Last updated on April 19, 2024
Today’s vehicle is a 1951 Ford F-1 1/2 ton Pickup truck owned by Rick Snavely This truck has been in the family since 1951 when Grandpa bought it new for the tidy sum of $1.693.90. I photographed this truck at the Marina del Rey’s Cars and Coffee that is held every Sunday. The car is finished in off the shelf rattle can green with a with a warm black and gray leather interior and the bed of the truck is oak finished in a dark stain. It is powered by a 1951 8BA Flathead, with 276 cu in, boosting twin Garrett GT-25 turbochargers with twin original Holley 94s carburetors, mated to a Tremec 5-speed transmission with 3.73:1 rear axle. Slowing this beauty down are disc brakes in all 4-corners. The front suspension is a Sid’s dropped solid I beam axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs with shock absorbers. The rear suspension Ford 8.8 rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs with shock absorbers.
The F-1 was the first-generation Ford in the F-Series of pickup trucks and commercial vehicles. The first generation F-1 series pickup trucks were built from 1948 – 1952. The total F-1 pickup production was 560,716 units, with 148,956 of them being built in 1951. They were manufactured in 10 plants in 9 states.
I really like what Ricky did to the truck. He took care of business, engine, transmission, rear end, brakes, tires & wheels, electrical, cooling, exhaust through the front fenders and the comfortable interior. Then left the body with that great rattle can patina look with chrome bumpers that catch your eye after hearing the warm rumble of the exhaust. But, what really catches my eyes are those twin Garrett turbochargers! What a great truck to take to hot rod car, truck and bike shows, Cars and Coffee events or just taking a cruise with mom and dad with their cool custom cars. Thank you for riding along. Frank
