Ford F-Series Truck 1948-1952

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.

1950 Ford F1

With the Korean Conflict dominating headlines, there was concern of whether civilian car and truck production would stop, as it had in 1942. Record numbers of buyers hurried to buy available vehicles. Total Ford truck production jumped by more than 100,000 to over 345,000 units. F-1 pickup production alone was over 79,000.

1951 Ford F1

An all-new grille design, with a large horizontal bar spread across the front of the truck supported by three bullet-shaped teeth, was the big styling change for 1951. Front fenders were also restyled, as was the front bumper. The rear window was made larger for better visibility, and a redesigned dashboard now featured an ashtray and a glove-box.

Starting in 1951, cargo beds used a hardwood floor rather than steel. Options included dual windshield wipers, dual sun-visors, and a foot-operated windshield washer.

1952 Ford F1

In the last year of the Bonus Built series, Ford introduced an overhead-valve 215-cid six-cylinder engine, rated at 101 horsepower. The flathead V-8, still at 239-cid, got a bump in compression ratio, increasing output to 106 horsepower. Hood trim was revamped, and front grille color was changed from silver to white.

With the following year being Ford Motor Company's 50th Anniversary. 1953 Ford Trucks were completely restyled, with an expanded cab, new grille, and larger cargo bed.

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