1949 Ford F3

[TobbyT]

I got my new 49 Ford F3 home yesterday. I have a couple of questions about the new truck.



1. The Serial# is 462504. Does anyone have an idea if it a 49, 50 or 51 ?
2. What should be the top speed of an F3 ?

When I got it home, I found it no compression in #2 & 3 and #5 & 6 cylinders. I'll pull the heads Monday to see what I have. I hope its just stuck valves or blown head gasket.

[rotorwrench]

The front sheet metal changed in 1951. There have been some good discusions on here and one of Ford truck forums about the 49 & 50 models since it's a little harder to tell where the divining line is on them.

My Dad had a 52 F3 with the old nonsynchronized 4-speed stump puller. It wasn't a high speed machine for sure. It was pretty well wound out at 65 MPH but it would go more if you could stand the noise.

Here's one thread on the subject: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...ht=1949+F1+VIN

[TobbyT]

Thanks for the info !! Looking over the info on this forum, I believe I have the info on this truck:
Serial #: 98RY 462504 AT Model#: 9RY
Firewall Code: A12K324

Serial#
9 = '49 or '50
8R = 239ci V8
462505 = over 300,000 = 1950 model
AT = Atlanta Ga

Firewall code:
A = Black
12 = Day of Month built
K = Built in Oct
324 = Unit # assembled

Thanks again for your help.

[pauldeborr]

Good luck on the F-3. Maybe I'm biased, but I love to see these things on the road.
I downloaded a speedometer App on my phone and used it to see if my speedometer on the truck was accuarate. I hit 73 mph and could not get it to go any faster. I have changed the rear axle to a DANA 60 with 4:10 gears though. Other than that, I'm pretty much original.

Awesome Truck!

[mtflat]

Originally Posted by TobbyT

Thanks for the info !! Looking over the info on this forum, I believe I have the info on this truck:
Serial #: 98RY 462504 AT Model#: 9RY
Firewall Code: A12K324

Serial#
9 = '49 or '50
8R = 239ci V8
462505 = over 300,000 = 1950 model
AT = Atlanta Ga

Firewall code:
A = Black
12 = Day of Month built
K = Built in Oct
324 = Unit # assembled

Thanks again for your help.

You sorted it out pretty well - the Y is for F3, or Heavy 3/4 ton and the breakpoint between 49 and 50 is probably closer to 280,000 but yes, your's is clearly a '50

Have fun with your project!

If you get a chance, check in with the guys at the new and growing bonusbuilt truck forum
http://www.fordtruckfanatics.com/forum/index.php

[TobbyT]

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Well the truck lives. We found several stuck valves. After a little TLC we got the heads removed and the valves loosened up. Put the heads back on and started the motor. We only ran it for a very short time as all the water hoses are still disconnected because of the heads being removed. I'll put it all together this weekend and see how she runs.

[mtflat]

Congratulations!! they're pretty tough engines - enjoy!

[TobbyT]

I got all the hoses connected and filled it with water. Looks like I have some work to do. The radiator is leaking, the right water pump is also leaking and #3 cylinders is pumping water. Got to love it !!

[38 coupe]

My '49 F-2 is happy cruising at 40-45 m.p.h. The rear axle ratio of 4.86 to 1 really gears these trucks down. If you want to go faster there are two good options: 1) do what pauldborr did and install a higher ratio Dana 60, either 4.10 or 3.54 ratio, or 2) contact Chuck at Chucks Trucks and purchase the 4.11 ratio conversion for your stock rear axle.

[TobbyT]

Thanks for the info. I might check out Chucks Trucks. I will need to do something to get the speed up. I'd like to keep it as original as I can and also use it as a weekend drive. I'd hate to back up traffic like a log truck on a two lane road.

[mike42]

When I get home I'll check a book I have on serial numbers. It will tell everything about it.
Give me a few days

Mike42

[mike42]

PS - I had one and I did 80 mph in it

[TobbyT]

80 MPH !! That flathead must have been singing.

[Ol' Ron]

Put alittle MMo in the gas for a while 1oz per gal.

[TobbyT]

i've never used MMO. Dad always used Sea Foam in the gas and STP in the oil. Once I get her running again, I'll give it a try. I just want tell Dad !!