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Wanted to make a thread for my latest project. I've always wanted a first gen F-Series and I finally had an opportunity to pick one up. Here are the pics I have thus far. Right now I'm in the 'research and gather information' stage of the project. So I'll hold off on questions until I can avoid asking ones that are always asked and covered.
1948 F-4 originally came with a 239 v8 flathead. I need to snag some engine bay pics but the drivetrain is long gone.
These are photos I took when considering buying it Sweet Hood latch system Frame and axle were painted and in better condition than my 85. Front and rear are still sporting widow makers so I'll have to figure out how to address that. Whether it's new wheels or axles or ... Pretty happy with how the cab is overall. Floor boards look shockingly good right now there are a couple of explorer seats just resting in the cab.
The speedo is cool! I've never seen or noticed each gear speed painted on the display before. My 49 F2 doesn't have that, is it an F4 and bigger kind of thing?
Not bad. Good luck. What are your plans? Flatbed or a long pick-up bed?
Thanks! My plans are definitely still getting fleshed out but I'd like to get this truck back on the road and being used as a truck. I've got limited parking so this would ideally one day become my only truck. My requirements thus far are pretty easy. Highway capable, able to haul lumber, parts for other projects (motors, subframes, etc), able to tow other project vehicles.
I thought about doing a long pick-up bed but I feel like a flatbed is more keeping to the original aesthetic, will look better and likely suit my usage better.
The speedo is cool! I've never seen or noticed each gear speed painted on the display before. My 49 F2 doesn't have that, is it an F4 and bigger kind of thing?
I'm not sure, but I also got a big kick out of that! Hopefully someone more knowledgeable than me can come along and shine light on that question.
The speedo is cool! I've never seen or noticed each gear speed painted on the display before. My 49 F2 doesn't have that, is it an F4 and bigger kind of thing?
An F2 and F3 with a 4 speed should have the speedometer with the shift points like this F4. If your truck has the heavy duty 3 speed it may have a speedometer without the shift points.
Good to see another F4 here. Nice looking truck, not a lot of rust.
Thanks! Hope you don't mind if I reach out with any questions.
Out of curiosity did you keep the stock rear axle? If so how did you address the widowmakers? Did you use the Dodge Motorhome wheels I've seen referenced?
Ask away, I'll help any way I can. I did use a set of Dodge motor home wheels, I changed the rear axle for a two speed axle from an "51 F6. It has the same ratio, 5.83, in high as the original axle in my F4. 5.83 is the optional ratio for the F4, standard ratio is 5,14. The ring and pinion numbers are stamped on the side of the housing, the half without the pinion.
Alright I've taken some more photos. Just an FYI I tend to take loads of photos and post them for 3 reasons:
It helps me keep track of what I've done/need to do
It means any time I need to check something truck related I can just check this thread
I know when I read threads I'd rather have 'too many' pictures than not enough.
Everything is in imo shockingly good condition with regards to rust. The battery tray is one of 2 spots that will definitely need attention Second shot of passenger side of the engine bay Driver's side. Still has some wiring. I plan to replace all the wiring since at this age I can't trust it to be safe. second shot of driver's side of the engine bay Radiator mount area also looks really good. I will say not pictured but below this area the frame does have rust. It's almost like it was the only part of the frame exposed to the elements all these years Some rust damage in front of the radiator area.
So the running boards look to be in great condition. They are so nice part of me thinks they are replacements and not the originals.
Here is the passenger side. I thought I had a picture of the driver's side but I guess I didn't take that but it looks in the same condition in this side. Next up are an assortment of from underneath shots of the running boards
So here is what was IN the cab when I bought it. The plate is from 1993.
2 seats out of an explorer. 2 wheel arch chrome pieces I don't think they are from an F4. 2 mirrors that used to be on the truck. Bit dirty Using a highly sophisticated secret cleaning technique "Mostly" not dirty
Transmission hump will need repairs and the passenger foot well has 3-4 rust thru holes that are 1/2 inch or smaller.
Rear Driver's cab corner looks like it was pseudo 'fixed' in the past The back of the cab has seen work Those are some aggressive dents So this is a close up of the passenger front fender. There is a large area where it appears that there was a dent and to fix it someone put loads of bondo on the fender. This is a piece of that bondo Here is a penny for scale for the depth of the bondo. I did check the underside of the fender and didn't see any rust damage so I'm assuming this is just lazy dent repair. here is a pic of the fuel filler hole. Right now I'm thinking I'll locate the fuel tank behind the rear axle. If I do that I'll be filling this hole in.
So right now the door handles and window cranks for the doors are non-functional. SO I'm assuming everything inside will likely need to be totally replaced. But here are some pics
Passenger side is missing its panel... and there is an issue with the windows... First issue... there looks to be TWO windows inside the door. One on the regulator but off the window tracks... one on the tracks and not the window regulator. And whoever did this got them good and wedged in there. Another shot thru the panel to the dual windos The passenger air con has a crack along the bottom fourth of the window Looks like someone put epoxy in there and declared successful fix This is the driver's window being held up by me. Don't ask me how I know this... but I believe this window was present when this truck got a paint job.
So first task is to paint the frame. I don't have a garage so I do need to take steps to protect it while I work on it. That way when it isn't covered it isn't getting worse. Oof my poor spare tire holder. Maybe the other side is in better condition... Nope. Removed a couple bolts and a pair of lights that were mounted inside the frame rails I feel like this arm is if not stock at least from the period. The frame (behind the cab) had a a green paint job but only from the top. Someone fogged the frame but just from the top. I'm putting a layer of Rustoleum glossy black on the frame. I considered POR15 but decided to do rustoleum because I already have it on hand and if I'm not happy with it after doing it I can always then do a POR15 job. I am doing this super low tech with a 3 inch utility brush. Definitely jealous of the guys who get the frame stripped and then have it on a home made rotisserie to paint it...
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