Help with Flathead Ford F-4 Truck

Hello,

My wife's boss is opening a bar/restaurant on Broadway in downtown Nashville. The bar is called ACME Feed and Seed becuase that was the name of the feed store back in the 40s and 50s. Her boss asked me if I could find him an old 40s - 50s era truck with a flatbed they could use for advertisement and put a band on the back for the big events.

This is the truck I found. 1949 Ford F-4 with a flathead 6 and a 4 speed. It came out of North Dakota and I just got my hands on it yesterday. I am still in my 20s so I might need a little help from some of the older FABO members that have experience working with 6 volt systems. Thanks in advance for anyone that gives me advice I really appreiciate it.

First question, do 6 volt batteries come charged? I bought a 6 volt battery from NAPA yesterday it doesn't seem to be charged. Do you have to charge before install?

The truck doens't have a starter switch so I guess I'll have to wire one up myself. I'm just trying to get this thing running and driving. The furthest it will ever have to drive is 4 blocks in town so it won't have to be highway worthy.

It's got one completely wrotten tire on the passenger side front that will have to be replaced. It's a 7.00-18 which is not common anymore. I found an old man yesterday that had two in stock brand new for $100 a piece! He is going to install them on the front as soon as I get it running. Turns out these wheels are 3 piece and you have to know your stuff to change a tire. I'll try to keep you guys up to date with my progress. Here are some pics. Thanks FABO!