Hello everyone. Proud to be to the new owner of an old 1948 1 1/2 ton running, driving flathead 8. I have been a car guy all along, but mostly newer rides. My oldest car before this was a 67 Chevelle, so this one is definately a bit older. This being my first truck ever, I really dont know where to start. Also, this is going to be my first restoration. I have found a few parts catalogs and I am probally going to locate a basic resto manual, but other than that, just wanted to say hello and I am sure I will be talking to many of you guys in the future. Thanks.

Paul

 

Welcome Paul to the addiction! You picked a good candidate for your first resto project. Pickups are simple and straight forward, have heavier sheetmetal to work on/with and plenty of aftermarket and enthusiast support. You'll need to do a few more posts to get access to the search feature, but that's a good place to find answers to the general questions that have been well covered in previous threads, but don't be afraid to ask questions or for opinions (you may get a lot more than you wanted tho!)

 

welcome Paul... you've stumbled across the best Ford site on the net...whether you're a restoration (stocker) guy or a street truck (darksider) you can find the information, empathy and sympathy you need here.

My first suggestion is to click at the top left (parts shop...aka Motorhaven) of the page and go shopping.... lots of 'stuff' for your truck is available on this site... your first purchase... ESPECIALLY if you go stock is a shop manual for your '48. It will be invaluable when you try to figure out who did what to your truck and why ?? money spent there helps support this site.

As AX said...when you get the 'search' feature activated... you can find years of accumulated info on any aspect of your restore.. and lots of advice on turning to the darkside...if you decide to street rod it...

don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't see your topic in search... we all love to show off what we know (and in some instances, don't know) check out a few threads and you'll see we're a good hearted bunch of guys...lots of jabs and tongue in cheek comments... sometimes a ducks back is a nice option... if you're a past car guy ??? you'll fit right in

make yourself at home... oh !! almost forget... on the tool bar above... check out the tech articles section also

later,
John

 

Welcome and congrats on owning a nice year of truck. As the other guys mentioned, this site is unique and has a bunch of fantastic people. Some of us are crazy but that makes it all the better. Personally, I couldn't of done what I've accomplished without the people of FTE. (Whose playing that stupid violin in the background? ) LOL....

 

Welcome Paul,

48 is one of my favorite years too. The shop manual is a must have for a stockish ride. Start reading the older posts and you'll get lots of helpful ideas.

 

Hi Paul! Welcome to FTE! Someone here has BTDT at least once on just about anything you can come up with if it's Ford related. Since I got my 51 this has been the best source of information I've found and the "characters" that frequent this site are both knowledgeable and entertaining. Do check out the tech articles. Do hammer the search engines and don't hesitate to ask a question of the gurus. the 48 is a great year and will make a great ride (light or dark as you choose) for you - enjoy and don't be surprised if you find trucks addictive.

Oilleaks

 

Welcome Paul to the best site. You can see by the members that added to this thread your in the right place.

 

Welcome ashore, Paul. With a running, driveable truck you're already off to a great start. The larger trucks are harder to find parts for than half-tons but a lot of parts are interchangeable -- there's been several posts detailing what is shared and what isn't. I hope you enjoy your new ride!

 

Each and everyone of you, thank you for the replies! I am really looking foward to talking to you guys in the future, all you guys seem very addicted to all this and it is already rubbing off on me. That is a good feeling! Thanks again!


Paul S

 

Motorcity Flatheads in MI are the people to go to for anything flathead related.

 

Paul,

Welcome and good luck with your truck.

Vern

 

Paul - Welcome to FTE.

Like you, I came late to truck restoration. I've had my 56 for 2 1/2 years now. The only thing I would do different is find this site sooner!

Any question is fair. Stupid questions are actually worth more than intelligent ones because they make the rest of us look smarter. We like that.

Many here also have F1's. Check out their galleries for some great ideas and tips. Some that come to mind are GreatNorthWoods, ALBUQ F-1, Bobbytnm, sancochojoe, Matt Scassero, Christopher2, Texan2004, Jet Jock, OilLeaks.

I would also suggest the following FTE sites:

For part vendors: (There is a great list here):
http://www.clubfte.com/users/earl/index.html

For some great tech articles: (John is building a 53, but a lot will be the same)
http://jniolon.clubfte.com/

Whether you intend to faithfully restore or rod it, this place is a great resource.

 

hi paul,welcome aboard.you come to the right place for ford truck help and fun.