What would you do........
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 46
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From: Racine, WI
What would you do........
If you had a complete 1948 F-3 that was solid, with the original drive train and engine (Flathead V-8) Would you restore it original, or would you modify it in anyway? I am getting conflicting advice from my friends that look at it, (everything from body off resto, to chop it and rod it) so, I was just wondering what you guys who have been around these trucks for a while think about this?
Thanks in advance for the help!
John
Thanks in advance for the help!
John
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,980
Likes: 9,828
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Hello John, Welcome to the board!!
You are going to open up a can of worms with this one, just keep in mind that when its all said and done, its your truck and you can do with it as you see fit.
As for my opinion, the way I look at things is this, if the vehicle is mostly complete and in good condition I lean towards the restoration side of things. If the vehicle is already fairly hammered then I lean towards the "darkside" (as the custom world is referred to around here)
You could always go the middle of the road route also and keep the outside apperances close to stock and update the drivetrain to modern standards for safety and reliability reasons.
Whichever way you decide to go you have come to the right place for answers, advice, good natured ribbing, etc, etc, etc
Good luck
Bobby
You are going to open up a can of worms with this one, just keep in mind that when its all said and done, its your truck and you can do with it as you see fit.
As for my opinion, the way I look at things is this, if the vehicle is mostly complete and in good condition I lean towards the restoration side of things. If the vehicle is already fairly hammered then I lean towards the "darkside" (as the custom world is referred to around here)
You could always go the middle of the road route also and keep the outside apperances close to stock and update the drivetrain to modern standards for safety and reliability reasons.
Whichever way you decide to go you have come to the right place for answers, advice, good natured ribbing, etc, etc, etc
Good luck
Bobby
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
John -
I am a darksider. I always wanted a hot rod. I just got a late start. That said, the biggest reason I rodded my 56 was that it was already well on its way in that direction when I got it.
Now that I have played with it for a couple of years (and, yes, I LOVE my truck), If I had a reasonably clean restorable F3, I would restore it, absolutely. If I were to sell this one and get another, it would be with the idea of a frame up restoration. They are just cool, IMO.
FWIW.
I am a darksider. I always wanted a hot rod. I just got a late start. That said, the biggest reason I rodded my 56 was that it was already well on its way in that direction when I got it.
Now that I have played with it for a couple of years (and, yes, I LOVE my truck), If I had a reasonably clean restorable F3, I would restore it, absolutely. If I were to sell this one and get another, it would be with the idea of a frame up restoration. They are just cool, IMO.
FWIW.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 39
From: Minnesota
If the truck is in good shape I would either restore it or make it good looking daily driver. If it needed a lot of work I would lean towards the drakside. I have an F3 that the metal is in fairly good shape. I am keeping the body as is and updating the drive train for better safer braking and better gas mileage.
Originally Posted by John's 48
If you had a complete 1948 F-3 that was solid, with the original drive train and engine (Flathead V-8) Would you restore it original, or would you modify it in anyway? I am getting conflicting advice from my friends that look at it, (everything from body off resto, to chop it and rod it) so, I was just wondering what you guys who have been around these trucks for a while think about this?
Thanks in advance for the help!
John
Thanks in advance for the help!
John
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Racine, WI
Thanks for the advice so far. I look forward to other's opinions. I am heavily leaning towards an all original resto. That all depends on how well the engine runs out. I should know more about that in a few weeks.
Thanks again!
John
Thanks again!
John
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 335
Likes: 6
From: Ames, Iowa
I personally don't have the patience or resources for an original restoratin, but I would keep it as original as I could. In other words, upgrade what is worn, but keep the good parts on the truck.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: OK
Well, when I started with my '48' F-1 it had the Flathead V-8 and granny-gear four-speed and the body was pretty solid. I have hot roddded it and I love it! But that it is what like. The final decision is up to you.
hotrod48
hotrod48
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Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,980
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From: Rio Rancho, NM
John, I just saw the picture of your truck that you posted in your other thread. That is a good looking truck!! Whichever way you decide to go you have a great starting point!!!
Bobby
Bobby
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Durham NC
Start with a paper and pencil.
Decide what you primarily want the truck for first: daily driver, going to shows/runs, tooling around town on sunny Sundays, parades and such, work vehicle, etc. Next make a collumn of the attributes that would best meet that purpose, i.e. daily driver: dependability, good accelleration/top speed for highway driving, good gas milage, obtaining repair parts quickly/easily/inexpensively, comfortable ride, driving ease, stand out on the highway, length of time to put on road, cost, ability/interest in doing the needed work, fun factor, etc etc. Next to that collumn make collumns for each type of vehicle: frame off resto, cosmetic resto, resto rod, street rod, custom. now give each type a score for each attribute on your list on a 1-5 scale. (Be honest, and figure any time/cost estimates you make, no matter how conservative, are going to take 3 times longer and be twice as expensive) Double the score for fun factor. Add up the scores and that should tell you what is the best route for you.
Decide what you primarily want the truck for first: daily driver, going to shows/runs, tooling around town on sunny Sundays, parades and such, work vehicle, etc. Next make a collumn of the attributes that would best meet that purpose, i.e. daily driver: dependability, good accelleration/top speed for highway driving, good gas milage, obtaining repair parts quickly/easily/inexpensively, comfortable ride, driving ease, stand out on the highway, length of time to put on road, cost, ability/interest in doing the needed work, fun factor, etc etc. Next to that collumn make collumns for each type of vehicle: frame off resto, cosmetic resto, resto rod, street rod, custom. now give each type a score for each attribute on your list on a 1-5 scale. (Be honest, and figure any time/cost estimates you make, no matter how conservative, are going to take 3 times longer and be twice as expensive) Double the score for fun factor. Add up the scores and that should tell you what is the best route for you.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 5
From: Tucson AZ
I like the idea of a resto-rod, I have done a couple and it is a fun thing to see how much original stuff you can keep that will work on a rod-truck. IE, we did one and used the original floor shift mechanism as a gear selector for an AOD, adapted the original steering column to a late model box and modified the original oil bath air filter to take a K&N filter. It really fooled a lot of people. Bottom line, do what you like.........
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,730
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From: Waynesville, OH
Maybe you could find a way to sell or trade the solid truck to somebody that would restore it, as it's in such good shape. Then you could find another one that's not so nice and go at it if you want to do a hot rod.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,005
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From: Santa Clarita
I'm a darksider also. It's personal taste and you need be confortable with your decision on whether to restore or modify. I love street rods and anything that isn't original. I own an original restored 66 Mustang, and I've left it totally original. I rarely drive it, because to me its boring. It beautiful, and classic looking,and I get compliments on it, But it's Boring! That's me. I'm the type that buys my wife a new car on the lot, brings it home and tears it apart. Definitely needs to have a lower stance, a rumble to the engine, and be able to leave some stripes on the pavement and look good doing it.
Last edited by imlowr2; Aug 22, 2005 at 01:24 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
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I fall into the restoration camp, but I also want to drive it. That's why I made a few modifications to mine that greatly enhance the drivability yet could be changed back to stock fairly easily. The biggest one is the rear end ratio which will probably necessitate a Ford 9" swap since I found gears impossible to find. I also like 12V with an alternator. Oh, and radial tires too. I drive my truck just about everywhere now and enjoy every minute of it. I've got about 4K on my rebuilt flathead 8 with zero problems so far (once the initial bugs were worked out). In the end it's your truck so only you know what will bring you the most enjoyment. BTW it looks like you've got a pretty good solid truck to start with. Have fun. John
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Freshman User
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From: Racine, WI
Thanks all for the input! I guess I should have added that I have no intention of entering the truck in any shows. I want to take it for pleasure rides, and to local Ford Club get togethers. We also have a local hamburger joint that has a get together every Saturday Night, and I'd like to take it to those as well. I thought I would like to "scoop the loop" in Zion, IL when that event comes around too. Anyway, I really appreciate the input! I have looked at many of your galleries and you guys have some awesome looking trucks!
Thanks again!
John
Thanks again!
John