Hello all New to the forum world and looking for guidance. Let me start by saying "not to Net savvy!" And though quite the jack of all trades truly a master of none. I just purchased a 1951 F1 and it is the "Barn find" or as I've seen from your awesome family a brush find, though I'm still trying to verify the beginning of this story. This truck as far as I know and have been told has been sitting in a Texas field hiding from the world since 1957 and up until just a few months ago, now it's in my HOA unapproved backyard. I am already thinking I was mislead about what I purchased. Those darn blinders, I feel for the horse that wears them! All I could think was how cool is this and what a deal I'm getting. Here's what I do know All original, nothing missing, everything rusty, engine turns, looks cool Please take a look and let me know what you think, I'm not educated enough in your world to know which direction creates the most value out of this fine mess. What have I done!!!!!!!
Jim, Welcome to HAMB! You've started out closer to right than I did when I joined! And best of all, you included a picture! We all like pictures, or as the saying goes, "Pictures or it didn't happen!" I'm not sure how you were blinded, but looks to me it's a great start! I'm sure there'll be more comments that may help you more than I. Enjoy!
Hello Harry2 The blinders prevented me from looking closely at the hidden rust damage that was in plain sight and checking the dip stick (though full of fresh oil heavy rust pits on stick)
Approach it with the understanding all the rubber components will need to be replaced, gas tank flushed/sealed/replaced, brake hydraulics replaced/rebuilt, new wiring, etc.. Assess the condition of the engine, try to get it running, go from there. Good luck, enjoy the process. These trucks are supported well in the aftermarket.
Thanks 1940 Quick question Gent's Do I keep communicating from here or do I take this conversation to a different part of The H.A.M.B
First things first, you need to hear it run. Marvel Mystery oil in the cylinders for a day or so. Check for spark at the plugs, auxiliary fuel tank, ( I use a 1/2 gallon tank from a riding lawn mower ) , bypass the fuel pump . Probably dismantle and clean or rebuild the carb.
Thanks 40Ford You guys are awesome thanks for chiming in. 10-4 on that rotting rubber and wiring 40Ford. As you can see Gents I've started ripping it done but decided I better stop and get input from the been there done that gang like yourselves before I get to deep. Which is totally me.
Almost no body damage accept what moisture has done. Straight is truly what this thing is. The bed is near perfect, again I don't include the rust damage when discussing. I'm pretending it's not there
Jim,,,,keep posting on this thread,,,,then everyone will know your progress. We all learn together from the ones that know. At least I do,,,,looks like an excellent foundation to start with. If the title of the thread was more explanatory,,,you might get more views as well. Tommy
Hello Carolina Was headed that way until I took a close look at the dip stick and as I've mentioned though the guy I got the F1 from drained and refilled the oil I seen the heavy pitting on the stick so started ripping it down. And so far I'm not sure but I think it was right decision do to heavy gunk that is in the engine.
Looks like fun ! Take lots of photos and tag everything ,so you remember what it is and where it hooks up too or from . Try to stick with one project /aspect of the rebuild .That way you dont forget "Where you were" .Welcome to the Hamb !
Thanks 29 Hemi That's the forum training im looking for. Be better if y'all lived on my street though
Welcome Jim, you will get all the help and encouragement you need here. Best of luck with the project. Don't forget the pictures.
Bought It two weeks ago, had it delivered last Saturday and the images your seeing are mostly from yesterday when like Greener said I had to get focused before I had a pile of (where did this go)
Another forum question Should I be pushing the red reply tab before responding or just continue to read and post
I'm still learning how to use this form so forgive me Harry2 but should I push the red reply button each time I respond to a new response or just keep reading and posting
Great project! Beware of "beginner-itis" which is taking it all apart, getting discouraged and then abandoning the project. Happens a lot. Just a word of advice from an old guy who's been around that block more than once. My advice at this point is to locate a good-running carbureted small block Chevy engine, adapt it to the existing transmission and get it running - even if you have to use external battery and fuel connections. There are kits for motor mounts to get this done without cutting or welding. Forget trying to resurrect the flathead, while retaining the nostalgia engine may be "cool" it will also prove to be both expensive and frustrating - perhaps more so than your beginning skills and patience can deal with. Once you've got it "alive" you can tackle the brakes and wiring at your leisure. The cosmetics like rust can wait until you've got it road-worthy. When you get frustrated - and you will! - you can go out into the garage, fire it up and get re-energized just from listening to it run. Good luck...and welcome!
Thanks Dad1 I do love the simplicity of the 350, do you suggest that because your a chevy guy or does ford not have a 350 like option that is user friendly.
It looks like the License plate is from AZ., What Part.?? You have a Good Truck to Start with. Just my 3.5 cents Live Learn & Die a Fool
Get a good vision for what you want out of the truck. Get it functional versus total teardown. One bite out of the elephant at a time. Looks like decent project and having title is a plus. Welcome to the hamb
The Jalopy Journal
