Seems my initial post about this got erased.

At any rate, I've revisited the old truck by the side of the road and looked around some more. Here's what I found: 239 cid flathead that turned over but didn't start (surprised?); no existing bed but there is an auxillary PTO shaft from the back of the tranny that I interpret as meaning this was once a dump truck; some possible shortening of the rear frame up to the rear spring mounts, but I can't be sure; 20 inch rims (the two-piece rim discussion has me a little concerned about these); no brakes but no surprise there; an electric fuel pump; no heater - it has been scavenged; bb-shot windshield and rear window; body in pretty fair shape with expected but minimal rust holes; 1/16 turn play in the driveshaft between rear end and tranny.

Are there any red flags coming to you on this? I'm looking for something I can pull my big horses around with and take care of some of the heavier loads around the farm. It won't be an Earl, but I would like to end up with a nice old truck. The price is right at $250 asking. I'm trying to put together a pretty good case for presentation to the wife/comptroller

 

I dont see any major flags.
Im sure the front end will need some money thrown at it if you plan to get much over 25 mph and a truck shop can advise you on the wheels. Maybe even some later year bolt-ons I would think; big trucks didnt change very often.

The 239 isnt cheap to rebuild and I would at least pull the heads and check for cracks before trying to start. If there is water in the crankcase you may have a cylinder wall or pan rail crack; very common when frozen.
No big deal to adapt any number of later engines either.

BTW, the stock wheelbase is 134"

 

Dear QR, This project would not be my cup of tea, but it might be right for you. Have you come up with a plan yet? How much can you spend, how long do you want it to take? I prefer to buy projects already underway and finish what somebody else started. It sounds like this truck needs everything! At the speed I work it would take me about 5 years and at least $10K to make it roadworthy. So for me I would vote no, but if you are looking for a project to last you a long time and show of your restoration skills then it sounds like the price is about right. Good luck, John

 

Carl, no water in the oil, so that's good. That was another thing I checked. The owner claims he drove it a little just about a year ago.

John, a plan? Well, let's see. $100 and two weeks? How about use it a little, work on it a little, and take things as they come? Like I say, I'm not going for an Earl, so I'll do what it needs and what I can. If it ends up sitting around for a couple years, that probably won't be a big surprise either.

Thanks for the input,
Kevin

 

I got a picture up of this truck. I've just about made the decision to get it, and I've named it Brutus.

Take a look if you'd like:
Brutus

 

I forgot to ask:

Aside from the obvious things like tranny, rear end and brake drums, is everything else the same from F1 on up?

 

Hey Kevin, welcome aboard! It looks like it wouldn't be a bad investment at $250. It will take a lot of work and a lot of money, but I think it would be worth it in the long run. If the motor turns over it will probably run, when I bought my 48 it would crank all day long but not fire off. I cleaned the tank, lines, pump and carb and she runs like a champ. I would buy it, but that is just my opinion. Good Luck! Hope she goes for it...lol

 

The cabs are the same but the front fenders on F-4s and and larger trucks have a larger wheel well opening than the F-1 to allow for those big 20 inch wheels. Also, I would imagine that the frame is larger and stonger with heavier springs for those big loads...It's a nice old truck and I think Brutus is a great name for it!

 

You can use the hood, cab, doors, grille upper and lower header panels, inner fender panels on a F-1. Everything else is too big. If the engine block isn't cracked, I'd say you got a deal for that price. If worse comes to worse, you can always part it out and get back your investment and then some.

barry

50 F-1

 

I'd take it home!

Did you see how straight those door handles sit - I'd love to come up with a couple of door latch mechanisms that straight. (Slowly turning a nice shade of green here)

 

Just tell me where you are and if you don't want it I will buy it...lol

 

Why cant I find things right on the road?
Around here it usually requires a front end loader and a couple of big farm tractors to get anything onto my trailer.

 

.

 

That frame has been definatly been cut. It probally had a hoist at one time. My frame was cut similar to that. I replaced the last 16" so I could have a bumper and the bed 4" lower. Oh Carl I know what you mean with a tractor. I pulled a '46 2 ton 1 1/2 miles down the road with one wheel turning. It pulled quite straight.

 

Carl, that's usually the way my old farm equipment comes home.

Nathan, how did you add on to the frame, butt weld or what? Any frame extension would need to be strong enough to hang a trailer hitch off it.

BTW, I called the man and it's mine, assuming he can dig out the title. He'll even tow it home for me for the asking price.