I'm gonna get right to it as I'm on the cusp of joining the classic Ford truck family. I have a 1952 F1 in my sights, perched and waiting for me to pull the lever. I have a couple of questions that will ultimately push my decision one way or the other. The truck was a frame off resto about 15 years ago and meticulously cared for. It was a weekly driver which is my intention as well. My main concern is leg room. I love the stock wheel and don't want to replace it. It is a column shift which I don't mind converting to the floor. I'm 6'1 and apparently mostly leg as the shift arm hits my knee/thigh unless I splay out at a pretty odd and probably dangerous angle. Any tips or tricks regarding the seat (I'd like to keep as it is in mint condition) that could give me a bit more room? Also, I don't know if this is the right place to ask for a value check but the current owner is asking 22k. The truck has had a few things done that drive it away from original (fiberglass fenders, 12volt conversion, a couple of kill switches and probably the biggest (different motor from the same year and size) none of these things are a bother to me as I plan to add a few creature comforts of my own. I do like the truck a lot but I'm fairly new to the classic pick-up world (have had a dozen classic Jeeps,VWs and a few old scouts) and don't want to grossly overpay.

Sorry for the wordy intro, I chalk it up to potential ownership excitement. Any input is much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

ZR, welcome to FTE the best Ford truck forum on the World wide Web! I have a 54 and a 55 so there's some questions I can't answer but others will be along soon.

The shift lever on my 54 hits my leg in 3rd gear. Something needs tightened, probably the remote linkage. That may be your problem too. Was the seat rebuilt? Did the PO put too thick foam in the seat that pushes the driver up and forward?

About the price, you will need to show us pictures of it before we can help you. In the meantime look on eBay and see what trucks similar to yours sold for, not listed for, SOLD for.

 

Welcome . I also am not that familiar with these years but Abe is correct a little on the seat foam and a little on the shifter could make a huge difference . Does the shifter seem quite tight when it's in gear or is there still allot of slop ? Correct year and size of engine not an issue . Pics will help but if you are concerned about quality of workmanship there are private appraisers and of course the many on this site that might be close enough to have a look for you . IMHO $ 22,000 not over the top if it's well done .

 

Thanks for the reply! I've managed to post some pictures.

 

I'd like to add my welcome too.

I am 6'4" and it is tight. The upholsterer did over stuff the seat so my clearance issue is the steering wheel and I have to duck my right leg under the wheel when I get in or out. I have a floor shift transmission (4 speed spur gear) and have no problem shifting the transmission. E-brake handle can get in the way when it's engaged too.

 

That’s a really nice looking truck. I wish I could help on the shifter, I’m 6’4” so I sought out a floor shift truck and ended up with a 48 stake bed parts truck. The cab is tight for us tall folks, but I manage. The column shift would’ve been a problem for me.

 

Thanks for replying, tall folks have their problems but it beats owning a stool for the top shelves of life! : )

 

Thats a double edged sword. It seems everytime my wife is working in the kitchen I get called about every 2 minutes to take something down or put something up.

 

For value, I would suggest checking sites like bring a trailer for finished auctions and see what people are paying for similar vehicles. 22K seems a bit high for a 15 year old restoration, but I could be wrong. I hope you can make it work out for you. Keep us posted. Welcome to the forum!

 

If you paid someone to restore one, it would cost more than that.
If you build one yourself and have the talent to pull it off, you can do it cheaper.
Somewhere in between those extremes is where most of us live.

Here's the sarcasm... I think asking if your truck was a good buy is sorta like asking your buddies if they think your girl is pretty....

And by the way, welcome!

 

Welcome! '52's are clearly the best looking of these trucks, and Sheridan Blue looks good on it. I wouldn't count on changing the column shift to floor shift, unless you swap to an earlier trans (which is easy). If you go through with the purchase, by all means get rid of those radiator pipes! New repro pipes are cheap and look a lot better.

As for price, unless you are an accomplished paint and body man, you couldn't build one yourself for that price.

 

I'm not seeing the pictures on my phone. I'll have to check them on my desktop....

Edit: I can see them now.

 

Welcome to FTE! Greatest site on the web for old Ford trucks.
I don't have much to add. I have a 55 which as a larger cab as well as a floor shifter.
As for price, that's a loaded question. I would agree that you need to research similar vehicles to compare. That price is probably in the ballpark. It's really less about the price and if it is in your budget and you will be happy with it. Once you buy it, don't look at other prices. You are bound to find some cheaper. There are so many variables to price. Hopefully you can talk him down a little and you both walk away happy.

I tell people the only reason my wife married me is so I can get stuff off shelves for her. I'm only 5'11" but she is 4'9".
I also say, good thing she didn't realize I can be replaced with a good step ladder. The step ladder wouldn't make her coffee every morning, so I think I'm safe.

 

Welcome. As far as the price, here on the left coast you could easily expect to pay that or more. I see it has Connecticut plates so I would almost expect it to have a higher value due to rust in the NE. Like others have said you could not build one for that unless you do ALL the work yourself and on top of that how much time would you have to get to that point, as opposed to getting in and driving. There is a high value to that according to my wife.

 

Lol!

I heard the scuttlebutt around California, MO is that you married her to get her Grandad's truck!