Projects The Unveiling (another barn find) - The genesis of my first build

So it began about Christmas time, when I was at a Christmas staff party for my girlfriend, who works at a local school. On the surface, I was a bit out of place, perhaps - surrounded by doctors, psychologists and the like, suits and ties, and me with a mohawk about 5 inches tall, a knuckledragger hoodlum with a penchant for all things fast. Everyone was pretty laid back, though, and I am fairly chameleon-like, so I fit in well most anywhere.

After a few cocktails, we sat down to an intimate dinner (less than 20 people, all at one table) and I mentioned that my gf and I were looking to purchase our first home. The housing market, and areas to look for deals became the topic, when I mentioned that I honestly didn't care much about the house, i was more concerned about the garage... Of course a few eyebrows were raised, but a kindred soul a few chairs away perked up, and asked me what I'd be putting in that garage I longed for.

I told him that I had some toys now, but more than anything I really wanted to build a traditional hot rod (long time lurker here). He asked me what, if anything, I had in mind, and I rattled off a few pipe dreams, but told him that I was really just looking to get my feet wet, and continue to hone my skills, reminding him that at this point, my metalworking skills were limited, but my drive and desire were great, and that I've been a long time tinkerer.

He asked me if I knew what a 1950 Ford F-1 looked like, and I of course said yes (though at the time I was actually envisioning a '51 in my pea brain), and he told me that he had one that he'd had in his barn for over 35 years, and he wanted to see it resurrected, though he just hadn't found the time over the years.

Fast forward through an exchange of numbers, a couple of phone calls, and a trip to his farm to uncover this old girl, and it was love at first sight. It is not my first choice in projects, but I really like the truck. It's rock solid, which is near impossible to find in Vermont, and over the years, Fred's determination to revive her had lead him to accumulate thousands of dollars worth of period correct and NOS parts to aid in the restoration. (other than the spare 'glass fenders, which is a whole 'nother story). Everything from a pair of Appletons, to every piece of trim, to a rebuilt generator and starter, to the flatty that spins over nicely by hand, and has been soaking in Marvel mystery oil for several decades fresh NOS brakes, clutch, multiple sets of original hubcaps, fresh weatherstripping, etc. The only thing he doesn't have is any glass, but it's all flat, and I believe easy to come by.

He tells me how much he'd take for it, and I about fell over. I told him that I couldn't pass it up, but was saving for a down payment for a house with a garage to put it in (as I'm renting now, and have all my babies stored outside in the snow). Well Fred wants me to have the truck, because he knows I'll do her right, so he's willing to hang onto her in his barn, until I get things settled with the house.

Every few weeks when I get some extra scratch together, I send a check to work with my GF, and Fred sends me a little something to whet my appetite for the truck.

First it was this...



Then today, Fred and I met for a couple'o suds after work, and he gave me some more goodies. Good news, because the mortgage is all set, and I'll be wrenching in my own garage in no time...

On this...









That bed-full o parts is just the beginning....



















Damn, I know it's not much, but this is just the beginning.

Thanks for listening, I had to share it with someone!

Tim

 

these f1's make nice trucks.we had one on the farm where i grew up.

 

Looks like a fine start... You are going to chop and drop her - right!

 

Cool truck. Always had a soft for early 50's Ford trucks. Great score and good luck with it.

 

I love to see enthusiasm!

 

looks like a great start! is that your new garage?

 

I like it. Maybe he was a knuckle dragging hoodlum in his younger days and always wanted a mohawk too.

 

That was a killer read! Very cool story.

 

I like trucks! . In time I'm sure you will become attached to yours . I sold a '48 F1 in 2007 that I'd had for 16 years , sure wish I still had it...........Z.D.

 

You done real good.
Good luck on the new digs and new truck.
Better give your lady equal loving between the truck and garage
what a you know a perfect three some!!!!!

 

Vermonster? Isn't that big 36 scoop ice cream at Ben & Jerry's? Copyright infringement!!

 

Good catch, looks like a solid old truck, always liked the F1's, especially the '48-'50 version.

 

Not at my place yet, unfortunately... just a matter of time now, though!

 

don't chop and drop,,just make it look like all the rest,,restore that puppie

 

Looks like your on your way. Keep us posted!

 

i really like the f-1s.if i was to do a ford that would be it..................dave

 

Looking forward to seeing progress. I should talk, I've been sitting on my project for 6 months, small steps right now. Back to your project. Keep it real like the previous owner wanted it. Just my .02.

 

good deal...

 

The salt y'all put on the roads up there sure does eat rotten holes all over.

 

Be sure to invite Fred over for a cold one ever once and a while when you get started on the truck. I think you have found a kindred soul .

 

Good Score!, the cool thing about a truck like this, is that it has'nt been touched, so you get to do what you want, not change or repair other "builders" work.

Keep us posted on your progress!

 

Keep it a small project and get it on the road, lots of projects get complicated and do not get done. Just put it together spray a good primer/sealer on it and DRIVE IT.
You are young and can do a more complicated project while you drive the truck.

 

arent barn finds just awesome, cool find!

 

And he still has his Triumph Spitfire in the garage to play with.
I'd say you two did a good deal, everybody's happy.

 

not bad not bad.

 

Man yeah, I love barn finds stories, and this one is first rate.

 

Povertyflats is right, ya know. The hair thins, the tummy thickens and we move a mite slower, but we're still the same inside - eighteen years old and full of piss and vinegar. Bet he's really glad he's turned 'er over to a guy who reminds him of himself back when...

 

You are fast on your way!!! Great platform to work with!! Keep up with the enthusiasm!!! Keep us posted on your progress. CONGRADULATIONS MAN!!!!

 

Great score my first car was a 49 F-1 my grandfather held onto for me I never got to finish mine, sold it when I found out my first child was a girl! Regret it daily my second child is a truck lovin boy go figure! You'll love that old flatty those trucks are awsome.

 

I had one of those 40 years ago and every time I here a flat head ford start up its like listening to symphony in A flat----ie. Sorry I just had to say that. Love your truck,Just brings back some real good memories,I remember the song on the radio, the girl I was with , the time of the nite it was when she finally said OK, the drive inn movie place in Port. Ore. I just cant remember the movie on the screen( man those were big screens back then) HA HA LOL