I recently accuired a 1955 Ford Panel Truck project and need to hunt down many parts. Starting with the rusty body: the truck needs almost everything. Is their a company that has parts for this panel truck? I have seen parts suppliers with 55 Ford pick-up parts (fenders, hood, and cab parts) and was wondering if the parts would fit on a panel. Also would consider salvage yard metal if the price is right. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

First, welcome to FTE. You will find a lot of help here on your build. The panel trucks use the same front sheet metal as the pickup so the fenders, hood, grill and all related parts will interchange. Front cab corners and front floors are also the same as the pickup so all patch panels for this area will work also. Doors are same as pickup. The rest of the body is unique to the 53-56 panel truck.
I've added a link to Midfifty F-100 parts, you will want to get one of there catalogs. It has most anything you will need for your truck and a great group of ladies to deal with. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.
Oh and we like pictures too.
brian...

Mid Fifty F-100 Parts - Home

 

That's great news Brian. Thank you very much for your help and warm welcome. I will also check into the Midfifty folks and get some of those HTF parts. I'll take some pictures soon. Thanks again for helping me start this project.

 

Your welcome,
Looking forward to your pictures.
brian...

Here is a shot of my 55 panel.

 

One thing to note is that the roof line above the windshield is different on the 56 as compared to the 53-55 years. The 56 has more of a brow. Nice panel 9teen56f100.

 

Yep I should have mentioned the upper roof line as well as the doors are unique to the 56 also. They will look like my 56 pickup.
brian...

 

This is the panel project. Lots of rust from the floor down, plus the sheetmetal work that someone did is another step backward. But the frame pretty solid and straight.

 

That's pretty much how I started out with my 56. Had to make all the patch panels rear of the door posts myself but everything forward from that you can purchase. Keep us posted on your progress and it's good to see another panel on the survival list.

 

Now that's what I call taking an opportunity to show off a nice truck

 

Progress shown on 6-10-11

 

Progress as of 6-24-11

 

Awesome progress. Very creepy too.

 

Hello
I will be purchasing a 55 Ford Panel Truck with it's original six and three on the tree "Still Running". Please keep me up to speed with your progress.
My thoughts where to replace the engine with a Cummins diesel and Auto tranny. I am now leaning towards keeping the six and just mating a auto tranny to it. I could use feedback on pros and con.
Also I will be using the truck for business (media blasting) and need to upgrade the suspension such as air???
Any thoughts??????

 

Hello,

Welcome to the forum. Good luck with the project. Look forward to future pictures. As for parts, I have had good luck with Dennis Carpenter out of Concord, NC. Good prices and quick responses.

 

Sorry if this looks like highjacking the thread, but being a panel owner myself, and looking at the last pics I thought of this.

Those who have done a frame up restore on a panel; how have you separated the body from the frame? I'd like to know what options there are that minimize damaging the body.

thanks,
Ed