We all love our Fridges, or Orphans if you will.But let's face it,we are often considered the Ugly Step-Child by our fellow truck owners.There are not many vendors/restorers/collectors/ whose primary focus is the 57-60 line-up of Ford light duty trucks ,but I recently became aware of one,and want to pass the word..

William "Riff" Riffle,is definitely a promoter of our trucks.Riff, as owner of Riff's Restorations in Pahrump, Nevada, has been messing around with Ford trucks and cars for over 55 years now.It started when his father would take him to the business where he was employed,and Riffs' first tasks were washing and changing oil on the many Ford trucks the business owned.His love for Ford trucks already assured by age 12,the now 68 year-old recalls seeing a 1958 model which cemented his life-long preference for our era trucks.Someone rolled in in a brand new Styleside ,and Riff noticed. It's dual headlights,which were new for any brand truck back then, as well as the slight rake that it's California owner preferred,had him hooked.

Though Riff,a retired railroad worker, does love and restore all eras of old Ford trucks,he remains true to the Fridge.And he REALLY loves the 4-wheel drive models.In fact, He has several projects in the works ,one being to produce a plug-n-play, engine/tranny ready chassis for 57-60 trucks,using the later model (67 up) 4-wheel drive Ford truck frame.I will try to provide more info later,as Riff was on his way to Las Vegas to pick up another truck when we spoke .

Someone from FTE -can't recall who it was - had referred me to Riff, and I'm grateful.I called him several months ago to see if he could find for me the somewhat-rare stock Ford power steering system I'd been in search of for years.Having forgotten all about it,I was surprised to hear from him yesterday,as I sat in my Lazyboy, web-surfing,drinking coffee and recovering from the Thanksgiving gluttony.He'd found what I wanted,was going to get the truck,and was I still interested?Duh! As an added bonus,it also had the original Hydrovac power-brake system,for which I'd also been searching.And the price was very reasonable.

So if you are in need of any parts, hard-to-find or otherwise, try calling Riff.If anyone can sniff out the parts, he can.Be advised that Riff is not comfortable with computers ,and can only be contacted by telephone.No web-site/email.He will snail-mail photos of parts/vehicles for your approval,though.Thanks to the person, whoever it was, that referred me to Riff,and I am hoping Riffs' friend can help him to get a little more familiar with a computer so he can join FTE,and contribute some of his half-centurys' worth of Ford truck knowledge and experience.

William "Riff" Riffle, Owner

Riff's Restorations

Pahrump, Nevada

(775) 751-3751

 

Wow!! Good info Steve.

 

I can tell you that Riff is a stand up guy. He is my neighbor, I can see his house from mine. He is a walking encylopdia for info on all these Ford trucks. I have gotten so many parts from him, building a 56, and have bought a 60 big back window from him. putting a 57 front clip on this truck and have back up front clip. So I have good access for all these parts. Need rust free sheet metal? Riff has got it.

Jonesy

 

Buzz; thanks for this info on Rifs Restorations. I may just take a ride over the hump to Pahrump.

 

Thrifty - could I ask you to print a copy of my "plug" for Riff, and show it to him?I let him know I would be introducing him to the Forum.Also,it would be great for SOMEONE to sort of get him computer literate enough to join FTE.Since we lost a lot of the great long-time technical guys when we did the split from the Other Group,we can't afford to not have people with his experience.

I was mightily impressed with the wealth of info, but even more so with his taking the time to hunt down some fairly rare parts I'd been in search of for years.No offense to the Infidels(LOL), but I didn't want to chevy-up my truck.I will have those Ford parts refurbished, over time, before installing them.Power steering and power brakes on my old Fridge,finally,after 13+ years of ownership!

 

Turns out that Riff has a stigmatism in one of his eyes and he can not stare at a computer for any length of time. He has so much going on at times that I rarely can get over to him and free him up, But he still will take the time to take care of your needs. One of the most honest people you would meet. Sometimes it's just to much info to take in. You might have heard about Riff from Doug, (can not remember what he goes by on Fte.) Warning: College Football is a passion for him and Saturdays is not a good day to try and get a hold of him. Or if there is a bowl game on, forget it. Phone will be turned off. Also if you keep gettting no answer he does turn the phone off. He has no answering machine so you have to keep trying 9 to 5 week days Pacific time zone.

Jonesy

 

thanks buzz for the info. might have to give him a call and see if he has any good f250 front fenders. glad he found you the power steering and brakes. more than once i wish i had both but if the ol girl didnt scare the shiv out of me every now and then it wouldnt be as much fun.

 

That's beautiful man, makes me misty! So refreshing after reading about GB considering a one wire alternator!

 

Fine... I'll buy the shop manual and fix the dadgum generator.

 

Now I am really starting to tear up! I feel so proud!

Just to let you know, I had to take my master cylinder out of the '60, last nite since it wants to keep leaking down the fire wall. Rather than replace it with anything else, I ordered a direct replacement for it. So, I do practice what I preach! LOL!!!