Guys, My better half (I guess that's my wife?) wants a '49-'51 F1 pickup in original condition. I think she needs one with a newer model small block, maybe an AOD or 700R4. Anyway, on Ebay we found a couple. My question is, what about the engine options of the era (6 Cylinder, Flathead)? I mean, I hear about Flatheads heating and being finicky. It appears the 6 is a Flathead design , also. Is it any good, or should I stay away from them? We found a '52 that appears to have an Overdrive transmission. Are they o.k.? Rare? I really need some personal experiences here. What is top speed with and without the Overdrive? ANY info appreciated!
Well, 48-52 could have come with a flathead V8, 48-50 flathead 6, 51-52 OVH straight 6. Built right any would get you around, depends on what you want. There are lots of parts available for the V8, but they aint cheap. Maybe keep it stock on the outside and drop in a 302/AOD. That would be easy, cheap, and you could keep up with traffic. Good luck with your search
Plan on swapping out the rear end if you want her to drive it... 49-51's often had at least 4.11 gearing in the rear, and many have 4.56. Had one,, I put a small block setup in one simply for driveability, but even that required a new rear end simply because of the gearing. a 77 f-100 bolts right up, leaf springs and all.
When I purchased my 51 F1 it had been sitting for 15 years but the Flathead 6 did turn over, however the valves were sticking. I poured Marvel Mistery Oil in the cylinders a let it sit for a couple weeks and kept adding more and turning it over till I got some compression and managed to get it started. I had to rebuild the carb and distributer but the more I have been driving it the better it is running. It doesn't use much oil now and it is now my daily driver. It did have that non-syncro 4 speed transmission and optional for that year 4.27 gears in the rearend. I just finished installing an S-10 T5 5 Speed transmission and a 69 F-100 rearend with 3.23 gears. If anyone is intrested in the details of my trans swap flick on this link. http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displayalbum.php?&userid=183124&albumid=19501
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