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Hello all, old Ford guy with a fair amount of 1964.5. - 1971 Mustang, Torino, Bronco (‘73) and one ‘66 F100 resto experience. Just purchased this 1948 Ford F5 from a friend. Great old truck, super solid, dump bed, luckily stored in a warehouse since 1970.
My plan is to get her road worthy and leave the patina, restore the wood bed and make her safe to drive around town.
Already 12v and engine swapped to a ‘65 289 that runs great. I can drive it around the yard but the brakes need renewal. So, first question is parts sources for wear items like brakes, glass and some side view mirrors.
Secondly, I’ve found 8 wheels/tires for sale from a 1992 Holiday Rambler Alumalite xl, 19.5 x 6 with 8R19.5 tires at a reasonable price of $400 for all, about 4 hours away. Good option? I’ve lurked and read enough on widowmakers to make me want a relatively modern wheel that still looks original.
Lastly, I’d like to safely return the bed hydraulics to service. System looks to be complete.
Nice truck, looks to be in great shape. You’re on the right track with the 19.5” tubeless wheels. One of the precautionary things I’ll add is to be sure of the bolt pattern. Ford and Dodge based motor homes have your 5 x 8” pattern. GM based units have a 10 x 7.25” mounting. The motor homes only use 5 on the front with blanking plates covering the unused holes. All 10 were used at the rear. The other thing is to know that 8R19.5” tires are shorter than your 20”s, 34” versus 37” or taller. Stu
I'd like to keep the stance and big truck look if possible. I have a contact that helped me put rear wheels on a 1945 Federal I had in the past. I will try him Monday for some 22.5's maybe.
I see you live in AR. One of our MT members has available both 19.5” and 22.5” sets. Involves shipping, but solves it. If you want me to text him to drop by please say. Stu
Welcome. That's a fine looking beast. Good to know it will have a longer life. You've already made the most important contact in Stu. Enjoy the journey.
Got the new wheels and tires mounted up, thanks to Stu and Mark! Stripped off the old bed wood and have some red oak being cut.
The truck left service in 1972 but was worked on and shop driven over the years. When I putter around the yard, something locks up every 20’ or so. I can unlock it by going a few feet in reverse. At first I thought brakes, now I’m thinking rear end. Any tips?
