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In this Discussion
- al m August 2006
- jerchap June 2006
- Oldcar_Mechanic June 2006
- Robert Conner June 2006
- tristansdaz June 2006
1952 Ford Pickup difficult?
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I need some advice. I have wanted an old pickup truck for a long time. I must confess I do not have a lot of mechanical experience, but I have found a 1952 Ford pickup truck sitting in a neighbor's yard. She tells me it was running when it was parked there. Tires are flat of course because she estimates it has been there for 10 years. How difficult are these for someone who is not a mechanic to understand? I know I could do a lot for it appearance wise. I know I can take care of the cosmetic things it needs, but I am worried about the mechanics. My husband is a mechanic, but not interested in having more work to do!!! I would like this to be a project for us to work on together, but I don't think that will happen. What do you think? Forget about the neat old pickup, or go for the dream? Thanks, Wizzie
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There's no doubt in my mind. "Go for the dream"
Get yourself the manuals that you will need for the truck such as the assembly manual and the chassis manual, they will help a lot. I would also consider joining a local club for this truck. It is a popular truck to work with and I'd bet you can get a lot of help. Maybe join the A.A.C.A or at least join the website. There's people that are always willing to help out with whatever you need.
I've been a machanic my whole life and one on classic and antique cars exclusively for the past 9 years and that never stopped me from restoring my Olds. Sorry to hear that he may not help, as it's a great bonding experience. No matter what, you will find people to help you.
Never give up your dreams
Ron -
Wizzie, if you want it, buy the truck, get the manuals, and ask your hubby questions. Lots of questions. At some point he'll get so damn tired of them, he'll begin to show you how to do things, and eventually start working on the thing himself.
At least, that's how my wife got me to work on her 64 1/2 Mustang ragtop!
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Thank so much for your support Robert and Old Car. Now about your suggestions, do you have some ideas for me about where I should go to find the manuals? Wizzie
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Go on eBay and search under car parts. There are a lot of people whi seel these manuals online. I have bought several that way myself.
Also, you might google "car repair manuals" and see what pops up. Chilton and/or Haynes may offer manuals for this truck, but I wouldn't bet the house on it.
Check your local library, they often have the Chilton manuals for many makes, models, and years.
Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress. -
I wouldn't buy a Chiltons or Motors manual because of the limited amount of information in them. I would look for factory manuals.
Try: Factory Auto Manuals in Flint MI. 1-810-743-3297
or: factoryautomanuals.com
or: books4cars.com
or: P.J's Auto literature - 319-345-6760 pjsautolit@aol.com
Maybe pick up a Hemmings Motor News and they will have more in there to choose from.
Hang in there, it'll get easier
Ron -
Oldcar_Mechanic wrote:I wouldn't buy a Chiltons or Motors manual because of the limited amount of information in them. I would look for factory manuals.
Try: Factory Auto Manuals in Flint MI. 1-810-743-3297
or: factoryautomanuals.com
or: books4cars.com
or: P.J's Auto literature - 319-345-6760 pjsautolit@aol.com
Maybe pick up a Hemmings Motor News and they will have more in there to choose from.
Hang in there, it'll get easier
Ron
Ron, normally, I would agree with you, especially about the Haynes, books. But Chilton's has frequently surprised me with the depth of detail. While I'd never make one a primary source of information, they are often easier to understand for the non-mechanic than the factory manuals.
But that's just my opinion. -
You couldn't have picked a better rig to start with. The pickups of that age are really quite simple and have no electronics to mess you up. As above, get the factory manuals if possible.
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tristansdaz wrote:You couldn't have picked a better rig to start with. The pickups of that age are really quite simple and have no electronics to mess you up. As above, get the factory manuals if possible.
So true. Any later, and they become more complicated, and any earlier (pre-war) and parts can be very difficult to come by.
Damn! I think I'm jealous!
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wizzie22 wrote:I need some advice. I have wanted an old pickup truck for a long time. I must confess I do not have a lot of mechanical experience, but I have found a 1952 Ford pickup truck sitting in a neighbor's yard. She tells me it was running when it was parked there. Tires are flat of course because she estimates it has been there for 10 years. How difficult are these for someone who is not a mechanic to understand? I know I could do a lot for it appearance wise. I know I can take care of the cosmetic things it needs, but I am worried about the mechanics. My husband is a mechanic, but not interested in having more work to do!!! I would like this to be a project for us to work on together, but I don't think that will happen. What do you think? Forget about the neat old pickup, or go for the dream? Thanks, Wizzie
These engines are about the simplest you can find. I've got a 51 myself. They run forever and parts are easy to find new or used. I bought a new shop manual of the shelf from a shop close by that deals in classics, you should have no trouble finding one yourself. If you want to restore something and have limited knowledge this is the one to get. It's only been sitting 10 years, if it ran when it sat it probably won't take much to get it running again. spray a bit of oil down the spark plug holes, wait a day, put a battery in it and try to fire it up. -
Hello Wizzie22..
Did you decide to purchase the truck? If yes, perhaps we might share information. I recently bought a '52 half-ton from the guy that had it since 1954. Basically it is solid, but needs a lot of attention. I know nothing, am not mechanically inclined, and don't even like working on cars, but am determined to give it my best. I know of several free catalogs that specialize in parts for old Ford trucks. I just took delivery on several items from one such source...now if I can just figure out how they all fit... The first thing that I bought was a reprint of the original Ford service manual. I has already been helpful.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Al M
