does anyone know if the spare tire mounted on the passenger side of the bed, a factory option or just one of those unique modifications. thanks.

 

I have seen photos of 51/52 F2&3 with the spare mounted on the driver's side. They appeared to be stock.

 

According to my parts books (I have several editions of the same book) The only years to have side mounted spares were from 53-56 and later. I searched the books and no mention of 48-52 F series as ever having side mounted spares. All idications show it mounted under the pickup box behind the rear axle. There may have been aftermarket kits to mount it on the side.

 

I have a passenger side spare mount on a 50 F3 that I am parting out. It is probably aftermarket. I would sell it for $15 plus shipping if you want it.

 

thanks everyone. i found a box from a 52 F3 with the side mounted spare which i am going to mount on my 49 F2. i was just intrigued by the spare configuration which i find rather unique.

 

The 47 and earlier had spares mounted on the box side with the fender indent. Possible that 52 F3 has an earlier box on it? The stake pockets should be straight and square if its a 52, and curvy early 50 and back.

 

excellent point there. the stake pockets are indeed "curvy".(front and rear).it's nice to know that the model of the bed would indeed be a closer match to the vintage of the truck. thanks.

 

OK, now I'm wondering if I have the correct bed on my '51. It has straight stake pockets. Is this correct or should it have the curvy ones?

 

Sounds like you have the right box on your 51. Ford made the switch in mid-50. In addition to the change in stake pockets, the raised panel was removed from the box side so the 48-early 50 rear fenders won't swap with the late 50-52's.

One consideration related to my last post on the 47 and earlier boxes is the fenders. While the box is very similar, the fenders are different between 47 and 49 models.

 

The mid 50 switch only applied to the F-1 series. The F-2 and 3 used the earlier bed from 48-52. I've parted several 51-52 F-2's and they had the early style bed sides. They had the curved stake pockets, raised or enbrossed side panels. If your bed has the flat panels and straight pockets, it is most likely the 53 or later bed. The F-250's had a long bed in 53 and later. Alot of time has passed since the truck was new, so a lot of changes by previous owners probably have been done. Do you have the "Ford" in script on the tailgate? 52 was the last year for that also.

 

Looks like this ol' dog just learned a new trick. Thanks for the info Barry, I'll copy that for later reference. - tim

 

http://brandons_51_f2.home.att.net/51F3.jpg

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/User_files/lewmon/3bb77ba73db321f9.jpg

here's another pic of a 51 F2-passenger side mount

 

Those are definitely not factory mounts. Ford would never let the spare tire rub on the cab like that. There's been alot of changes made by owners over the years and lots mfgr's got in on this by offering all sorts of add ons. look at the tons of different heaters you find in these trucks. Sears had a gold mine in the 40's and 50's offering all sorts of kits.

 

I have a Sept./Oct 1951 copy of "Ford Truck Times" with a feature entitled "Meet the F-2 Series." It has lots of contemporary F-2 and F-3 pictures and not one shows a side mount spare tire. Also, all the F-2 and F-3 Express trucks have the raised panel/curved stake pocket boxes.

Hope this helps.

Tony