Well boys I have done it again. 2 days ago I purchased a 1952 Ford
F-2 pickup. Emotion not analysis was the catalyst.

Anyway my questions are this: Is the F-2 a desireable model compared to the f-100 etc.? The truck looks to have had the stake bed added as the running boards are those of a metal bed pickup. Does a guy redo the wood or search for the metal bed?

Engine is original flathead, not running, but did when shut off.

Any and all comments welcome.

Don

 

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Don,

The F-1 is a more desirable truck than the F-2 because they are a smoother riding, faster truck and parts are easier to get. But I feel there is more of a challenge to restore a large truck than a F-1. F-1s are almost like building a small block C***y, there are a lot more parts out there for them. Check back on this board for the difference between the different size models. There are many interchangeable parts.

If you decide to keep it a flatbed you can use the running boards from a larger model truck. For a new flat bed you can try Northern Classics at:
[link:http://www.northernclassictrucks.com/|www.northernclassictrucks.com]
And for a replacement pickup box you can try:
[link:http://real-streetrods.com/dancarpenterspecialties/|http://real-streetrods.com/dancarpenterspecialties/]
I have never bought anything from either one of these companies, I found them on the net. I did email a person who bought a box from Dan Carpenter,no relation to Dennis but in the same general area in South Carolina, and he stated he was very pleased with the box. It did not have the raised panels on the sides like the stock F-2/3 box but otherwise looked good from the pictures he sent me. The box ran about $1300 plus shipping(The real killer)
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I have dealt with Northern Classis Trucks for replacement wood for my original 52 F3 7.5' stake. They also offer complete stake bodies complete with Ford script that I have compared to my original and honestly, they are outstanding. My opinion would be to search for a factory stake body (they are rare- took me 5 years to find something decent) and replace the wood. This is what I did and I have no regrets. By the way, you can use runningboards from F4 up to F6- but you will also have to get the correct supports as the pickup supports are too short.

Jeff


PS I like the proportions of the heavier models IMHO.

 

There is currently a flatbed with siderails on the truck. What about simply reworking the flatbed? The cab is in as good a condition as I could ask for. One small 1/2 dollar dent in the right fender, no rust.

Where do we match up the color and interior kits online?

Thank you, Don Reed

PS Is the F-2 a larger cab than the F-100?

Do the larger trucks have as much demand from the restoration or rod markets compared to the F-100's?

 

Search the archives for paint or color and you should come up with the info you're looking for.

The cabs from F1 thru F6 are identical. Also note that we're dealing with the first series - they weren't F100's until 53 - rather these are F1's. I know, old habits are hard to break......lol

Generally the market isn't as strong for the larger trucks as it is for the 1/2 tons at present, but seems to be growing. You probably won't recover your expenses, so if you plan to do this as an investment for resale, you might be better off doing a 1/2 ton.

 

Am going to make a driver out of the truck. We want to paint, upholst. in original fashion and am leaning towards working with the existing flatbed. Thanks, D

 

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The cabs for all the trucks are the same-F1 thru 8, I have a cab from a F7 firetruck on my F2. The only difference is the transmission cover, the different cabs have different holes for the shifter and parking brake, you have to patch and cut new holes.
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The F-2 being a 3/4 ton must have a larger rear end and frame?

What other differences between the F-1 and F-2?

Thanks, D

 

In simple terms, only the cab and the engine/radiator/hood/grille are the same - everything else is different.

 

Don, I have a 48 F3 I working on, but will be converting it to an F1. If you are going original, I may have some parts you can use. What do you need?

 

>Generally the market isn't as strong for the larger trucks
>as it is for the 1/2 tons at present, but seems to be
>growing. You probably won't recover your expenses, so if
>you plan to do this as an investment for resale, you might
>be better off doing a 1/2 ton.

I'd have to agree, Tim, about the larger truck market growing. Last time I checked, the "blue book" prices at various on-line sites showed the 53 through 56 series F-250 with a higher price than the F-100 for the same condition. Don't know about the earlier or later years.

There are definitely more parts out there for the F-100s although so far I've found that just about everything in front of the rear axle/drive shaft/rear springs is the same except for the running boards and emblems. If you look in the shop manual, a lot of the other items like the HD tranny, various tire and wheel sizes, and even the front spring options cross over between the two models.

I'd also agree that, if you really do a complete restoration, you probably won't recover your expenses - although you may come close. I'm about 1/3 through my 1956 F-250 and I've got $4,154.52 in the truck and $3,221.19 in tools. I figure I'll be doing well to get through with $12,000 in the truck. I might get that much if I ever sold it since it's really a complete restoration but I'd probably have to sell it in Florida where the trucks are expensive from what I've heard.

George

 

I also have the drive train out of my F2 From steering box and front axel and rear (no motor or trans which is why I made an F1 out of it)

 

Can any one tell me where I can find door hinges to replace the ones on my 1952 F2 cab

 

What's wrong with your door hinges now? There are no reproductions. I have a used set of four.