Observations.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 7
From: Erie, pa
Observations.
If your going to work on one of these Old Trucks please purchase both the service and parts manuals. 90% of the questions asked repeatedly on this and other forums can be answered there. Beside while searching for your original question's answer ya might even learn somthing that you'll be able to use later.
If you can't find the answer in your books use the search feature at the top of each page on good Ol' FTE there is a very good chance that your answer is in the old posts somewhere.
Try Google or another search engine there are thousands of sites with loads of information available.
Ya, I know Blah, Blah, Blah. I'm old and allowed to be this way.
If you can't find the answer in your books use the search feature at the top of each page on good Ol' FTE there is a very good chance that your answer is in the old posts somewhere.
Try Google or another search engine there are thousands of sites with loads of information available.
Ya, I know Blah, Blah, Blah. I'm old and allowed to be this way.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,299
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
Tell us what you REALLY feel...
I agree wholeheartedly, forums are not a substitute for doing your own research and "book-learning". Manuals are worth every penny and are available whenever you need them.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 5
From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
While I agree in principal, and I sure do have, and use the books, there is no substitute for hearing from folks who have resently worked on these trucks in the context of modern life. Having an exchange of ideas, having others jump in, perhaps others with knowledge that differs from that in earlier discussions is, at least to me, an invaluable resource. I am sorry if some of us seem annoying at times, we just love our trucks and want some personal words to help us discover the how,what,where of repair and restoration. I do so much appreciate all your help, your words of encouragement have indeed helped me through some frustrating times; after a read of the manuals, a scan of the old threads, I admit I still might just need a word or three from those who have been there before to give me the confidence to tear into some part I have not yet become comfortable repairing.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
From: Queanbeyan Australia
I also agree, and would like to have both manuals.
At A$150+ and two months wait for the book stores to get them in, I will probably pass.
If I was restoring to original it would be a different story.
The only part of my truck that will be remotely original is the cab and front sheet metal, and I figure I can work that out without the manuals.
However for modifications to suspension and running gear, and for building my own bed this forum has proved invaluable, and will I hope continue to do so.
I have tried to use the thread searches to uncover the info I needed, with mixed results. Sometimes I find exactly what I want. Most of the time I find a bunch of really interesting, but loosly related info!
But I am having fun....which is the main reason I participate in both this forum and the old truck hobby
Mark
At A$150+ and two months wait for the book stores to get them in, I will probably pass.
If I was restoring to original it would be a different story.
The only part of my truck that will be remotely original is the cab and front sheet metal, and I figure I can work that out without the manuals.
However for modifications to suspension and running gear, and for building my own bed this forum has proved invaluable, and will I hope continue to do so.
I have tried to use the thread searches to uncover the info I needed, with mixed results. Sometimes I find exactly what I want. Most of the time I find a bunch of really interesting, but loosly related info!
But I am having fun....which is the main reason I participate in both this forum and the old truck hobby
Mark
Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 7
From: Erie, pa
I have no problem discussing things that are not in the books, not clear in the books or maybe a better way to do it. As for words of encoragement we all need those from time to time.
I removed the front end of an F1 in 1963, so in 2001 when I started the teardown of my "new" F1 I knew how to do it, ya right. After removing about half of the thousand or so bolts that hold one of these front ends togeather and not even getting it to wiggle I went to the book. After reading that I only needed to remove 9/10 bolts on each side I LEARNED.
Questions on "How to Unbolt a Bolt" are a wee bit much.
If your to frugle to purchase the required manuals, I would suggest a visit to your local library.
Ya, I know Blah, Blah, Blah, I'm older that yesterday, and have earned even more right to be this way.
I removed the front end of an F1 in 1963, so in 2001 when I started the teardown of my "new" F1 I knew how to do it, ya right. After removing about half of the thousand or so bolts that hold one of these front ends togeather and not even getting it to wiggle I went to the book. After reading that I only needed to remove 9/10 bolts on each side I LEARNED.
Questions on "How to Unbolt a Bolt" are a wee bit much.
If your to frugle to purchase the required manuals, I would suggest a visit to your local library.
Ya, I know Blah, Blah, Blah, I'm older that yesterday, and have earned even more right to be this way.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,440
Likes: 0
From: Ventura County, CA
Glad you feel that your age entitles you "to be this way". If you're truly annoyed by the threads, comments, and questions here, there's always the option that's not found in books...
And now, if you're done and have stepped off your high horse, I'll get back to the nice folks here on FTE and the wonderful information-sharing provided herein. Relax and save the control freak aspect for somewhere else please.
Respectfully,
Daryl
And now, if you're done and have stepped off your high horse, I'll get back to the nice folks here on FTE and the wonderful information-sharing provided herein. Relax and save the control freak aspect for somewhere else please.
Respectfully,
Daryl
old and in the way
Joined: Jul 1997
Posts: 5,924
Likes: 1,053
From: Lovely Hueytown Alabama
compromise
how bout a compromise ???
when you're ready to start a project (and you have/read the book) how bout a post that says...
"I'm afixin to take the front suspension out of my "whatever"... got the book but does anyone have any shortcuts,warnings, advise ???"
that would satisfy anyone with any degree of "retention" wouldn't it ???
beside's sometimes I'm not smart enough to understand what I read in the manual.... but 'fenders can 'splain it where even I can understand...
later
John
when you're ready to start a project (and you have/read the book) how bout a post that says...
"I'm afixin to take the front suspension out of my "whatever"... got the book but does anyone have any shortcuts,warnings, advise ???"
that would satisfy anyone with any degree of "retention" wouldn't it ???
beside's sometimes I'm not smart enough to understand what I read in the manual.... but 'fenders can 'splain it where even I can understand...
later
John
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
From: Queanbeyan Australia
I did the EXACT same thing on my front sheet metal. But it needed to come apart, and now I know how.
I wish the local library had the manuals. They have manuals for most Australian, Jap and EU cars. But nothing US and nothing over 20yrs old.
I have been searching swap meets looking for the manuals, no luck so far.
None of the wholesalers here have them in stock and they all say it will take 2-3 months to order them in.
I don't have the manuals for any of the early Ford stuff I play with, not really an issue considering how little of the original cars we (rodders) use!
I do have the manual for my 51 Victoria, and I would say less than 20 pages are of any use to me given that I am changing everything, including major body Kustomizing.
I do have the chassis diagrams, wirring diagrams etc for everything I play with, and I usually find that is sufficient.
When I get to stuff like window regulators and door loks etc in the F1 I may have to splurge on the manuals......or I may just fit electric windows!
Of course I am from the IT industry, our basic moto is "if all else fails, read the instructions"
Mark
I wish the local library had the manuals. They have manuals for most Australian, Jap and EU cars. But nothing US and nothing over 20yrs old.
I have been searching swap meets looking for the manuals, no luck so far.
None of the wholesalers here have them in stock and they all say it will take 2-3 months to order them in.
I don't have the manuals for any of the early Ford stuff I play with, not really an issue considering how little of the original cars we (rodders) use!
I do have the manual for my 51 Victoria, and I would say less than 20 pages are of any use to me given that I am changing everything, including major body Kustomizing.
I do have the chassis diagrams, wirring diagrams etc for everything I play with, and I usually find that is sufficient.
When I get to stuff like window regulators and door loks etc in the F1 I may have to splurge on the manuals......or I may just fit electric windows!
Of course I am from the IT industry, our basic moto is "if all else fails, read the instructions"
Mark
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
You're right Dick, the books are very useful, and it would make this forum efficient and tidy if we didn't ask the same questions repetitively. Next time you're bored, pull up the posts for 'fenders, Johns o plenty, Fergy, and dare I add you to the list? Count up all the waste of bandwidth posts that serve no other purpose than our amusement. People here have to sort through it all. Some are hopefully entertained. Others are surely not. But nobody complains.
When your count reachs a hundred useless posts you come back here and tell us you're sorry you're a grouch today.
When your count reachs a hundred useless posts you come back here and tell us you're sorry you're a grouch today.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,888
Likes: 3,132
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
Dick,
You old fart, lighten up!
I know sometimes there are questions that are asked quite a few times but I think they are usually asked by new members and I think it's great to have newer, younger people getting into the old truck hobby, especially the restorers. We need younger people here to lower the average age that you keep so high. I myself have answered the same questions multiple times. I for one, like to spread the little knowledge I have about these old trucks and find information I didn't know. I could talk trucks all day, just ask my wife and kids and the few members of this board I have met in person. I concider my computer my cyber water cooler and since there are relatively few people near me who have the same interest in these old trucks as I do, I like checking in here and the Bonus Built site to see what everyone is doing. The days when there are few posts, old questions or new, I find rather disappointing.
So Dick, sit back, relax and enjoy!
You old fart, lighten up!
I know sometimes there are questions that are asked quite a few times but I think they are usually asked by new members and I think it's great to have newer, younger people getting into the old truck hobby, especially the restorers. We need younger people here to lower the average age that you keep so high.
I myself have answered the same questions multiple times. I for one, like to spread the little knowledge I have about these old trucks and find information I didn't know. I could talk trucks all day, just ask my wife and kids and the few members of this board I have met in person. I concider my computer my cyber water cooler and since there are relatively few people near me who have the same interest in these old trucks as I do, I like checking in here and the Bonus Built site to see what everyone is doing. The days when there are few posts, old questions or new, I find rather disappointing. So Dick, sit back, relax and enjoy!
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Originally Posted by 4tl8ford
On a 1948 Ford F-1 Panel Truck do I turn the ignation key to the right? Also the starter button, does it need to be pressed all the way in?
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
4tl8ford - As to answering the same question many times, I am just greatful to be able to give the one correct answer I know (again).
Since nobody asks me nuthin anyway, I need the chance to be right one more time.
I do have a manual. I hope somebody asks me a question that has an answer there so I can tell them what it says and sound smart.
Maybe you don't have grandchildren. Asking the same question over and over is what they do. It gets you used to that. They're just not very interested in trucks (yet).
Since nobody asks me nuthin anyway, I need the chance to be right one more time.
I do have a manual. I hope somebody asks me a question that has an answer there so I can tell them what it says and sound smart.
Maybe you don't have grandchildren. Asking the same question over and over is what they do. It gets you used to that. They're just not very interested in trucks (yet).