what do i do with a '48?
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New User
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: idaho
what do i do with a '48?
I am currently lookin at a 1948 Ford 1 1/2 ton truck to restore or rod out. I also have access to a '48 1 ton. Both are in excellent shape (good body, glass, running gear, etc...) QUESTION IS: Am I better off stickin to the original frame and motor, or findin a new [font=verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif][font=verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif]chassis[/font][/font] and startin new. I guess it all comes down to if I want a bigger truck, all original, or make it a rodder. If I ditched the frame, what would mate up with the least amount of headache? If I stuck with the frame, then what?, new axles, new motor, ???? I am torn both ways. Any Advice?? PLEASE HELP!!!!!!
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
If they're in excellent shape I would just get them cleaned up and running good. Use them as they are. The major problems with these big trucks, F-4 through F-6 is the wheels. The factory wheels are a bad design and no one will work on them. Do a search of this site on "wheels" and you should find many threads on this subject. If yo can't search the site because your new use Google. The other problem with the F-5 and F-6 is they have a dual wall frame and tend to develope rust between the two layers. Take a look at the frame for excess rust.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
It's harder to rod a big truck than a small one. Parts are harder to find and the trucks are less amenable to suspension modifications. Make up your mind which you want before you go much further. The large truck cabs will fit on an F-1 frame but then you would need F-1 fenders, running boards, and bed. When I bought my F-3 I found out quickly that parts for it like fenders, beds, and running boards were not easy to find so I converted it to an F-1 and never looked back. The F-1 parts are so much easier to come by... 
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: idaho
I think I will stick to the original setup, however look into getting newer wheels. The body and frame are in excellent shape and I dont want to ruin what is there. I looked at a website called alcoawheels, and think that might be the route to go. Are there others who have the "BIG" trucks. I know there not as popular as the smaller half tons, but I like 'em. Please let me know of any problems that you may have encountered. I am anxious to get started this summer and can use all the help that I can get.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
I have a F-4, basically the same as the F-5 and 6 but with a single wall, lighter frame. I have rims from a early '70s to mid '80s RV with a Dodge chassis. These are 19.5" tubeless wheels. You can also find the snap ring type 20" they were used on older IH, Studebaker and Dodge trucks. All of these wheels are out there you just have to look. One bit of advice, keep you bad wheels, if you find a private person with an old RV or truck that trashed but has good wheel you can make a deal to buy their wheels and replace them with your bad wheels so their junker can be hauled off. It's kind of hard to haul off a big RV or truck without wheels. That's how I got my wheels.
Alcoa doesn't make wheels with the five bolt hold pattern any more. Stockton Wheels occationallly gets used ones in but they told me it's not that often. There's also a place on the East Coast that was concidering making a run of 19.5" wheels for the vintage RV guys but I have checked out any farther since I got my wheels.
Alcoa doesn't make wheels with the five bolt hold pattern any more. Stockton Wheels occationallly gets used ones in but they told me it's not that often. There's also a place on the East Coast that was concidering making a run of 19.5" wheels for the vintage RV guys but I have checked out any farther since I got my wheels.
