I want to find a bare frame for a F1. Are the frames the same for all years '48-'52? Is it correct that only F1 trucks had the 114" wheelbase?
I'm leaving next week for California and hope to find a frame somewhere in southern California or Arizona. Any help in locating a frame would be appreciated.

 

'52 is somewhat different to allow the OHV-6. The difference is in the shape of the two diagonals that the motor mounts sit on.

 

Yes, the 48-52 frames are all the same and only the F-1 of those years has a 114 inch wheelbase. The F-2 an F-3's are 122 wheelbase.

 

I don't know what this builder has in mind for his project but if I needed a frame and intended to tow a trailer with my truck, I may consider a F-3 and shorten the frame to 114 inches. I think a previous article covered this. Is this a worthwhile project option. Please give comments. He may not find a F-1 but finds a F-3 frame. Option, options, options. We live by options. chuck

 

I didn't state why I want to find a frame. I intend to build a rolling chassis for a truck project. I want to have the completed chassis ready before I dismantle my running driving truck. It might expedite the build, but I am also concerned if it will create legal problems by changing frames.

 

Only if someone spills the beans, lose lips sink ships! (and trucks)

 

Where were you about a year ago???

I parted out a 49 Panel truck (same frame) and tried to sell the frame. Since there were no takers, the truck and frame got scrapped. I'm in Northern California.







The F1 truck and Panel frames are the same (48-52). Doesn't matter what kind of engine is/was there. The 52 OHV 6 cyl engines required different "spacer" engine mounts to mount the engine to the frame.

 

Actually, it might. It depends on whether or not you have your current truck title and registration.

Or if you get stopped some day and some nosey COP wants to compare your registration to your VIN and asks to see it, then the stamped number and the one on your registration don't agree. I don't know about Illinois, but if that happens here in California, your truck gets impounded (at $45/day for a 30 day minimum) until you can prove you are the legal owner to the DMV AND the impounding officer signs a release.

If your project is not registered or titled, you are going to have to get a serial number inspection to do so.

If you have the Patent Data Plate, or the Rating Plate (on the inside of the glove box door - and they have the SAME number on them) then chances are you might be able to use the numbers on those to verify the serial number (despite the fact that it will now be different than the frame #). But don't! Use the new frame number.

I think most states are requiring the check to be the stamped frame numbers. So if you DO have your title or registration already, and you used the Patent Data or Rating plate to substantiate the serial number on them, then, maybe they will accept thatafter the swap. But it is very possible they will tell you, the vehicle listed on those no longer exists, and you will have to apply for a new title and registration. I wouldn't find out the hard way.

Moral of the story is you should retitle and re register the truck using the new frame's serial number. Hopefully the frame you pick up was never from a stolen truck.

Food for thought

J!

 

I guess I learned something new today about titles/tags/frames. My title calls the number a "Vehicle identification number". My glove box tag has no name but gives manifacture name, weight, engine number, series and model number. My outer firewall tag gives serial no., patent info, manifacture name. Now to the frame. It gives only serial number/vin. Frames are changed due to accidents, rust etc. The location of the frame number is hard to find with a sander etc. and it disappears when cutting the frame to install a modern front steering clip. Todays DMV people check title to the serial number seen on drivers side through the front window. In my last 40 years working and rebuilding corvettes, most tags were on a bar under the glove box. Even the experts only went to the frame number and engine number only if they were trying to identfy the car as having matching numbers. I know in the 1950/60's engines were replace under warrenty at the dealers. Before good frame machine were available frames were changed under new cars/trucks back during that period. (No title changes) On my old pickup the glove box gives the most information for matching the title. So I guess what ever happens is up to the DMV inspector. chuck

 

Replying to this thread in case rpol misses my other post from today.

Here's one I found on craigslist in the Sacramento area.
Ford 1952 F-1 pick up frame

 

Panel frames are different. The runningboard brackets are a bit longer and have more holes in them. In order to mount a standard long F1 truck board to them you will have to drill new holes. But the brackets can be replaced. Just an FYI. First hand experience here.