Finally long awaited & promised 1ST-RIDE pics . Had it out of the garage for it's monthly start up and took some pics . What would you haul in this ? Only 2 things & they both start with a and have 3 letters .One is air & the other you can figure out . See gallery for additional pics .

 

 

WOW, You got some skills Denny, It nice to know my wiper switch (EBAY)may have come out of that awesome piece. NICE GOING.
John

 

Very nice work. Looks great. That is the only problem with a nice bed like that. The only thing you can haul is air. It will be great to drive and watch the reaction you get from anyone lucky enough to see it. Enjoy!!!!

Gil

 

Super nice bed!

 

HOLY BAD NEWS FOR CHEVY OWNERS!

You've GOT to look at this galley he has!!!

1952 Ford F1 4x2 - 1ST-RIDE

 

Very nice truck, good pictures too!

One of your comments is that the front fender supports (off the radiator saddle) were deleted during '52, so yours is early '52. Where did you hear that? News to me!

 

Ross , on page 9 of the LMC truck catalog middle right it states that this is one of the only few changes from the '51 .I know the braces were on the 1ST-RIDE & they are present on the '51 big trucks F-5 .I know this for I had to cut thru them to remove the lower gravel pan you see on the truck .I cut the panel out big and every one of the 5/16 fine thread nuts turned off . Some had only 2 rows of thread .They won't break off when you want them to and will when you need the stud .I think every piece of the 1ST-RIDE has a story .It should for it has taken yrs. to get it to the current stage .Almost have the form made for the carbon fiber trans cover and the panels under the seats plus the console will be formed 1/2 " ply , African mahogany veneer with maple inlay around the edges .Should be real trick .So just have the interior to finish ,hang the doors & fenders ( these are all ready and waiting ) fasten the running boards ( also done ) turn key ,push starter press gas pedal and watch all the other drivers so they do not hit me so I am not obligated to commit assault on them .Thanks so far for all the positive responce from my peers on FTE.

 

The only thing I can think of that was deleted between '51 and '52 were the bolts at the lower rear of the inner fenders, that connected the inner fenders to the frame. These usually got torn up from movement of the cab/front end relative to the frame. I can't think what would connect to the gravel pan. anyway, your truck looks great!

 

Thats one SWEET truck! Nice job. Hope mine turns out that great!

 

Air and......an Ape?......an Axe?......uhhhhh, an Ant?
Your truck looks great.....nothing gawdy....just really really clean!

 

What paint is on the bed? Was it a several coat system?

I've looked at some paint lately and it all seems to come as a base coat, effect coat, and a top coat with clear optional.

 

Firstrider

Now I see why you got the second truck. You need an everyday truck, that is just to pretty and valuable to take out of the garage!

 

congratulations on a great ride and great pictures, thanks for sharing them. It makes me even more anxious about my upcoming ''first ride''

 

The bed boards are ash with 1 coat of Gemini light oak stain .2 coats of sealer ,sanded with 20 micron in between and 8 coats of Alphatic Urethane ( 2 part system ) block sanded with 1000 betwen coats (8 boards x 2 hrs. ea. set = 16 hrs total block sanding time ) They look like wet glass . Merten , you are 100% on all accounts .I like how you think .Lakotas53 , it takes a ton of time and a whole lot of patience .