Got a question for the knowledgeable professionals out there. I have an opportunity to embark on a restoration with a 1951 Ford F1, rebuilt original flathead 6, original rebuilt 3-spd tranny, both rebuilt circa 2005. The body is in great condition with no rust at all. It needs paint, glass, interior and wiring. On top of that, more front and rear fender and bed parts to have around. All original chrome pieces and buying it from the orignal owner who had it stored in a barn for 15+ years. All priced under $3000!
Would I be an idiot not to jump on it? Any horror stories with finding parts or rebuild problems?

Look forward to hearing from you. Thanks

 

Uhhh, just where is this old hunk of junk......do you have his number handy....????LOL

Finding good sheetmetal is the hardest part for the 51-2 models. And F-1's in particular. If you've got a good, solid truck, with good spares, plus a freshly rebuilt drivetrain, I'd say you've got the beginnings of a very easy project. One that would be the envy of many folks here. Anything else you may need to finish the job shouldn't be too hard to find.

Good luck, and post pics here if you bring it home.

 

Sounds like a deal to me! If you're looking for an old bucktooth that one sounds like a great candidate...

 

Welcome to the 48-60 Forum!

If the truck is as you describe and in good condition just needing pain (no rust throughs) the truck should sell as it is for around $15K.

One important thing to look for is whether it is a standard Five Star cab or a Five Star Extra Cab. Can you get a picture of it. If it has a "Chrome" strip around th ewindshiled and hood spears that look like this, it's probably a Extra Cab - worth even more. Drivers side door lock, chrome wings, glove box door lock are also Extra Cab options

Pics:




And here is a thread with buying advice on Bonus Built Trucks!

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...-look-for.html

For $3000, I'd jump on that tomorrow - even if it was run down!

 

Thank you for your input as I am now the proud owner of an Effie. It's in the garage and I've slowly started working on it. I'm finding that last owners repairs were filling in dents instead of banging them out. Got a good metal worker on hand to help.

 

It is mandatory that you post pics as often as you can; we luv pics.

 

Will do, I have some on the camera I will have to download....soon to follow

 

HMMMMMM?????

OK, is it really and "Effie?" That is to say a 1953-56 Ford Truck?

Or is it a "Bonus Built" - 48-50 F-Series?

Or is it an "Economy Truck" a 51/52? (we just found out that the 51/52 is not a "Bonus Built" despite the fact we have been calling them that fo ryears. The Sales Borchures calls them the "Economy Trucks.")

Or a "Refrigerator" - 57-60!

I thought you were getting a 51 F1!??!....."Economy Truck!"

 

You're right, I did get a 51. I mispoke earlier due to my trying to multi task by reading an article, searching for parts and posting a thread...haha

 

Just givin you a hard time (I'd get used to it now that you are part of the family)!

 

Grats on the great find. I'm sure your going to have fun