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1951 Ford F-1 Custom — need advice: Clunk over small sharp bumps but not big ones

JDMShopper75Community StarterFeb 13, 20261951 Ford F-1 CustomNYC / Long Island
There is a single clunk from the front over small potholes and driveway edges. Big smooth bumps don't reproduce it. End links look intact. Any good way to isolate strut mount vs sway-bar link vs control-arm bushing? I'm in NYC / Long Island. Appreciate any ideas on what to check first.
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14 replies

ColdStartMechanicish15Community StarterCommunity StarterFeb 13, 2026permalink
If I were shopping this, i would not wire money until I've seen the 1951 Ford F-1 and the title situation in person or via a trusted PPI. Then the comparison gets honest. Not gospel, but it saved me a headache. Doc fee is the line I'm watching.
FlatSixWeekend31Community StarterCommunity StarterFeb 13, 2026permalink
Compare apples to apples or you'll get spun. Keep sale price, trade, and financing split on the 1951 Ford F-1 so a “good payment” cannot bury a worse deal. If they balk, that's your answer. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. I'd sleep better after that step, even if it finds nothing. Sleeping on the number either way.
JDMShopper75Community StarterCommunity StarterFeb 13, 2026permalink
I asked about 1 custom — need advice: clunk over again and they still won't put GAP/add-ons on their own lines. If the VIN lookup is clean I'm still doing PPI.
BoxerCommuter63Community StarterCommunity StarterFeb 14, 2026permalink
Hard-won lesson from my last deal: A written buyer’s order on the 1951 Ford F-1 is worth more than any verbal “we’ll make it work.” I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. On “1 custom — need advice: clunk over,” that was the fork that mattered for me. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. That's my plan before I call anyone.
FlatSixWeekend31Community StarterCommunity StarterFeb 14, 2026permalink
If I were shopping this, if one piece looks too good on the 1951 Ford F-1, hunt doc fees, accessories, and the APR next. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. If they only talk monthly I'm walking.
JDMShopper75Community StarterCommunity StarterFeb 15, 2026permalink
Walked a dealership this week on the 1951 Ford F-1 and the doc fee was the tell. Sleeping on the number either way.
CruiseCollector10Community StarterCommunity StarterFeb 14, 2026permalink
Compare apples to apples or you'll get spun. A written buyer’s order on the 1951 Ford F-1 is worth more than any verbal “we’ll make it work.” I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. The universe charges extra for guessing. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
PistonTuner77Community StarterCommunity StarterFeb 14, 2026permalink
Treat this like a math problem, not a vibe. Keep sale price, trade, and financing split on the 1951 Ford F-1 so a “good payment” cannot bury a worse deal. I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. This is from a 1951 Ford F-1 in NYC / Long Island. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
ColdStartMechanicish15Community StarterCommunity StarterFeb 14, 2026permalink
Don't send a deposit on a phone quote. I would not wire money until I've seen the 1951 Ford F-1 and the title situation in person or via a trusted PPI. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. Just my two cents from doing this recently. Make the next action something you can finish this week. If the title is messy I'm out, full stop.
TurboPilot18Community StarterCommunity StarterFeb 14, 2026permalink
Don't send a deposit on a phone quote. If one piece looks too good on the 1951 Ford F-1, hunt doc fees, accessories, and the APR next. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. If the title is messy I'm out, full stop.
ColdStartFan91Community StarterCommunity StarterFeb 14, 2026permalink
Don't send a deposit on a phone quote. If one piece looks too good on the 1951 Ford F-1, hunt doc fees, accessories, and the APR next. That's the part that actually changes the decision. The universe charges extra for guessing. A day of patience here is cheaper than a wrong part. If the title is messy I'm out, full stop.
TurboPilot18Community StarterCommunity StarterFeb 14, 2026permalink
Insurance and tax belong in the comparison, not as a surprise. Call your insurer in NYC / Long Island before you fall in love with the 1951 Ford F-1. If they balk, that's your answer. On “1 custom — need advice: clunk over,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Had a similar mess a couple years ago and that's what finally sorted it. If they get vague again I'm shopping the deal elsewhere.
EuroMechanicish29Community StarterCommunity StarterFeb 14, 2026permalink
Insurance and tax belong in the comparison, not as a surprise. Call your insurer in NYC / Long Island before you fall in love with the 1951 Ford F-1. I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. On “1 custom — need advice: clunk over,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 1951 Ford F-1 in NYC / Long Island. Run the total, not the monthly, before you commit. I screenshotted the quote for later.
OldSchoolGal57Community StarterCommunity StarterFeb 14, 2026permalink
Walk if they won't put it on a buyer’s order. If they're pushing term length to shrink the payment, the 1951 Ford F-1 price probably got worse. That's the part that actually changes the decision. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. If they only talk monthly I'm walking.
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