Update on my 1950 F-1

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FordCustom

Senior Member
The flathead is up and running fine, though I think I posted a movie of that. Anyways... I found a set of wheels;). All four are modern Dodge truck spare wheels. 20" in the rear, and 17's in front. I am about to pick up a used engine hoist, so I can pick the bed and cab up off of the frame. I also found a set of Chevy Express van seats so I can ride in comfort. Sorry if it upsets anyone, but it's obvious I am not going the stock route on this truck. The condition overall is just too bad to go bone stock, not to mention multitudes of missing factory parts I'd have to chase down. I am looking hard at a Nostalgia Sid's 3 inch drop axle. This truck is going to be low enough to look good, yet retain the fenders and running boards. 2 inch top chop is in the plans as well. This won't be a full on candy painted dream custom, but it will be pretty cool. It's been 8-9 months since I got the truck, and it doesn't look like a whole lot done I know. I am working within my budget though. Yes I plan to paint, a satin navy blue, and I know a pinstriper that can pull off some 50's style stripes. Yes I plan to reupholster the seats. Yes I plan have a entirely new braking system with dual chambers for safety. It will be a mild "primered" custom. I didn't work on it a whole lot during the summer, just too hot mainly. That and I only have every other Saturday off, and do a 20 mile bike ride on Sunday mornings. It's tough to even find the time to mess with it. I will get there though. Slowly but surely.

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I am thinking about mooneyes discs front and back. Both for a clean look, and to get rid of the black wheel look. Do 20 inch tires come in a wide whitewall, hehe.

The entire bed floor will pretty much have to be rebuilt from scratch. I can nearly pick it up off the frame the mounts/supports are so far gone. The 20's just touch the bed wall on the inside. I will change out the rear axle for the 9 inch on the van in the garage. That will probably make it clear, but may lead to scraping the outer fender. All in good time though. I've waited 47 years to have a project like this, so what's a couple more am I right?
 
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its good to have a vision for the old girl. Happy to see another flathead powered truck brought back. Whats there of the body looks pretty sound. nice find.
 
38 Ford Pickup said:
Looking Good..........But I just think Bucket Seats in a vintage Pickup Look Like S..T:(:confused:

Just my 2 cents
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Have to agree on the seat. Might want to reconsider that one, it really takes away for the looks of the pickup. I kinda like the rims, that is a slick idea.
 
It's either buckets or a mini truck bench. The interior came with a steering wheel and gauges, and that's about it. Original benches aren't falling out of the sky around here, and even a modern 80's style bench is too wide They will be hard to pick out as 2002 seats once done. Vertical pleated centers in a contrasting color, and pearl white around the outside. The interior will be original gloss blue, with blue and white accents, like acrylic dash knobs, blue metalflake steering wheel pleated vinyl doors., etc. It will be dolled up for sure;).
 
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FordCustom
I used a split bench seat from an 83 Malibu in my driver, Very comfy on a trip.
Bruce
 
Wow, I just realized how much that steering wheel jumped in price? I bought mine about 10-12 years ago, and I think it was under 70 bucks with shipping?
 
Take your tape measure to your local Pick-N-Pull and you'll find a bench seat that will fit. look at some the second and third seats in the larger SUV's or the bench seats in the mid size pickups. In my 41 pickup I used the third seat from a Windstar van. It fit perfect and was only $50. The upholstery looked like new and was a nice tan colored cloth, so I didn't even have to have it upholstered
 
The interior will be nowhere near stock so a tan bench seat is not what I had in mind. Not even a bench seat, to be honest. I have no use for more than two seat positions, and I like the comfort level of these. Unless I happen to change my mind some time in the future, they will stay.

I had even thought about the plastic drag seats, with upholstery like the old AMT model kits with the multiple build options. I decided on something a little cushier, with side bolsters.
 
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Bottom line...It's your truck and you will get lot's of input. Let us know when you hit those "head scratching moments", we all have and still do.. But the support from this forum is still there.
Go for it and enjoy the project. Please keep us updated.
 
Yes.........

Its your choice.

I guess I am old school and never look at vintage Ford Pickups with bucket Seats.

Its like seeing a 350????????? in a vintage Ford.

Good Luck and enjoy;)
 
You should see all the flack I got for mentioning the "SBC in everything" issue on "other" sites. Nope, flathead all the way, until it breaks. I have an 86 5.0 truck drivetrain, if the breakage is unrepairable. I hopetat day never comes, but it may. anyway good to see I'm not fully shunned. hehe. this may be my one full project vehicle I ever get to do, so it will be done how I'd like it done. Ninety nine point 9 % of it will be done by me alone. Not upholstery of course, or other things here and there.
 
Here is something for you too chew on.
You mentioned doing a 2" chop. Here are some pics of my F cab with a 4 " chop. I looked at 2-3 and 4" before I cut mine.
At 2 " it really won't look like you did anything and it is the same amount of work as 4". 3" is good but for my build 4" was just right.
And if you are not channeling the cab you will still have plenty of room at 4"
Just my 2 cents for what it's worth.
Torchie.
 

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