1951 F3 Build

[sam03]

Will these work? They are 16x7 and came off a 94 F-250.


If so recommendations for some truck tires. I like the look of the 7.00-15 traction tires but i dont think its going to ride very well on the road. I thinking all terrain or military tire. I would like the truck to stand out and look like a truck. Some idea i found while goggle image searching.

 

[truckdog62563]

Those will work. You could use either reproduction 7.50 x 16s that are available from STA, Coker, Universal Tire, and others on-line, or a 235/85R16" from any local source. Both have similar 32" outside diameter. Stu

 

[sam03]

Got some tires tonight. Hopefully i can get them mounted this week.

 

[jbrittonjr]

Do the wheels fit over the brake drums? My F-3 won't take the 16 inch wheel due to the size of the brake drum.

 

[sam03]

I haven't tested the new wheels but the wheels that are current on it are 16" so they should fit.

 

[Scott Brownell]

I have several F-1, F-2 and F-3 parts, axles, frames, cabs and as one guy said, get rid of the "widowmakers". Good luck and the project can be fun. Male sure you do have fun. Scott

 

[sam03]

Finally got the truck in the garage. I have one more wheel to put on but looks like on going to have to cut a lug nut and a socket that's was hammered on to a stud.

 

[sam03]

I haven't had much time lately but finally got back to working on the truck. i pulled the trans from the 226 and now need to find a bell-housing that will mate the two because the bell-housing that came with the motor is for the a car and the bell-housing that came with the truck is for a V8. I started priming the front of the frame and fire wall. Its almost ready for paint. I also primed most of the inside of the cab. I really want to get the motor in soon so i can get it running and off the floor. Is there anything y'all recommend doing to the motor or the truck before putting the motor in?

 

[38 coupe]

I'd pull the oil pan and lifter covers to inspect the crank, cam, and valve lash. While I had the covers and pan off I would clean out any sludge.

 

[sam03]

Fire wall is gone the frame needs another coat and will be ready.


226 stripped of the trans.


The right plate for the truck bell housing.


I got the clutch kit in and now just have to find the right bolts to mate the bell housing to the trans.

 

[sam03]

Well the clutch kit was wrong. Looks like rock auto is the only one that carries it.

 

[sam03]

Ordered the clutch kit from Rockauto. AMS AUTOMOTIVE Part # 07518 under 1951 FORD F3 3.7L 226cid on their site. Also ordered new pressure plate bolts ARP 150-2201. Finally had some time Saturday evening to get it installed.

Fly wheel installed


Clutch and Pressure plate installed


Bell housing installed

 

[D. Jones]

Looking real good.

Makes me want to start on my 51 F-3.

 

[sortkaffekop]

Keep up the good work. And keep posting pictures! Thanks.
Christian

 

[sam03]

I got the 226 installed.

Got the radiator frame, rear end, drive shaft and rear frame primed and painted.


This weekend i'm going to try and get it running and if I'm lucky might get the brakes rebuild and new lines run.

 

[sam03]

Well i didn't get the motor running but i did get a couple things done. I got the radiator cleaned and mounted. Made gaskets for the water pump and thermostat housing and installed those with a new thermostat. Pulled the front drum brakes off they are pretty scared up not sure they are going to be able to turn them....but i tapped the wheel studs out any ways.

I also order a new master cylinder from rock auto and wheel studs. Picked up a 12v coil on Saturday. Debating on which wiring kit to order. any recommendations. There are really no wires that are useable so a kit should make it clean and easy to pull since the cab is the only body part on the frame.

 

[38 coupe]

I like the reproduction stock wiring harnesses. They look good, fit like they are made for the truck, and you can follow the wiring diagram in the shop manual. They do cost more than the universal harnesses, but you get larger 6V diameter wires.

 

[sam03]

Fired up the motor this past weekend. Dam it sounds good. Took the radiator in to place that rebuilds them...they said mine is to far gone. Any recommendations on where to buy one? Lots of aluminum ones ebay just not sure on the quality. Also looking for a narrow water pump pulley for a 226 and ignition switch.

 

[4t8v8]

Are you sure it is an F3. The rear axle isn't, and from what I can see, neither is the front.

 

[sam03]

I think ur looking at the f1 axles from the parts truck. The truck is a f3 and has 8 lugs on both front and rear.