replace the battery (you have a 6 volt POSITIVE ground system)
Check for frayed wiring insulation - make less scary
Before any long road trips, inspect the tires and expect to replace them
Grease all the lube points and check trans/diff fluid levels
It is possible to just feed gas into the carb as you try to jump start this beauty. Might work. Even if it does, you're likely to do most of this list to get safely back on the road.
You'll also need to practice your royal waves (for the new road friends you'll make), grinning like a goof while behind the wheel, and taking pictures to share on FTE.
Enjoy the ride.
#11
Welcome Nathan. It looks like you have a great truck there and the fact that it was your great-grandfather's makes it even better. Did he buy it new?
You have a good start in that you took pictures. Continue to take lots of them. But make sure that you organize your pictures on your hard drive so that you can find them later when you need them for reference. I have mine organized by major components: Engine, transmission, body, interior, rear axle, etc.
As cowdog recommended give it a good clean up but be careful with the pressure washer that you don't destroy something that you might need for a pattern later like interior trim panels. Those parts that were badly deteriorated I took off first and stored in plastic bins with covers.
Everybody's experience is limited at first. But you are in the right place to learn. Ask questions as you need and continue to attach pictures as necessary. You will get better answers.
Make a list of what needs to be done. Then prioritize it based upon your abilities. Just don't "bite off more than you can chew".
You have a good start in that you took pictures. Continue to take lots of them. But make sure that you organize your pictures on your hard drive so that you can find them later when you need them for reference. I have mine organized by major components: Engine, transmission, body, interior, rear axle, etc.
As cowdog recommended give it a good clean up but be careful with the pressure washer that you don't destroy something that you might need for a pattern later like interior trim panels. Those parts that were badly deteriorated I took off first and stored in plastic bins with covers.
Everybody's experience is limited at first. But you are in the right place to learn. Ask questions as you need and continue to attach pictures as necessary. You will get better answers.
Make a list of what needs to be done. Then prioritize it based upon your abilities. Just don't "bite off more than you can chew".
I'll keep taking pictures. Thanks so much for the advice!
The following users liked this post:
#13
Welcome. Most important item is have fun. Take your time, you will get frustrated at some point, walk away for a short time then come back and try again.
Add where you are on your profile as it helps when looking for help or parts, there may even be members near you that can help.
Again, welcome and enjoy
Add where you are on your profile as it helps when looking for help or parts, there may even be members near you that can help.
Again, welcome and enjoy
#15
Good morning-
Yes, I initially got my engine started by pouring some fuel into the carb. Once we had it running, we rigged up a little tank from a lawn mower type engine. I ended having to replace my gas tank. I hired someone to fabricate one for me. I think it cost about $300. You have a pick-up, and may have more after market options available for you. Replacement panel truck tanks are hard to find. Fuel lines and the fuel pump also needed to be replaced.
See what I mean about the helpful people on this forum? If you have questions, there will be no shortage of help and support. FTE is a special place! Enjoy the journey.
Jim
Yes, I initially got my engine started by pouring some fuel into the carb. Once we had it running, we rigged up a little tank from a lawn mower type engine. I ended having to replace my gas tank. I hired someone to fabricate one for me. I think it cost about $300. You have a pick-up, and may have more after market options available for you. Replacement panel truck tanks are hard to find. Fuel lines and the fuel pump also needed to be replaced.
See what I mean about the helpful people on this forum? If you have questions, there will be no shortage of help and support. FTE is a special place! Enjoy the journey.
Jim