What was the color of the stock 1951 F1 grille? I looked at Google images and I see a lot that were white or an off white. While Henry has a chrome grille, It needs some work so I was thinking of putting a stock colored grille in it while I get the chrome redone. I have picked up two spare grilles in the past week, so I will have one for sale soon if anybody is interested.

Later!
Mr. Ed

 

Based on my research the 51's grill was Sungate Ivory, PPG 80090.

 

The '51 F2 I had several years ago had an Argent (silver) grill like the '49 and '50 trucks. The '52 F1 parts truck and the '51 F6 five star extra I had both had an Ivory grills in them.
Mark

 

This has been debated a number of times. The literature that we know of doesn't identify a code for the 1951/1952/1953 Ivory color. If somebody has such a reference we need to hear about it. The references I have just call it a "neutral Ivory color". The name "Sungate Ivory" is first mentioned in 1954 literature. The Argent in 1951 (iirc) was used on early 5 Star Extra trucks. Body color was also used on some. I have a green 1951 grille, and literature showing this as well. Stu

 

Stu, The '51 F2 that I had with the argent grill was a standard cab, not a five star extra. The serial number on the title was F2R1MP16730. Would that have been an early '51? The truck was red with an argent grill, I believe the paint was original.
Mark

 

My 1951 M3 ,Canada built ,grill is color of body, standard cab.
Greg

 

Your VIN is pretty low, so it's no doubt an early build. We know the year 1951 had a bunch of rolling specification changes. I misremembered James K. Wagner's comments on grille color in his book Ford Trucks Since 1905. He says early trucks were Argent, base 5 Star and 5 Star Extra. The build up to the Korean War caused chrome to be redirected to the war effort so headlight doors were then painted Argent. This prompted the change to Ivory grilles, and I believe Ivory painted parking light doors. The color chart in my copy of the 1951 dealer handbook is dated 6/1/51. It has the vague Ivory language. As I understand these books were supplemented quarterly, so maybe somebody has an earlier copy with a color chart having different language. Stu

 

Lucille had a chrome/painted grill and Ol' Red has an off white grill. Both look good so whatever color you choose will look great.


Wally

 

Thanks for all of the responses. Some food for thought.

Thanks!
Mr. Ed

 

What ever color you paint them the dagmyers look good.




I wish i had some chrome dagmyers on my grill.

 

My grill is body color. I'm thinking about maybe having the trim pieces on the hood chromed, but that wouldn't be original.




Jim

 

This is what Henry has on him now. While it looks good, the cross bar has rust on teh bottom and the rear of the right headlight also has rust. So I am fielding ideas for the time I remove the original to have those pieces re-chromed.




Later!
Mr. Ed

 

My grandpa's '51 is red with a white grille, and I'm pretty sure it hasn't been repainted. He bought it when it was a year old, and it has been in the family ever since.

 

I kind of like mine being black. Except for the dust...