Hello everyone: My 51 was very unreliable when I first bought it (1972).. had most of the problems mentioned... but after a lot of new parts.. including a rebuilt 261 it was very reliable and very easy to diagnose when it had a problem. A 1/2 ton 4 speed solved the linkage hassle. Drove it 100,000 miles from 1973 to 1984 until it became too rusty to drive (salt on roads in winter) and it now sits in the yard waiting for a complete restore..... soon I hope!!
Enjoy everyone's comments and thanks for a great site!!
Ter
