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Ross suggested I take a look at this thread the other day, since we've been emailing pictures to each other recently regarding tailgate hinge mounting on our '52 F1's. Both of our trucks appear to originally have had (3) mounting holes on each side. This came up after I saw how JB (3twinridges) had mounted the taillights on his '52 F1 restoration. Mine has remnants of "weld nuts" on the inside of at least the center holes, but the center and lower on both sides now have 5/16" bolts going all the way through, with nuts and washers on the back (fender) side. A picture from Ross shows that at least his upper hinge bolt on the passenger side, screws into a "weld nut." His may have weld nuts for all (4) hinge bolts. I can see the FORD parts catalog has a few errors with the illustrations for the 1953 9' Express box. Stu, if you have illustrations like these showing the late '50-'52 boxes, could you email or PM me please? Thanks! - Bob
Last edited by 52 4x4; May 26, 2020 at 12:22 PM.
Reason: changed 8' Express to 9' Express
The only drawing I’m aware of Bob for the half ton bed is for the 53+ version. The pics I posted above are of the F-350 Express bed that is the 9’. Stu
This is the cast steel taillight bracket on 48-52’s that uses the 3rd (highest hole). It’s a caged nut on the inside of the stake pocket and uses the 1” bolt in the top. The bracket holds the tag higher and can be seen over the bumper.
This is the cast steel taillight bracket on 48-52’s that uses the 3rd (highest hole). It’s a caged nut on the inside of the stake pocket and uses the 1” bolt in the top. The bracket holds the tag higher and can be seen over the bumper.
JB
So......the third hole is a second option for mounting the tail lights. That is interesting. After seeing your pictures I can see how it would work. I will not be doing it but it solves the mystery. I had never heard this before. Are you on board Abe? Thank you JB
JB: Are your center bolts 1/4" or 5/16" in diameter? Do all (3) of your holes on both sides go all the way through, and didn't your center ones have "weld nuts" located front and back? - Thanks!
Stu: Thanks for checking for the 50-52 box illustration for me. I looked at the Mid Fifty 48-52 catalog and didn't really find any help, but did raise the question whether the standard F1 tail light bracket is supposed to mount on the front or back of the stake pocket? Also I'm wondering if those tail light brackets are supposed to be flat, or have an offset in them like mine has. - Bob
Third hole is captive nut and does not go through both sides. I think you could go through both sides if using the flat stamped steel bracket with the bumper. I used 1/4 bolts.
Thanks for that information. Apparently, the original Ford beds had captive nuts front and back on just the center hole and all (3) holes went completely through. My reproduction bed (not yet installed) is the same, and the captive nuts are 1/4 - 20 (coarse) thread. None of the holes on the new bed are large enough to accept a 5/16" bolt. I think the reproduction tail light brackets that most are offering are made flat so they could be installed on either side - makes me wonder if the stock tail light wiring would clear the fender though? - Bob
