Hello

I just joined FTE and want to introduce myself. I have seen this site over the years and am impressed on how the forums have grown.

I appolgize in advance for redundant questions.

I have a 49 F1 with the Flathead V8 and three speed floor shift. It is 90 % original. I am building a 50"s retro style hot rod out of it but will use it as a truck. I have several hobbies that I need a truck for. I lowered the front a little and will paint it red with flames. I have baby moons with beauty rings. Not interested in a show quality job resto because I want to drive and use it.

My current issues are solving my 3rd gear problem it shifts and is quiet in all gears but it gets stuck in third. I believe it is a syncro problem and when I take it out again I will try to resolve it. The tranny was rebuilt in the 70's and sat on a shelf in a local salvage yard for almost 30 years. I got it for 175.00. If my tranny keeps giving me problems I will consider the S10 4/5 speed conversion. Unless you guys have a better idea.

I have the typical rusted out bed floor. I want to make my own square tube substructure and weld 1/8 sheet steel for the bottom. I am a wood worker as a hobby but I think I will be better in the long run with metal. Any other ideas?

My engine runs good and has a Holley 390 4bbl. I want to do a 2 duece set up but the old Holley/strombergs are pretty pricey. Any suggestions would be great. I want to do a basic overhaul on the engine. It smokes at times.

My only other major mechanical issue is my master cylinder is bad and I want to do a dual master upgrade. I will likely do discs upfront someday. Suggestions on the master cylinder and disc doners?

Of course I have a lot of work to do on my F1. I will need to sandblast it or may do a chemical strip on my own. Anyone do this?

The truck has no dents but has some poorley done bondo on the front fenders and some rust on the bottom rear of the cab and some on the bottom of the doors. It is metal all around not fiberglass parts.

My name is Keith and I live in Highlands Ranch Colorado.

 

Welcome Keith, It looks like you have a lot of free time scheduled on your truck over the next year(s). Have you tried the search function yet? Most of what you are asking is in the archieves. It sounds like you want low maintenance on the bed floor. Let me suggest polished aluminum treadbright. It comes in big sheets, is light, looks good, and doesn't need much attention. My buddy put it in his 55 and it looks great. He had the supplier cut it square for him at a nominal cost. Good luck, John