New Member - '51 F1 PU

[Houbill]

Hello all. I am new to The Ford Barn. Been working on a frame-up resto of a 1951 F1 PU, flat head V-8. The truck belonged to a couple of my wife's uncles prior to me buying it in the 1980's. It had turned 100,000 miles when I bought it. Been working on it about three years now. Have the chassis complete, cab stripped of paint, currently working on guide-coat sanding on the fenders. Rust not too bad - bottom of fenders, small rust-through in the bed. With my welding skills thank goodness for bondo (I admit it).

I am at the point now where I would like to get into the engine. I have come across a one-man machine shop where he is into early engines and tractors. Is there a book/manual that would help me understand how best to handle the overhaul of the engine? I have the book on the small block engines but it starts with 1953, valve-in-head engines. Also have the Ford shop manual.

My experience up to the truck has been a couple of early Mustangs and a 1950 MGTD. There is one heck of a lot of metal surface area on this truck compared to the other vehicles.

My plans are to keep the truck original. I will want to go to 12 volts negative ground and alternator, though. I know I will be asking for advice when I get that far.

Bill Thienes, Houston, Tx