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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

Running board differences

Old Nov 2, 2005 | 11:56 AM
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Running board differences

Gentlemen,
While scrounging through wrecking yards recently I stumbled upon a set of running boards from a 51 F3 (it had the long bed and 8 lug wheels). the boards were already unbolted from the truck and were laying loose in the bed so I bought them. Boy, was I surprised when I got them home and compared them with what I have. There is a huge difference. Is this difference just between the smaller F1's and the larger trucks or is it the difference between the 48-50 and the 51, 52's. I knew the length would be different

In these pics my original 49 F1 boards are on the right


 
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Old Nov 2, 2005 | 01:49 PM
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What I have determined from the different trucks I have had the board on the left in your picture, the one with no lip, is from a later truck, maybe a '51 to 52. The one on the right, the one with the wide lip, is from an earlier truck, '48-50. All of the '51-52 trucks I have had, F-1 through F-6, had the lipless boards, short and long, while the '48-50 had the lipped boards. I am not sure when they changed or if one type of board was made at one plant and the other at another plant and used all the way from '48 to 52, I am just assuming they changed boards mid way through the production of the Bonus Built models. Kind of like the raised boxes on the F-1 that they changed to flat sides midway through the '50 production. I am also assuming Ford trim down the boards in the later models to save on material costs.
 
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Old Nov 2, 2005 | 03:14 PM
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Bob,
I appreciate the info. The boards came from 51 longbed. I probably wouldn;thave bought them at all except that they were already loose in the back of the truck and I'm lazy.
I still can't decide if I'm going to keep them to use as patch panels for mine or if I should sell them.

Thanks again
Bobby
 
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Old Nov 2, 2005 | 03:22 PM
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Bobby,

Like with everything else pertaining to these old trucks, I would hate to see you cut them up if they're in decent shape. No one makes reproduction boards for the larger trucks. I have an extra set that are in rough shape but I am keeping them, like the spare front clip, for a spare set in case something happens to the nice ones I have on my F-2. Maybe someone on this board needs a pair for their F-2 or 3 but only has a smaller set for a F-1, hopefully you two will get together and help each other out. You never know.
 
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Old Nov 2, 2005 | 03:34 PM
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Bob,
I think the same way as you do and do not like to see parts cut up or destroyed, especially if someone has a need for them. More than likely I will try and sell or trade them.

Any part that I take off of my truck in my "darkside" pursuits I typically try and find a home for. I just cannot see taking anything to the dump knowing that somewhere out there someone may need it for their truck.

Thanks for your concerns and advice
Bobby
 
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Old Nov 2, 2005 | 03:53 PM
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I think if you'll check Ebay or Hemmings you'll find that those boards are gold. I got out bid a while back on a near perfect set. They ended up selling for over $600. I then turned around and bought a donor truck just to get its pristine boards. Stu
 
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Old Nov 2, 2005 | 04:48 PM
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Stu, No way?? $600?? wow! I didn't think they were that much. They are not pristine though. The lower lip on both boards is a little buggered up (I don't think I've ever seen any that weren't) but the top middle sections are not rusted thrugh at all.

I'll look at them a little more closely and maybe take some better pics. It looks like they may be sold to finance other parts for my truck

Thanks
Bobby
 
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Old Nov 2, 2005 | 05:41 PM
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Bobby,

That's the way to go.
 
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Old Nov 2, 2005 | 05:59 PM
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Over $600, like $675 if my memory serves. I jumped off before bidding got stupid. I've also seen a set with patches welded in go for near $100. Look in Hemmings too. Mike Dennis and and Glenn Marion commonly have them listed. One or the other usually lists a price. It's always the right side that's bent up the most. If yours can be straightened, you'll do well. Stu
 
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Old Nov 2, 2005 | 06:43 PM
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yeah, those things are a tough thing to find. I just bought a set for my F-3 that look like heck (but fixable) and I paid $75 for the pair. If they are straight, and not too badly rusted, they could make you some $$.

I saw one very good pair go for over $800 out of Hemmings
 
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Old Nov 2, 2005 | 06:54 PM
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I've never seen a set that were straight or rustfree! I just got my brand new ones from Sac Vintage Ford; they are excellent! Fit is 100% perfect. Made in USA, too. For the purist, they are made in a different manner than stock (at the curves in front), but I could care less. I can't believe how much time I wasted trying to straighten my old ones...
 
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Old Nov 2, 2005 | 07:15 PM
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There's a big difference in how hard you'll try to straighten them if you don't have the option of buying new. Like has been said here many times, just about everything is being repop'ed for the F-1, but not so for the express bed trucks. Stu
 
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Old Nov 2, 2005 | 07:49 PM
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I didn't get home before dark so didn't get a chance to take better pics of them. I do know that they are tweaked on the bottom edges, not smashed flat but tweaked. Like Ross said...aren't they all

Stu, is that what they call the long beds? "express beds"

Bob, thanks, like I said I'd prefer to see any take-off part go to someone who can use it. There have been several instances where I've shipped parts to people and have asked for nothing more than to cover the shipping.

I'll try and get some better pics and see what I can do about finding a nice home for these orphans.

Bobby
 
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Old Nov 3, 2005 | 01:39 AM
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Correct. The eight foot beds were termed "express" beds. They are longer, wider, and taller than the F-1 variety. Rear fenders were special too. None of the pieces are being repoped. Stu
 
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Old Nov 3, 2005 | 10:47 AM
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Here are 2 pages out of my original 1952 F-2, F-3 dealer brochure that give details on the express box.


 
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