Quote:
Originally Posted by Catbob
Been through 5 f-1s with both in line 6 and v-8 . Not seen a shroud on any of them. I ask the same question and was told by some old timers (older than me  that at that time every effort to make an economical vehicle was put in to the pick up truck line. Such as only 1 wiper and 1 door key lock. |
You've got to watch those "old timers". The 1 door key lock was a safety issue as Henry didn't want you to enter/exit or stand in traffic unlocking your door. You had to get in from the curb/sidewalk.
As far as one wiper, I went to the bother to hook up the second wiper on my 48 and found the linkage binds, causing more drag so I disconnected it. For 10 years of daily driving, I ran just one - the cab is narrow enough it's all you need.
Also keep in mind this was post-war. Chrome and stainless steel was abundant for civilian products again. These trucks came with a lot more shiny stuff than the 42-47's, so it wasn't all about keeping things cheap.
To the OP question, yes the F1's came with shrouds because they had the same cooling needs as big trucks. Later owners became lazy when they had to change hoses or waterpumps and eliminated them when replacing parts. Which in part, lead to people complaining that "flatheads run hot". If you have one, use it. If you don't, find one and reduce coolant temps - and not just the shroud, but the in hood deflector and the gravel pan.