Acquiring a 45 Ford.
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From: Galloway, OH
Acquiring a 45 Ford.
My Dad got all gung-ho over a 45 Ford Pick-UP and bought it. Where should I start. What are some things posters in here wish they would have done first or even never had done? Im just looking to steer dad right and Ill have to steer him to a valuable resource called forums. 
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From: Orange County, CA
First, welcome the the '47 and older Forum. You'll find lots of info here, as most of the regulars have the '42-'47 Fords, with others having '40-'41. The one thing I would recommend, is that unless your dad, or you, has all the money to do everything right away, to work on the truck in steps. So many projects are abandoned after a new owner goes wild, tears the truck down, then is left with a pile of parts. It's much more satisifying to be able to drive the truck while working on it. Go over the truck, make a list of things it needs, and prioritize them, it'll make it go much better. Is the truck running? What kind of issues does it have with the body or other mechanical items? Do a search online, you'll find a few sites about these trucks that will also provide some help. Good luck, keep us posted, and get some pictures up when you get a chance, I would love to see the truck.
You'll find lots of info here, as most of the regulars have the '42-'47 Fords, with others having '40-'41. The one thing I would recommend, is that unless your dad, or you, has all the money to do everything right away, to work on the truck in steps. So many projects are abandoned after a new owner goes wild, tears the truck down, then is left with a pile of parts. It's much more satisifying to be able to drive the truck while working on it. Go over the truck, make a list of things it needs, and prioritize them, it'll make it go much better. Is the truck running? What kind of issues does it have with the body or other mechanical items? Do a search online, you'll find a few sites about these trucks that will also provide some help. Good luck, keep us posted, and get some pictures up when you get a chance, I would love to see the truck.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Southern Oregon
Except for wishing I had chosen a different machine shop for the motor work, I should have boxed the frame. IMHO it is mandatory if choosing a replacement motor for the flatty. Now it will be more difficult, although I plan on doing it when I put in a new 292.
My best upgrade is the front disc brakes.
My best upgrade is the front disc brakes.
Last edited by 46yblock; Jul 12, 2006 at 08:46 AM.
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From: Orange County, CA
Yeah, in '45 there were civie trucks built, but like Mike said, not many. Ford brought back the most popular models first, models such as the panels and 1 tons were to come back a little later. There were '42 trucks built, though it was a short production yeah, so again, not as many were made as later years. The 75,088 is the production numbers for the '46 1/2 tons, so 1 tons and bigger are not taken into account in those numbers.
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From: Morgan Hill, CA
Gary- I just noticed your sig and the Ranchero. I actually was out cruising my 64 Falcon Convert with a 289 and a four speed last night. I was looking through this forum because my dad's 32 Woodie Wagon might fall in this category.
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From: Orange County, CA
Fat Diesel, you bring up an interesting point about the '32 Woody. Technically, Ford called them commercial vehicles, which means trucks. Today they are thought of as cars, but early on they were considered trucks. So by that definition they would be correct for this forum.
The Ranchero is my Dad's run about to do light hauling. It's a 200 with a C4, but that will be changed this summer as we hope to drop a 289 and C4 in, already converted the truck to 5 lug suspension and 8" rear.
The Ranchero is my Dad's run about to do light hauling. It's a 200 with a C4, but that will be changed this summer as we hope to drop a 289 and C4 in, already converted the truck to 5 lug suspension and 8" rear.
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From: Galloway, OH
Nice Falcon
I love those little cars. They seem a bit feminine but when they rumble good, I tend to overlook that. With something under te hood I realy like these. Dad gave me some pics of his Truck Im going to post. It looks quite *******ed with funky looking parts but there are good points. Should keep him busy though. Im worried its to much for an inexperienced bodyman. Hopefully he keeps close the the guy that sold it to him. The guys can do pretty nice work.(I dont think he did the customizing on this currently) 
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From: Charleston Illinois
neat
I really like the different headlight arangement, and the grill. Will this have some kind of grill bar arrangement, or will it stay open like it is? The spider web looks a little too small to me.
Are those exaust pipes running over the rear fenders?
The front fender I can see, looks like it is rippled pretty bad in the front. Mine were just as bad. It is fixable, but took a long time.
I don't think it's too much for an inexperienced body man, but it will take some patience, and the willingness to do things more than once to get it right.
That's a nice chop too, would you be using a one piece windshield when finished?
I would be very interestd in knowing where the fuel filler got moved to.
This truck will be really cool finished. I wish I had more time to experiment with some custom work on my own. Thanks for posting the pics. I hope you keep us updated on the progress.
Are those exaust pipes running over the rear fenders?
The front fender I can see, looks like it is rippled pretty bad in the front. Mine were just as bad. It is fixable, but took a long time.
I don't think it's too much for an inexperienced body man, but it will take some patience, and the willingness to do things more than once to get it right.
That's a nice chop too, would you be using a one piece windshield when finished?
I would be very interestd in knowing where the fuel filler got moved to.
This truck will be really cool finished. I wish I had more time to experiment with some custom work on my own. Thanks for posting the pics. I hope you keep us updated on the progress.
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From: Galloway, OH
I had a huge post and logged off!
Man I had a huge post to respond to your comments Fix but I clicked out. I really like the rims with the truck. Really nice with that body style. The shark avatar was a really nice touch. 
Just wanted to post a couple more pics to initiate the Truck project.
Just wanted to post a couple more pics to initiate the Truck project.
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From: Charleston Illinois
teeth
I think the wheels will look great, with beauty rings and baby moons.
This truck is going to look great when finished. you should start a gallery for it so we can all follow along in the build process.
(about the avatar) The teeth are cardboard. I cut them out for Halloween last year, and ran red neon under the hood. I put green neon in the cab with a ghostly driver. The neighbor kids seemed to like it.
I was nice and didn't hook up the air horns.
This truck is going to look great when finished. you should start a gallery for it so we can all follow along in the build process.
(about the avatar) The teeth are cardboard. I cut them out for Halloween last year, and ran red neon under the hood. I put green neon in the cab with a ghostly driver. The neighbor kids seemed to like it.
I was nice and didn't hook up the air horns.
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