Finally started my project
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 165
From: Harpswell Maine
Finally started my project
I pulled Willard, My 49 F-1 that I have owned since 1977, out of dead storage today to start a total redo. I did drive it for over 10 years including a cross country trip in 1978 prior to putting it into storage. Having recently retired I have more time than when doing past restorations.
The rear brakes were locked up tight (original Dana rear) so I decided to put the 72 F100 9 inch rear under to move it. I was surprised when I went to R&R the rear and found over 1/2 of the rear leaves were broken! I knew that I had a few broken leaves but not that many! Has anyone else seen this level of destruction? The good news is that I have a set of good used F-1 springs.
When I bought Willard in San Jose the flathead was already history with it running a 56 Buick nailhead. I am doing the truck as a street truck with a 350 Vortec, 700R4. 3.70 9 inch rear and a XJ Jag sedan front end. I have collected the pieces over time and now is the time to put it all together. Even though I have done multiple restorations in the past I am like a kid again as I start the project.
The rear brakes were locked up tight (original Dana rear) so I decided to put the 72 F100 9 inch rear under to move it. I was surprised when I went to R&R the rear and found over 1/2 of the rear leaves were broken! I knew that I had a few broken leaves but not that many! Has anyone else seen this level of destruction? The good news is that I have a set of good used F-1 springs.
When I bought Willard in San Jose the flathead was already history with it running a 56 Buick nailhead. I am doing the truck as a street truck with a 350 Vortec, 700R4. 3.70 9 inch rear and a XJ Jag sedan front end. I have collected the pieces over time and now is the time to put it all together. Even though I have done multiple restorations in the past I am like a kid again as I start the project.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
From: Meta, MO
This (late) summer my project has been replacing the rear springs on my 48 F1 with my parts truck springs.
On my parts truck, I had 1 broken spring on each pack (2nd from bottom on each).
On my original truck, I have just removed the drivers side and have found the lower 4 springs broken, the top (main) spring broken and I wouldn't be surprised to see cracks in a few more of the remaining springs if I took it that far apart. I can't wait to see what the passenger side looks like...
On my parts truck, I had 1 broken spring on each pack (2nd from bottom on each).
On my original truck, I have just removed the drivers side and have found the lower 4 springs broken, the top (main) spring broken and I wouldn't be surprised to see cracks in a few more of the remaining springs if I took it that far apart. I can't wait to see what the passenger side looks like...
Glad to hear your able to startin on her! sounds like fun!
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
Congrats on the start of your project. It's neat to have a truck that long and finally get started with the grand plan. Your ideas for it sound great.
As to springs, the PO of my 56 removed all but three leaves from each rear spring and added coil-over shocks (go figure!) When I removed one of the rear wheels, I noticed that the main (top) leaf was busted through completely with the blunt end curled up right in front of the axle housing. The other side was the same! The only thing holding the springs together was the front shackle that clamps the leaves together.
Both coilovers were busted too. The shock center shaft was severed at the upper end, but captured in the upper cup, so they looked OK on inspection. When I unbolted the lower shock mounting bolt, the shock fell off onto the ground. The other side was the same.
I thought it was a little too squirrely when I punched it!
As to springs, the PO of my 56 removed all but three leaves from each rear spring and added coil-over shocks (go figure!) When I removed one of the rear wheels, I noticed that the main (top) leaf was busted through completely with the blunt end curled up right in front of the axle housing. The other side was the same! The only thing holding the springs together was the front shackle that clamps the leaves together.
Both coilovers were busted too. The shock center shaft was severed at the upper end, but captured in the upper cup, so they looked OK on inspection. When I unbolted the lower shock mounting bolt, the shock fell off onto the ground. The other side was the same.
I thought it was a little too squirrely when I punched it!
