1948 Ford F1

1948 Ford F1

Solid. Practical Classic

I have owned this truck for five years and have used it to run around town and fulfill my need to tinker with an old classic.   It is a virtually rust-free example of a "Ford Bonus Built"  truck that has not been modified to any great extent.   This is a fully functional. everything works. classic Ford pickup truck.   It burns no oil and always starts.

The only significant changes from when it came from the factory in 1948 are:

The original six-cylinder flathead (226-ci) has been replaced by a 1950 V-8 flathead (239-ci) likely from a Ford passenger car (EAB). and fitted with dual exhausts which give it that distinctive flathead mellow tone. Probably at the same time as the engine swap it was fitted with a shift on the column.   The 1948 Ford F1 did not come stock with a column mounted shift.   That upgrade was only offered with the 1950 F1.   I've been told (and who knows if it is true) that many 1948/49 F1 owners changed to "three on the tree" so there was room to accommodate a kid in the center of the bench seat. The stock vacuum fuel pump as been replaced by an electric fuel pump for increased starting and running reliability. The turn signals have been integrated into the existing front parking and rear tail lights. Two sets of seat belts have been installed. Both front fenders are reproduction fiberglass. not OEM metal.   Real OEM rust-free fenders are extremely difficult to find.    

In the last five years the following areas have been sorted. replaced. or repaired:

The Body

All new door. window. vent. and hood rubber gaskets have been installed throughout. A new OEM-style reproduction floor mat has been installed. The tool tray behind the seat has been added. A new reproduction OEM-style steering wheel replaced the split original. The twin tail pipes eliminated the under body spare tire carrier.   A side-mount carrier and spare tire is thrown in as part of the purchase. The bed has been upgraded with new oak planks with proper bed stainless hold downs. New sound/heat insulation has been added throughout the cab. There is some rust on the rear bed tailgate crossmember that has been painted over (see the picture with the pointing finger).

Running Gear/Brakes/Shocks

The flywheel has been resurfaced and a new clutch plate. pilot bearing. bushings. and throwout bearing installed. There are new brake drums. shoes. and shock absorbers on all four corners. The master brake cylinder has been rebuilt. The steering gear has been rebuilt and adjusted to specs. New after-market Coker Tire 15" x 7" powder coated wheels with P205/75R15 tires are on the front and P235/75R15 tires on the rear.   There is no wheel rub and the stance looks great.

Engine/Cooling/Heating/Fuel 

There are new oil pan and intake manifold gaskets. plus new exhaust gaskets. New radiator and heater hoses. plus new fan belts have been installed. The radiator is a new after-market one.   While it looks similar to the OEM. it performs much better. The heater is a vintage rebuilt one that actually cranks out more than enough heat on a cold day. The thermostats are new and the 160 degree variety. The Holley 94 8BA carburetor has been recently rebuilt.   A spare carburetor will be thrown in with the purchase.

Electrical

The headlights have been upgraded to newer replacement types that throw the beam further. The main wiring harness has been replaced and the other wiring replaced as needed. Turn signals through the parking and tail lights have been installed. There are new brushes and bendix gear in the starter. The 6 volt generator has been professionally rebuilt. The solenoid and voltage regulator have been replaced. Dash gauges have been replaced as needed.   All gauges and dash lights work. A period correct vacuum tube AM radio has been installed and works well. A recent tuneup of  points. plugs. condenser. and distributor cap has been performed. A period 6 volt horn has been added.

Also published at eBay.com

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