The PO of my truck had purchased a new main wiring harness (1952 F2) but didn't install it. I got everything replaced, connected and secured, but when I tried starting the truck - nothing happened. The lights (headlights and brake lights) worked fine. Checked and rechecked the schematic that came with the harness and everything matched. I then came across another wiring diagram for the truck and found one discrepancy. The harness instructions showed two wires from the harness connecting to the starter button. The second schematic I found showed the wire to the starter relay connected to one pole of the starter button and the other pole of the starter button connected to ground. This turned out to work fine and the engine started right up. Appears that the harness instructions had one connection from the starter relay and the other from the ignition switch. I hope this helps someone else from going in circles like I did. The harness was purchased from Obsolete & Classic Auto Parts. To be fair, the installation went smoothly and the quality of the product was good. Just that one little issue.

Highwayman7043
Gnadenhutten, OH

 

Your truck must have an earlier (48-50) starter relay instead of the stock '52. The older ones energized by grounding the small terminal on the relay, on the 51-52's power is required on the small terminal to close the relay.

 

That makes sense. I'm still working around and checking some of the parts the PO replaced. Thanks for the insight!