Like to say hello, this is my first post here. Been reading for the past couple days and what a amazing source of info. Thank you very much.
I have not yet pulled the trigger and made the deal for the 49 dodge. Will be honest with you, have watched this red headed step child, sit in the corner of my uncles yard for over 25 years.
I have been looking for a flathead ford truck for some time, I had a 1951 ford flatty v8 when I was in high school.
Last weekend, I helped my uncle move Molly to another spot in the yard, (yeah I named her already) She really impressed me. She is an all original, un-butchered titled 1949 1/2 ton pilot house.
I found 3 rust spots in the cab, 1 under the rear window at the bottom of the cab, easy repair, 1 at the drivers door top hinge, and 1 pin hole in the floor.
It still has carpet in it, over the top of the original rubber mat, probably will find more when removed.
All the gauges and chrome look to be in excellent condition and a easy interior restore, Odometer shows 96k miles, will assume is original and not 196k.
No radio and still has original cover where radio would be installed.
I need to check the motor, think it to be the original 218 with factory 4 speed. Clutch feels good and goes through all gears. Have not attempted to turn motor over.
It is complete with the oil bath airfilter, original radiator horn unmolested wiring, just looks all original and untouched.
Uncle bought it for $300 years ago and drove it to where it was parked. He has over 2 acres with old trucks and cars, you know the type
I believe it was a factory flatbed, it has no bed and short cab length running boards.
It comes with a complete 1952 parts truck with no title, all the sheet metal is rusted, flathead 6 with a 3speed trans, trans top was removed years ago and most likely why it was parked.
Again it has short cab length running boards and no bed.
And there is a complete bed sitting on a 1/2 ton frame, looks like someone planned to make a utility trailer and cut the frame and cab off. Gas tank, rearend stock wheels and hubcaps tailgate all there.
Needs a little body work for dings and such, but no rust and decent original black paint. It needs all new flooring and it has the tall sides on it, believe to be correct for the 49.
Now uncle told me that he was going to take the 1949 and put the bed on it, give it to his niece for yard art and plant flowers in the back of it.
He was serious , He owns a few 55 ford trucks, 52 ford, 47 ford, old flathead internationals that he drives, 55 packard, 53 plymouth wagon 60's chrysler 300's, 46 chevy truck, couple 49's a 57 with corvette 327. He was going to make a flower pot out of the dodge.
I talked him out of doing that I think, I looked up on craigslist all over the country for trucks to compare it to, I told him what they were asking for them.
He seems to think he should be able to get $1500 for what he has then, I think I would like to be the one to give it to him.
He is 80 years old, trying to get his house in shape. Idea is, when he passes, will be less for his kids to take care of. I am a retired remodel carpenter and he wants to pay me, I want to buy his truck ... Is this how it all starts?
Going back over there tomorrow, need to make a decision if I want to deal for the truck or not. I am currently remodeling a 1947 travel trailer for him, then he wants to start on the house after.
Any idea how to explain this to the wife? Honey, I have met Molly and she is going to be taking up some of my time.
Anyways I just wanted to say hello, wonder if you have any advice for me on what to look for, how to go about getting the truck to start ... if it will, or have the other engine also to work with.
Any links you might share that would help me etc.
I plan to put some oil in the cylinders before attempting to turn them over, thought about hooking a gas can up to the carb and see what happens.
My only goal so far is to make a daily driver/grocery getter. Not a total restore or show truck.