What year is this Fargo?

[fireguyfire]

I’ve got an opportunity to buy this Fargo truck . It runs and drives, and is still in the original owners family and Is a low miler as it had never left the farm.

I haven’t seen the truck in person yet, but my buddy ranches nearby and took the photos for me.

I’m curious if anyone can tell what year the truck is by the photos?

It is not a 1/2 ton, but I’m thinking it’s a 3/4.

Any inputs would be appreciated.

[JBNeal]

That looks like a 1953 1-ton

[fireguyfire]

Can you educate me on how you know that?

[48Dodger]

1951-53 have a lip/ridge on the hood halfs.

1951-53 have the wiper arms mounted wider than the 48-50

1953 is the only year with the "square" rear fender

The truck appears to have the 5 lug nut rim (not the lug bolt) which would make it at least a 3/4 ton truck...not a 1/2 ton.

The grille badge is 51-53

The bumper is 51-53 because of the molded center for the licence plate

48-50 did not have the center of the bumper "shaped"  

The body line on the door stops half way across on 51-53

48-50 had that door body line go completely across

1 tons typically had longer beds, which can be seen by the space between the rear cab to the front of the rear fender.....

Without the right angle, from what I see...the gap is wide enough to make it a 1 ton.

 

48D 

[wallytoo]

if the nameplate follows dodge convention, it is one-year-only in 1953.  it has widely spaced individual letters instead of the closely spaced stamped sheet.

 

 

[ggdad1951]

to settle the debate on tonnage if the wheels are 6 lug it's a 1 ton.

[Merle Coggins]

I agree on ‘53 due to the square rear fenders. And from what I can see of the front wheel it appears to be a 1 ton wheel, which is apparently what Brian sees too. 

[fireguyfire]

Thanks for the info gents, I will give it an in hand look soon.

My plan would be to keep it as a survivor and make it mechanically right; it has that patina that is all the rage, but according to my buddy it has almost no rust.