Buy this '51 F-3?
 

Newbie to the Ford Barn here. Considering buying a 1951 F-3 out of Minnesota. I live in Lexington Ky. It runs and drives, 3rd owner with title. Re-built engine, brakes, starter, new king pins, original tailgate and fenders in great shape. Replaced gas tank, converted to 12 volt. Body has rust in typical places but not through. Running boards, floor boards, cab corners are very solid (at least in pics). There are plenty of dents and dings of course, some bondo work where the rear fenders meet the bed. The wood in the bed is toast as expected. Somebody painted it with latex house paint or a spray can or something, including the chrome, but most of the paint on the chrome has worn off. V-8 badge is missing otherwise all there. My question is, do I buy this truck and have it shipped without ever seeing it in person? I've never spent 5K on anything I couldn't hold in my hands first ya' know?? Also, guesstament on shipping from Northern Mn to Lex Ky? Thanks for any advice/info!

Re: Buy this '51 F-3?
 

Price sounds good for what you get. F3 is bigger pickup, but I like them that way. Be wary of widowmaker 17" wheels. They can't be re-used as no tire shop will touch them. (FTE, Ford truck enthusiasts) forum normally has over 300 viewers at any given time in their '48-'56 truck section. Alot of guys with tons of knowledge about that truck. Maybe even someone nearby who can look at it. I have bought maybe 4 trucks sight unseen in that price range and had good luck, but I'm not all that fussy about an old truck that I'm going to use as a worker and a run around town vehicle.

Re: Buy this '51 F-3?
 

I think that $5K would be more than I'd pay for an F-3, given the widowmaker problems, stratospheric rear axle ratio, and almost certainly the crashbox 4-sp. I bet you could do a lot better looking south, not north.

Re: Buy this '51 F-3?
 

Why ship it? Rent a car, fly up or take the bus, and drive it home! What you save on shipping will pay for the trip. Make it an adventure! Get acquainted with your new toy on the way home. Or, if it doesn't pass your inspection, just turn around and head home. It won't be a freeway flyer, but it's all farm country along the way, so the old girl will feel right at home as you cruise the two lane roads back to Kentucky. You might even find a tire shop in a small town that would take on those rims if you have tire trouble!

Re: Buy this '51 F-3?
 

If I were excited about a buy, I'd do a run. Duluth is just under 850 mi. Much, much, better to feel and taste it than waiting for it to arrive at your door. where upon you want to kick your self and any one who says 'why?'.

You'd need to set aside three days to make it happen or two days if its not your cup of tea.

I speak for myself, and yes I've taken just such trips with less promise of satisfaction. Well hey, I love driving. Road trip!!

Re: Buy this '51 F-3?
 

That close, gotta go check it out. If you know someone that has some knowledge about these trucks and flatheads take them along. I would drive down and then drive it home. That way you have a rescue vehicle with tools if the need arises. Make sure it is roadworthy and go for it. Like already said, If you don't feel good about the project after seeing it, drive home. Cheaper than having it dropped in your lap by the transport driver. Sounds like a great adventure.

Re: Buy this '51 F-3?
 

Coco,
If you dig big trucks go ahead and TOUCH it before you buy it. F-1's have a
bigger resale market and can be driven pretty much like a vintage car, however.
OMHO
Charlie ny

Re: Buy this '51 F-3?
 

Where in Minnesota is it located and how did you find it?

Re: Buy this '51 F-3?
 

purchased a F3 from Alabama, thru Ga. It had already been converted to a 8.8 rear axle/disc brakes. has front disc brakes with dual master cylinder/power booster. paid not much more than the one you are looking at. very little rust, but solid cab, bed, etc. I have converted several of these trucks to 9" rear axle and used F1 brakes on the front which means these trucks went from 17" to 15 or 16" with 5 on 5.5 wheels. makes a good driver truck with lots of room to haul things. buy it and improve it a little at a time

Re: Buy this '51 F-3?
 

I'd be worried about what that "latex house paint or a spray can or something" was put on to cover up. I wouldn't touch it without seeing it personally or at least having someone I trust look it over real good. Also, I wouldn't relish driving something like that any distance at all, given it's apparent condition and just what it is. This coming from a guy who bought a '36 3 window in Longville, Texas and drove it back to the twin cities. That was a fully restored car. There is a long discussion on the H.A.M.B. about this exact thing and the guy decided to fly to Florida and drive the car back to Wisconsin. Again, this was a very nicely restored car, not a big ole truck in questionable shape.

Re: Buy this '51 F-3?
 

Just go look at it first. Then decide to buy it if you like it. Ky to Mn is a 1- 1/2 day trip. I am assuming that you do not have a truck and trailer readily available to bring it home. If you buy it then decide if you want to drive it home , etc. Jump in the car (take some tools) and hit the road today to go look at it. It is a fun adventure of its own. Then figure out what to do.
Second choice is find someone to go look at it first. Then hit the road.
My opinion

Re: Buy this '51 F-3?
 

Wow! I'm glad I found this forum! Thanks for all the quick responses and info! O.K. First off it does not have widow makers on it. As far as driving it back I'm afraid with that gear ratio in the F-3's it would take a week to get home in it! Can't imagine driving through Chicago in that thing! I have been looking all along for a 48-50 F-1 actually, this truck just caught my eye. I was in the concrete business for nearly 30 years and I mostly drove 3/4 tons or bigger for work trucks. The low gear in this truck does concern me. I'm not looking for a hot rod, but I would like to be able to cruise at 55-60 mph. Also not looking for a restore project. I like 'em a little rusty with "aged" patina. I wanna putt around town, country road cruise, and maybe an occasional "rat rod" type show. This truck is in Orr Mn, about 950 miles away. I found it on a Facebook page called "old ford trucks for sale" Thanks again for all the info folks! Greatly appreciated. I am leaning towards no on this one I think. I really do like the truck, but my gut is telling me to keep looking

Re: Buy this '51 F-3?
 

If you were looking for an F1, keep looking. The F3's have non-syncro trannys which means double clutching and a very acquired skill to successfully down-shift. They will never cruise at 60MPH unless loaded on a trailer and have the ride comfort you would expect of a vehicle designed to haul close to a ton.

The trucks from that part of Minnesota are north of the salt line, I believe. But $5000 is about the value of a restored F3. Add to that about another thousand for shipping - this is located well off of any beaten path. There are more user friendly trucks to be found for $6000.

Re: Buy this '51 F-3?
 

^I was going to write a reply but 49er nailed it above.

Keep looking more local, somewhere warmer and sunnier.

Mart.

Re: Buy this '51 F-3?
 

I was still second guessing myself after I made that last post. Then I did a little research on crash box and read about that non-synchro business. Yep, it's confirmed. Still looking. Super glad I found this forum though, when I find something I will most likely be back with questions! This is actually the first forum of any kind I have ever joined and it already paid off! One more question, the "swap meet" section seems to be all parts, which is an amazing resource, but are complete vehicles sold here too? Maybe I'm missing something I don't know. Can anyone recommend reputable on-line scources for purchasing old trucks? Preferably in the Southeast. Thanks again everybody!

Re: Buy this '51 F-3?
 

Kind of depends on what the truck was used for. There are a lot of pretty nice "big" trucks all over Minnesota that never saw salt because many of them were used only twice a year spring planting and fall harvesting. The ones up north are maybe a little more beat up due to mining or logging as well as road salt. Maybe check the local farm auctions. You may be able to find something closer to you.

Re: Buy this '51 F-3?
 

There are some complete vehicles available on the Swap Meet. Generally, Craigs List is the go-to forum for most older trucks, in my experience. There are also some worthy listings in ebay, BUT there is also much junk that needs to be sorted out. Doing this from afar is not wise. Identify a working radius around your home and watch the CL ads within that zone. Check back here should you have questions.

Good luck and happy hunting.

Re: Buy this '51 F-3?
 

I looked for 3 years before I found my '41, saw it on Hemmings online, drove the hour and a half and ending up buying it, passed on several cars prior to this one, it pays to see it in person.

Re: Buy this '51 F-3?
 

Great advice 49'r thanks! I will definitely check back because I'm sure I'll have questions. Great forum here, I'm glad I found it!

Re: Buy this '51 F-3?
 

Should you spot something outside of your area put up a message on this Forum and the Early V8 Club Forum asking if there is someone nearby who would take a look at it for you before you invest in a plane ticket or a long drive. Most folks here will help in that regard.