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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

what engine do i have?

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Old Dec 25, 2003 | 02:41 PM
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Question what engine do i have?

hey everyone, I have a 239 v8 that is in my 1949 f-1.the lettering on the head is 59 a-b. it has the distributor mounted on the direct front of the engine.i dont think that this motor is stock for some reason, i did some research on these and it sounded like they came on pre 1947 vehicles. any help would be awesome

thanks matt
 
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Old Dec 25, 2003 | 07:41 PM
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Hi Matt,
The engine you described was produced and installed from 1945 thru '47 in trucks ('48 in cars)

You might enjoy this website - it should help id your motor

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_home.htm
 
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Old Dec 26, 2003 | 12:42 PM
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The 59A was used in early 48 truck production.
You might want to check your VIN to be sure of the year. Some states title/register as year of manufacture, others as model year.
 
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Old Dec 26, 2003 | 06:45 PM
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Carl, could you elaborate a little? I've had some questions I haven't seen a book that answers them.

How did the model year coincide with the calendar year in '48.

I understand Ford debuted the Bonus Built cab with the 8RT engine January 16, 1948 with the vin 88RC 101.

But are you suggesting the model year begin the previous fall? And if so, were they the '42-47 style cabs before 1/16/48? And is this when the 59AB engines were used? And if so their vins must have been what???

I know some state dmv's used independent dating for titles that sometimes don't reflect the production year of the vehicle, so we can't go by that.

Any light you could shed on this would be appreciated. Those mid-year model changes are always troublesome. Thanks!!
 
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Old Dec 26, 2003 | 08:22 PM
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Tim, Ive seen them both ways.
A 48 Fire truck with a 59A and a 47 style 1/2 ton with a 59A that was built early 48.
The closest explanation Ive heard was it was a distribution problem from the foundries and some plants got them later than others.
Ive not dug in any deeper; I get headaches dealing with old Ford history.
 
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Old Dec 26, 2003 | 11:19 PM
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Thanks Carl, I've been trying to determine when Ford went to a fall new-model distribution. It makes sense (to me) that originally they would have just followed the calendar year until competition got intense and someone needed an edge.

If you ever run across this info I'd be grateful if you'd pass it along.
 
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