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

[Vic Piano]

Welcome to the FordBarn, you'll find a lot of helpful information here. That's a nice looking '51 F-1. It took me just about three years to restore/build ours and three weeks ago we put another Flathead (with a Merc crank) in the truck. We’re still working out some small issues before we reinstall the front clip. Vic

[gerrald meacham]

welcome to the barn

[JM 35 Sedan]

Bill, Welcome to the Fordbarn. As Vic has already said, "lot of helpful information here" and also lots of helpful people, some probably right there in Texas in your neck of the woods. Here are some books/manuals that you may want to consider: Ol' Ron who posts here wrote a book called "Nostalgia" that is still available on CD. "Rebuilding The Famous Ford Flathead" by Ron Bishop is another good book that is still available. Some others are: How To Rebuild A Flathead Ford V-8" by George McNicholl, "Ford Flathead V-8 Builder's Handbook" by Frank Oddo, and "The Complete Ford Flathead V8 Engine Manual" by Tex Smith. There are others, but I think the ones mentioned are some of the best.

[Lawson Cox]

Don't forget JWL (John W. Lawson's book) telling you everything you would ever want to know about the flathead engine, and them some.

[Ken Crans]

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Hey Bill,I am restoring a 48 F-1. Getting ready for paint. You want to get the shop manual. Has all the specs and illustrations. Very useful. Their are alot of F-1 guys on here for questions. Nice truck. Ken

[joe plumber]

Good luck with your project and welcome .

[tailgaterdude]

Welcome to the forums. Lots info here
Looks like a Bonus Built Cab, should have a locking glove box........
Dude-")

[Mike in AZ]

welcome to the 'Barn, Bill....nice looking truck....and i think JM has a good list of the books....most all are available from the mail order places....or epay, etc....find the prices at the catalog places like C&G in CA....Mac's....etc....then you know what's a good bargain on epay or Amazon, etc....good luck and have fun....Mike

[SP_51-F1]

Nice 5-Star F1 you have there! I always see several 48-52 F1's at shows in Houston so I bet you will find all kinds of resources nearby, besides on here.

Good Luck!

[38 coupe]

Sounds like a fun project. Why are you converting to 12V? A good stock 6V system works very well.

[Pete Fl/Wi]

Welcome to the barn. Your truck looks solid. Along with the books that have been mentioned get catalogs from Classic Haulers 877-252-1948 and LMC. Good luck with your project.
Pete

[59ab]

Good to have you onboard!

[felix37]

Welcome! and good luck with your restoration. Keep us posted on your progress.