Jumping in - (hope I'm ready)

Yes, welcome, you're in the right place. Just remember, yjrtr must be a reason to make changes or modifications.
 
53F250 said:
Could it be possible that ford used whatever they had left to leverage existing inventory since the Flathead production was over? Meaning since this truck was built in December 1953 - maybe they just used an 8BA because they didn't have anymore 8RT's on the assembly line?
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Highly unlikely that the truck was built in December 1953.
By December 1953 the '54 models would have been on the showroom floors for over a month. (and equipped with an OHV engine)
 
So after who knows how long this thing sat around, the first thing I break is the starter drive.
Well - at least we’re off to an easy start (on repairs that is) :)

8632U8

...Not on actually starting
 
So far we have deciphered the Month and Day off the plate. Guessing the year. Wasn't sure if in 1953 the trucks were built before the model year like today or during the model year. Based on your insights maybe this was built 12/12/1952?

Unfortunately, the original color was baby blue (Glazier Blue). Personally not a fan of that color. Had hoped for Sheridan Blue. Color yet to be determined.

Also considering suspension, steering, brakes and rear end updates to make it easier to handle down the highway.

It's early, who knows where this all ends up during the decision process :)
 
The F-100s have one of the best sheering boxes of the flathead years. The F-1 & F-100 steering boxes are the ones that were used to upgrade the earlier years (Hot Rods with side steering). Same with the brakes! I use the F-1 & F-100 brakes on the 33 & 34s I build. The same basic brakes were used into the 1980s. If you do decide to remove the original steering and brakes, hold on to the parts, there is defiantly a market for them!
 
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OK so a new starter drive (made in USA of course) arrived from Macs and we're running again.

Putting the starter back on, I noticed a small tag on the front of the motor. - I cleaned it off and it appears we have us a re-manufactured motor here.

33687378858_d7d662876d_m.jpg
 
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