Anyone with experience with old Ford trucks 1-1

[Aaronw]

I'm kind of looking at a '48-50 Ford flatbed (not sure the weight but larger than 1 ton). I ran across one for $500, it needs paint but the rust appears minor and the body is in good shape otherwise. I don't know if it runs or not, I haven't talked to the guy as I'm still in the "is this crazy" mode.

I'm wondering what repair / mild restoration of a Ford from this period is like cost and parts availability wise. I'm assuming a flathead V-8 under the hood.

Edited August 6, 2009 by Aaronw

[dwc43]

I can't speak for your project in whole, but the drive line is easy to find. Flat head stuff is everywhere. Matter of fact Bill sells it from one of the same places that I buy stuff for our NASCAR Sportsman car. Here's a link that should really help you out.

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/productsumma...ad&deptId=0

They should have everything you need and then some. Including racing parts. They even have T frames and fiber glass bodies too. You can get a catalog specifically for the flat head stuff without having to thumb through a catalog full of race parts too. I get both catalogs myself. Check them out and let me know if that helps any.

[BigGary]

Parts for these old trucks a definately available. Here's a link to just one of many antique Ford parts suppliers: http://www.lmctruck.com/features/FC/FCYearsCovered.htm I used to know a guy who bought stuff from them and was very happy. Also check "Custom Classic Trucks Magazine", among others, to find out more info.

Gary

[Chuck Most]

Drivetrain stuff seems to be falling out of the skies for these trucks, availability should not be a problem. As for rust- just watch out for the front fenders, those seams that run from the grille opening to the wheel arch are a HUGE rust magnet on the '48-'51 Effies.

[Aaronw]

Thanks, I have a little experience with old trucks but nothing that old or that big. I would expect lots of stuff is available for 1/2 tons but not sure about the heavier running gear.

The big concern for me is the flathead, so it is good to know there is still support for it. The running gear is not as obvious as a motor if it is not original.

I still need to decide if I really want to get it, but at least I have a better idea what I'm getting into if I do. I need to start thinking of an excuse for why I need it.

[george 53]

Aaron, check with Ed Shaver, he's been workin on these things longer than you've been alive!!! As a matter of fact, he still even DRIVES one!!! If ANYONE can help you, HE can. G'wan, go head, ask him, you'll see!!!

Edited August 6, 2009 by george 53

[Art Anderson]

Thanks, I have a little experience with old trucks but nothing that old or that big. I would expect lots of stuff is available for 1/2 tons but not sure about the heavier running gear.

The big concern for me is the flathead, so it is good to know there is still support for it. The running gear is not as obvious as a motor if it is not original.

I still need to decide if I really want to get it, but at least I have a better idea what I'm getting into if I do. I need to start thinking of an excuse for why I need it.

One thing that I found out, when researching Ford trucks out of the 30's is, Ford used pretty much the same design driveline from 1929 to 1952 on 1.5 ton trucks. Rear axles, drive shaft parts varied only by parts numbers in so many applications.

One thing that I learned, years ago, when restoring a couple of Model A's: Engineers, when designing a new engine, a driveline, tended to look closely at exchange manuals, component mfr listings, to find things like bearings, springs, all the myriad of small parts that go into any mechanical device. Apparently, the wisdom (and it was WISDOM!) was, see if someone, someplace, has made the part that would meet the criteria, if so, why do a new one (why reinvent the wheel?), when there is already something out there that will do the job.

As an example: When pulling a complete tear-down, rebuild of one of my Model A engines, I was looking to replace the valve springs (two were actually broken!). A locally owned parts house counterman looked up "Model A Ford Valve Springs" and quoted me a price of something like $75 for a full set of 8 springs. He then did some cross-checking, discovered that in 1957, the Hemi engine used in the 1957 DeSoto used that very same spring, to a "T" as the camshaft thrust spring (which kept the camshaft from moving forward, due to the angled cut of the gear teeth) was EXACTLY the same as a Model A Ford valve spring. The price? 75-cents apiece!!! That's like, $6 for a full set of valve springs as opposed to the approximately $75 for a set of springs specifically dedicated to that purpose. I bit on the far cheaper set, and guess what? I put nearly 25,000 miles on that engine before I sold the car (to complete my college education), with nary a hiccup, nothing at all ever went wrong with it at all. That sort of thing can save you $$ in a rebuild. The same likely goes for things like brake drums, certainly wheels (Ford used the very same Kelsey Hayes wheels on trucks from 1932-52).

As for sheet metal, always, if you must, buy the best you can, it's cheaper in the long run.

Art