Ok, well I am finally done with school and now I can finally jump back into working on my truck again. And what is next on the list is I want to get my original seat frame powdercoated and refoamed and a new cover. But my question is would the seat covers for '61-'66 out of the LMC magazine fit on my bench seat for my '58? According to the picture it looks to be about the same exact cover. The only difference is mine has a V like seam on the back rest vs. the straight line. Anyone do this?

My other question is about chroming parts. I think it was last spring when I contacted a couple of chroming businesses, "Nu-Chrome" was one and the other I can't seem to figure out for the life of me. I had a slip of paper with the contact information on it but I can't find it. I remember it being out east somewhere though.

I was wondering if anyone knew anyother chroming places. For some reason from day one I have told myself that I didn't want to send my stuff to that "Nu-Chrome" I still kind of don't. I don't really know why though. Anyone send stuff to "Nu-Chrome"? I found "Pauls Chrome" in my search, anyone send some stuff there?

Ok for answering my questions now I have a little something for you guys. About oooh maybe a month ago I found a '60 F-100 that is for sale if anyone wants it. I talked to the guy a little about it. It came from California, there is no motor or tranny not a big deal in my opinion because the truck is SUPER SUPER clean!!!! Tailgate is probably the straightest one I have ever seen (other than my new repro one). The floor pan of the cab is clean no through rust, the only spot that I reall remember was in the corner on the step by the door hinge. There was a little through hole maybe a couple inches long and 1/4" wide. So anyone in the MN area I can hook you up to a really nice '60 F-100, I think he was asking $3,600 for it.

 

Well I was just doing some more research on the chroming topic and I found this about Nu-Chrome WOW!! I guess beware of these guys!!

Nu Chrome Member Reviews

And I also found the same site on Pauls Chrome, only two reviews but at least they are positive unlike Nu-Chrome.

Paul's Chrome Plating Member Reviews

I guess my senses told me right about Nu-Chrome huh.

 

Blaine, what you might want to do is find a local car or truck club,and find out if there is any consensus among its' members about who to use locally, as well as who to avoid.It's like when I'm travelling, I get a few miles off the interstate,into some small town, and find out where the locals are eating.They're usually not wrong.

Steve

 

I cannot really help on the chrome question, other than say that I have gotten good recommendations on who can do chrome from the guys that I know who chrome up their Harleys. See who the bikers in your area use.

On the seat covers, I have not found anyone who catalogs the original style upholstry for the 57 to 60 trucks. I would like to find OEM style seat upholstry for my trucks, particularly with the material (the Ford brochures called it Saran) used in the standard cab trucks. That stuff was nice to sit on and really durable.

 

In the sticky at the top of the forum,in the essential suppliers list, is a contact for SMS Auto Fabrics.They carry tons of NOS fabrics,including for our Fridges.

 

Thanks, I am familiar with them. But having stitched up a complete interior from scratch for a car once, that is something I do not want to do again.

 

As far as chroming. The recommendations above about using someone local are sound. This is a situation where you really want to be able to transport the parts back and forth yourself so there is no confusion, no damage, and no lost parts.

I've never used them but from what I've heard, Paul's is one of the best in the business and priced accordingly. In this particular instance, you really are getting what you pay for.

As far as upholstery, I was contacted by Mac's a few months ago looking for photos and measurements. They are working on something so you might check with them.

Lou Manglass

 

Well thanks you guys. I am going to have to look into SMS a little more.

manglass: Mac's is a custom upholstery business from what it looked like on their website. Again I only took a quick glance. I have an upholstery business already lined up to work on my seat, they are going to refoam it and everything.

As for the seat cover in general, I am wondering if I were to order the seat cover from LMC that is said to be for '61-'64 Ford pickups would it fit my '58 seat or is it most likely different size. Because it looks to be almost exactly like mine but like I said before the seam on the back rest was a little different. But that won't be a big deal. Here's a link to the cover I am refering, the seat cover at the very top of the page.

LMC Truck Parts - Page 90

For the chroming I could give a guy that I work with a call he is a really big Harley guy and he might know of a place where to get stuff chromed. Otherwise I did call a few places, Pauls Chrome, Bumper Boyz, and emailed 21st Century Finishes. But I think I might go with Pauls Chrome. They are where I am feeling most comfortable. But I am in MN and I think they are in PA.

 

IIRC correctly, the later seat is wider than the seat in your 58. If you have a really good upholstery shop, they might be able to make it fit.

Mac's is a parts dealer, not just upholstery. A good source (their stuff is top notch) but they are not truck specialists. They are located in Lockport, NY.

Only because you mentioned the name, do some more research on Bumper Boyz before you send them any work. I think I've read some unflattering stories about them.

If you send your parts to Paul's, I'm sure we'd love to see some pictures of the show-chrome finish you're sure to receive.

Lou Manglass

 

Ok I am still working on trying to figure out where to send my stuff to get chromed. I just found out of another place today called Custom Plating Specialist Inc. in Brillion WI which is maybe 5 hrs away from me But I would be willing to drive that if they do good enough work. Still have to contact them. I am also going to call a couple local guys to see where they send their stuff.

As for the seat I might have to have them cut a new cover and fit it but they could use the original as a template. I was also going to ask I am having a bit of a problem with the seat back.

Since I have torn it apart there are 2 springs that are broken. How should I fix them or replace them?

I am also having another little dilema with my headlight bucket. I am tearing it apart along with a lot of other stuff so I can get it all powdercoated. But I needed to take the plastic nuts out of the bucket otherwise they would melt in the powdercoating process. I had to bend the tabs enough so I could get the nut turned and removed but now 2 of the little tabs broke. And I don't know how to fix them. The only thing I could think of was maybe a nut on the back side along with a spring on the front side so there is tension pushing towards the front. Any ideas?

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/n...12_26_1136.jpg

I also am wondering where it is that I will be able to find a new Heat Riser for the crossover.

 

[QUOTE=F-100CustomCabTBC;11204672]Ok I am still working on trying to figure out where to send my stuff to get chromed. I just found out of another place today called Custom Plating Specialist Inc. in Brillion WI which is maybe 5 hrs away from me But I would be willing to drive that if they do good enough work. Still have to contact them. I am also going to call a couple local guys to see where they send their

There are chromers in St.Paul.The one I've used was AAA plating.

 

I think the plastic pieces come with the headlight adjuster screws. Try a body shop supply or a body shop that's been around for a while. They aren't necessarily vehicle specific.

Lou Manglass

 

This is what I had in mind for the headlight bucket. What do you guys think?





I might actually have to use a stronger spring. I just found a fine threaded nut, added a washer on either end of the screw and this is what I came up with.

 

Looks like it ought to work. I always put anti seize, on fine threaded bolts located in places such as that, or at least some chasis grease.

 

Just make sure the nut on the rear can't turn so you can still adjust the headlight.

Lou Manglass