Hi guys I thought if anybody would know what to do it would be you. I'm restoring this 1949 ford F1 this truck was a field find I found that the engine was rusted to the frame and now i need your help the engine has been sitting since 1961 it is a flat head 6 cylinder what should I do to it this is my first restoration project

Luke shirk


Help

 

Stand back and take a good look at it and see if it's something you can handle. It's been sitting 44 years and rust has had a big head start on you. You don't say which way you're heading with this truck, resto or a hot rod. Either way, the truck will need everything. No matter which way you go, think safety as the number one priority. Most likely the engine is frozen. THe 6 cyls seemed to stand up to the cold and ice better than the V8's. If you want to try to unstick the engine, you could try. It would be a good learning point if you're lacking in experience with engines. Also remember to have a fire extg. with you at all times. You never know when you might need it. You could fill the cyls with penetrating oil, marvel mystery oil, or diesel fuel or kerosene to try to unstick the rings. Try to turn the engine over with a socket and breaker bar. Don't try with the starter. Also remember when you get to the point of turning over the engine that it is a 6 volt positive ground system, not like todays cars with 12 volt negative grounds. The wiring is so brittle now, that you could start a fire by putting voltage through it.
I'd make a plan of attack in your mind or on paper and take your time. Don't make a race out of it. If you do, you could lose interest real quick and end up selling at a loss.
Remember also, there's plenty of help right here on this forum, so askany questions you have, big or small. You'll never know... unless you ask!

Barry

50 F-1

 

Luke,

I just started (this week) trying to get a flathead V8 unstuck in what is either a 49 or 50 F1. See help with stuick flathead thread. Mine has been sitting since 1969. Check out pictures in my gallery. At least yours was a filed find. We had to cut down trees and move a bruch pile before we could get it out with a tractor.

Anyhow, no luck getting it to move yet. BTW, I have some information on a guy in PA who has a 6 cyl flattie he pulled out of a 50 F1 back in March. They guy wanted $300.00 for it and it did run when he pulled it out. Also comes with a ciolumn shift three speed and the steering coulumn and a few other goodies. Owner was hot rodding the truck. If you are interested, I can pass along the guy's contact information to you..

 

Expect the worst, Hope for the best. I'd try some kerosene and alot of 3-in-one oil and alot of time soaking. I had a farmer tell me once he got a old tractor to turn over by using Coca-Cola poured over the pistons and waited a few days. He said it was the old "original" Coke but the modern stuff may free it up also...never know.

Good Luck,dylan1952