Body Assembly Questions
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4wd Low
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 10
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Body Assembly Questions
Hi there, this is my first official post so be gentle with me 
I am about to assemble the body panels on my 1949 F-3.(F-68) The truck was completely torn down when I purchased it so I'm looking for a little direction please. I have the cab and Radiator support fitted.
1. What is the correct sequence to fit the panels and running boards?
2. Does the welting go between all metal-to-metal surfaces on the panels or just the fenders?
3. Recommended gap width?
Thanks in anticipation!
I am about to assemble the body panels on my 1949 F-3.(F-68) The truck was completely torn down when I purchased it so I'm looking for a little direction please. I have the cab and Radiator support fitted.
1. What is the correct sequence to fit the panels and running boards?
2. Does the welting go between all metal-to-metal surfaces on the panels or just the fenders?
3. Recommended gap width?
Thanks in anticipation!
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,172
Likes: 4,772
From: Burbank, WA
Welcome to the forum, and best wishes with your project. You may find that the front nose sheet metal assembly is easier to put together off the truck, then fit the assembly to the chassis in one piece. There's a hundred or so little bolts that put it together, and many are in hard to reach places. Once the nose is together, 2 guys can slip it in place fairly easily, and I think it's 8 bolts that hold it in place. If you don't have the factory service manual, it will help you a lot.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,995
Likes: 422
From: u-rah-rah Wisconsin
Wayne's suggestion to assemble the front clip before mounting is spot on.
Welting is used only on the rear fender to bed sides joint.
Anti-squeak webbing is often used between body panels.
There is a wide rubber seal between the cowl and front fenders.
Loosely mount the fenders and running boards to adjust fitment before tightening.
Welting is used only on the rear fender to bed sides joint.
Anti-squeak webbing is often used between body panels.
There is a wide rubber seal between the cowl and front fenders.
Loosely mount the fenders and running boards to adjust fitment before tightening.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,172
Likes: 4,772
From: Burbank, WA
When you mention welting, if you're talking about the beaded welting that has an exposed bead at the seam after it's installed, that was never used by Ford on our trucks. All we ever had was the tar impregnated anti squeak webbing/welting to keep the panels from rubbing against themselves.
For assembly order, fit the pieces in the grille drawing together, then fit the fenders/inner fenders to it. Add the rad support and the fender braces, then install the complete unit onto the chassis. There may be other ways and someone else may have a different suggestion, but that's how I would roll. Study it all good and see where the 12 million bolts go around the grille and fenders, then make a plan of attack and go for it.
For assembly order, fit the pieces in the grille drawing together, then fit the fenders/inner fenders to it. Add the rad support and the fender braces, then install the complete unit onto the chassis. There may be other ways and someone else may have a different suggestion, but that's how I would roll. Study it all good and see where the 12 million bolts go around the grille and fenders, then make a plan of attack and go for it.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,374
Likes: 5,383
From: Central PA
When you mention welting, if you're talking about the beaded welting that has an exposed bead at the seam after it's installed, that was never used by Ford on our trucks. All we ever had was the tar impregnated anti squeak webbing/welting to keep the panels from rubbing against themselves.
For assembly order, fit the pieces in the grille drawing together, then fit the fenders/inner fenders to it. Add the rad support and the fender braces, then install the complete unit onto the chassis. There may be other ways and someone else may have a different suggestion, but that's how I would roll. Study it all good and see where the 12 million bolts go around the grille and fenders, then make a plan of attack and go for it.
For assembly order, fit the pieces in the grille drawing together, then fit the fenders/inner fenders to it. Add the rad support and the fender braces, then install the complete unit onto the chassis. There may be other ways and someone else may have a different suggestion, but that's how I would roll. Study it all good and see where the 12 million bolts go around the grille and fenders, then make a plan of attack and go for it.
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