i don't post very often, but i check in twice every day. i started to tear down my 49 f1 today after driving it around for a year.i have many question's on what i want to do. stock or street rod. tilt frt end or not. leave the flat head or not.the fender's have rust but can be saved with alot of work, bed too.just thought i would post and get some thought's from other's. thanks

 

Come to the dark side!! ,but first decide how much money you want to spend vs how much youre wife will let you.Also decide what truck will be used for 100 mi year or every day.How much time free to work on project.(More time after divorce but less money)How many tools missing that are needed to complete project.Have space to spread out project for time needed?Remember everything fixed or new, next to some thing old looks not so good.Remember that when you get to the "screw this stupid truck"point you are about half done!!!

 

Stay with the flatty! Nothing like the sound of a flathead starting up. If you want to stray, do it as a 50's hotrod.

Barry

50 F-1

 

I am also in the process of a teardown on a 49 F1. In that most of us like bodywork the least, I have decided that is what I am going to do first. 2 days ago I pulled the cab off the chassis and stripped it down to do necessary repairs. Today I started my attempt to save the roof. It was an ocean and now is a series of small puddles-more work needed. My fenders are very good but I have a new steel floor to spot weld into the bed like it was originally. I plan to do the chassis, the fun part, after all sheetmetal is in very good prime. Thats my plan and I plan to stick to it!

I agree with others that you need to decide first how you plan to use the truck and then formulate a plan. In my case it will be a mostly stock body with updated suspension, brakes and power train.

Good luck on your project.

 

I like to keep them stock, or as close as possible, but still not go too nuts that I am afraid to drive it down the street and have stone keep kick up into it. I don't have an endless pool of money to dip into so I do everything myself, or at least try to do everything myself. I also try to buy up all of the parts trucks I can afford, take off what I can use on my own trucks and sell the rest to help finance my truck projects.

All that being said, it's your truck and I think the first few post already offered all have go advice. It's your truck, do to it what you like and feel comfortable doing. I keep mine stock not only because I like them stock but it's easier for me to look in the shop manual if I have a problem and use the information in it to fix the problem. If I did a radical modification I wouldn't have any easy references to turn to. I don't know how to do major engine or driveline modifications, again, I don't have the financial resources to do them either. You have to judge your own skill level and be honest with yourself to what level you can go.

Have fun, keep posting and I'm sure if you have any questions with any way you decide to go you will be able to find answer here.

Bob

 

I agree with Bob, about staying stock being easier and more practical. Being an old Pennsylvania Dutchman (if any of you know about them) I also think staying stock is also cheaper than joining the dark side. I also like stock because it is fun to research how they looked originally and then try to match it.

abe

 

I'm with BobJ, the last thing I need is a truck with a $10,000 paint job, that I am afraid to drive for fear of someone opening their car door into it, or it getting wet or dirty and spoiling the finely waxed finish. If that's what you like, no problem, but there's a lot to be said for restraint (time- and money-wise). As "dark" as I've gone is converting to 12v with an alternator, and a gear reduction starter for the Flat V8. These are two weak points on old iron that could leave me stranded, and they make a big difference. But the rest of it is as close to stock as can be, because they're only stock once...

 

This question is going to get different opinions of course. You have to decide what you want. I prefer the darkside, slammed and tons of horsepower. But..... your not me. Check out different pictures of trucks and see what you like or what catches your interest. Then go for it.

 

Depends on how much time and cash.My 58 has a 71 351w 69 fmx tranny,9 inch rearend from a donor.Straightaxle front end.Not to bad to keep up.

 

No one can tell you what to do to your truck. Its a decision you will need to make for yourself, besides, you could ask 100 different people and youwould get 100 different answers.

Look around, check out other trucks, assess your abilitites and the abilities of yru checkbook and go from there. You have a great looking tuck!! I wish you well with it

Bobby

 

thank's bobby. i am going to stay with the flat head until the time come's to do something with it . it run's very good.i am going to do body work for now and may get complete new bed.part's for it are not that much less then a new bed kit. thank's for all the input. i have already done a 12 volt convershion with a gm one wire alt.will keep you all up on progress.