Arrival

Mechanical

Finish

Ford’s legendary F-Series began in January of 1948, with eight levels of trucks: F-1 for half-ton pickup, F-2 for three-quarter ton, up to the F-7 and F-8 heavy-duty trucks. Base engine was a 226-cid flathead six-cylinder producing 95-horsepower. Optional was Ford’s infamous flathead V8, displacing 239-cid and making 100-horsepower. A floor-shifted three-speed transmission was standard on the half-ton trucks, with a four-speed standard on bigger trucks, and optional on the half-tons.

Aside from drivetrain and 114″ wheelbase, Ford’s new ‘Bonus-Built’ trucks were completely different from the car-based trucks they replaced. All-new front sheetmetal featured integrated headlights, a one-piece windshield increased visibility, and the cabs were now wider, longer, and taller. Increased interior dimensions started with a seven-inch stretch in cab width, and by positioning the door hinges three inches farther forward, easier entry was obtained. The steering wheel was more horizontal and mounted closer to the driver, and a three-person bench seat moved back and forward on roller bearings. To help isolate frame flex, rubber mounts were used between cab and frame.

The F1 models had a 6-1/2 foot cargo box with an all-steel floor, giving 45-cubic-feet of load space. F2 and F3 models had an eight-foot bed. On the back of all trucks was a single-side taillight.

1949 Ford F1

Second year F-series trucks received only minor changes. Starting late in 1948, the five chrome grille-bars were painted silver. Wheel rims, painted-black last year, were now painted to match the body color.

Read more about Ford F100’s at: http://classic-car-history.com/1948-1952-ford-pickup.htm