Hi everyone. I am new to this forum and this is my first post here so I apologize if some of this information has already been covered. I am starting in on a 1951 F2 project and am just looking for any advice. This is my first experience working with a classic Ford or any restoration project. I have a background in circle dirt track racing and now that I've stepped away from that, I have been looking for a new project. I came across this pickup and it seemed to be in pretty good shape so I thought it would be a good one to start on. The engine is in running condition so my thought was to open it up, check everything out, and put in new gaskets, bearings, etc. Is this the right direction to go or is taking it apart asking to create more issues?
The brakes need work. Is rebuilding the brakes or going to a disc conversion the better option?
It has the Holley 2100 carb on it. Was this just an aftermarket option?
What is the best approach to handling the suspension?
Any tips/suggestions on those things or any part of the build are very much appreciated.

 

Welcome! You've come to a great place for help and support for your Fat Fender Ford project. Is you truck in driving condition? If so, the usual advice is to spend some time driving it before rushing into any big renovation projects.

Brakes, of course, are key and if your truck has been parked for awhile, they will need attention. I stayed with stock brakes, but the first thing--after getting the engine running--was to go through what I had. I replaced, shoes, springs, wheel cylinders, all the lines, and the master cylinder.

Fuel lines and the gas tank are other priority issues if your truck hasn't been driven for awhile. I ran my truck with a little lawn mower tank for quite some time. My carburetor needed to be rebuilt and the fuel pump replaced.

There are lots of opinions on suspension and steering modifications. My feeling is, if you have an old truck, it should probably drive like an old truck. The stock steering and suspension worked back in the day, and if driven at the speeds your truck was designed for, it will still give good service today. I recently took my stock truck on a 1400 mile adventure. It was an experience I will never forget. If my truck drove like a modern vehicle, it would have been just another commute.

Share some pictures--ask some questions--you'll get lots of advice.

Jim

 

Ercmk, welcome to FTE the best Ford Truck Forum on the world wide Web!

Jim gives good advice. If your truck is running now I wouldn't take the engine apart, unless you hear engine noise that shouldn't be there. If the truck was sitting for a year or more check the gas lines, tank etc and replace rubber hoses. And go over your brakes and check brake lines.

This is the best place for Ford truck advice. But you need to show us pics of your truck and give us your location.