Just outta curiosity... what's a running '49 F2 worth these days? The bed has the usual wood that needs to be replaced, stake pockets are rusted, fenders and running boards could use a little love, but the cab exterior and interior are in good shape. The wiring is all good, runs well, could use a radiator replacement. I know this is very little info, but I just wanted to get some idea... thank you.

 

That's subjective... but I'd venture about $2k.

~Jason

 

This subject has come up often. Depends a lot on where the truck is, what part of the country is it located. I see in your profile you're in CA but where's the truck? In the southwest I would think you could still find them, they might be getting a little scarce but up here in the upper Midwest they are getting next to impossible to find. Also a evaluation of rust is also subject to where you're located. If you're in a dry warm area solid surface rust may be a huge detriment, again here, if it's running and still attached to the frame but has rust holes that you can put your hand through it could be considered fixable.

In this area if a truck like like this turned up I would agree with Jason, maybe $2K. If it was in New Mexico and had rust outs I would assume maybe $500.

Also, just because the wiring looks good it doesn't mean it doesn't need to be replaced. 50+ year old wiring will need replacing. The radiator will cost around $300-400 to fix or replace. The least it will need is a record, like the wiring, the 50+ radiator will need work. Body parts like the running boards and box and rear fenders are very hard to find in decent condition for the larger trucks, no one makes reproduction parts. If the ones on the truck are repairable that's great. The stake pockets are different than the F-1's and no one that I know makes reproductions so you'll have to repair what you have.

Check out my parts interchange page: Body Part Interchange Guide

I'm not posting this to discourage you, I just wanted to let you know what you'd be getting yourself into and you have to add this in with the cost of the truck to see if it fits our budget. The F-1 are easier trucks to find body parts. Front and rear fenders are made in fiberglass only. You can find reproduction steel running boards and boxes in steel. None of these parts will fit the F-2. Other parts like cab parts, hoods and grills will interchange between all models up to F-6. I have this all listed on the page I have the link to.

BTW, welcome to the board. You've come to the best place on the web for information on Ford trucks.

 

I already have the truck, so was just curious what kinda value these rigs have. It seems that total rust buckets with no engine, tranny, glass, etc. are over $1K.

 

Hell, finished they're not much more than like $6k... at least that's what I've seen. Bob may know better.

~Jason

 

I wouldn't pay anywhere near $1K for a truck like you discribed but I know of people who have. They end up sticking a lot of money into them than they'll ever get out of them. I've also seen some decent restorable trucks that run not sell for $1500 or completely finished trucks for $10K not sell. I don't think most people realize what it takes to get a rusty hulk back on the road in decent condition.

You have to do it for the love of the hobby, not to make a profit. I personally think I have a lot more into my trucks than what I can get for them. I do it because I like old Ford trucks.

 

Ain't THAT the truth?

Case in point: Original Ford flathead V8 Truck F2 F1 for sale in San Diego, California.

Seriously - click the above link. You'll be glad you did!

~Jason

 

That disgusting! I'd honestly wouldn't want a truck as nice as that, I'd be afraid to take it out on the road. It is a really nice truck. I wonder how close to his price he got.

 

I don't know, but for $33k I'd would have liked to see a more vibrant looking engine. The engine looks dirty and the colors are faded.

In my opinion, that truck was over-restored. No way did it look like that when it left the factory.

 

"Over-restored" Huh, never heard that one before. I just got done spending 2 days putting stupid little paper stickers all over the undercarriage of a restored Olds 442 Convertible. This guy will never be able to drive through a puddle. But, hey, thats why they have concurs shows. And you should see the judging manuals for these cars. Lunacy how detailed we have to be. Next, I get to break out the markers and "mark" every single bolt head under the car. Woohoo. And yes, lots of people spend money on this. Actually, if the paint and body looks as good as that, $33 grand is right in the ballpark. For a shiny engine, add another 6-10K and ask how many hours of media blasting, polishing, detailing it took to get it that way.

I paid about 1k for my F1. Solid truck, only rust was in the very bottom of the front fenders. All original, original owner (his Dad), parked in the barn in '73. Came with 3 flathead engines. I researched the dates on the truck and everything lines up. This was in ND. Even have the original title and plates. Can you believe this was the title he gave to me for the sale paperwork. Its freaking parchment now. Haha. I am negotiating with the state to be able to keep the original title and not have it turned it. I wouldn't dare head east and buy anything older than 20 years. Cancer patients. The money spent traveling to a dry climate and bringing it back for 2 small rust spots really wasn't worth it to me.

 

I agree. :P

But it's what I hold up as a benchmark of PRISTINE, PERFECT, and as such, show a lot of folks when they ask why I won't take my truck much past a cleaned up, serviceable daily driver. It's a truck... and I mean, you have to use 'em as such!

It was this very truck that finalized my decision to use Rust-O-Leum... I really WOULD be afraid to take that one out on the road, much less to haul a freakin' couch in it (or an engine block )!

~Jason

 

Here's the F2's older brother...

1951 Ford F1 pickup