I Have a 1959 f250 with the hood that has the raised center section (this is what my illustrated parts book shows for a 1960) However the opening in the front of the hood is not like the 60's it is like the 59 which has the tabs to hold the screen and the 4 letters. I don't know the complete history! I'm the second owner, purchased it in 1970. But i have seen the two deferent styles ( smooth between the radiused ridges, and raised section) that have the tabs for grille and letters in the front opening). To me I feel that ford made sheet metal changes but did not changes parts numbers, adding that raised section in 59 and then in 60 changing the opening in the front.
Thats my SWAG

 

i have two 59s one custom cab and 1 not both have the exact same hood except for the color of corse, but i had thought the 57 and 58 had two different hoods?

 

Since nobody has posted a pic I'm confused. I'm no fridge expert as I've only had one since September. So this is my 59 std cab. Just wondering, is this the 'raised center section' you guys are talking about? Someone should post a picture of both types so we know what you all are talking about. Thanks. GB.

 

Well GB, here are a couple of pictures of the pages from my illustration catalog. they are not super high quality but you may get the idea. The first is of the 59 hood showing no raised center section, and the tabs in the front grille opening for the letters and grille attachment.
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and the second showing the raised center section with the 60's type front opening!

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Like yours GB mine is raised in the center like a 1960 style with the front opening like the 59 style. (according to the 1970 edition of the illustration catalog)
Fomoco likes to keep it interesting!

 

Gary, every time you post pics from your place, it makes want to ask if I can come over and play for awhile!

 

GB...that's an awesome truck! I envy your spread up there...beautiful!

'59 Hood, minus the FORD letters:


'60 Hood:


Both have the raised center section.

 

'57 Hood:

 

Some one with a 58 post a picture of there hood. Is it raise? I bet its something were they switched it up mid year so all of the ones made early in the year got the none raised and the ones made later in the year were raised.

 

My original 58 hood looks the same as that 57 hood.

 

Here is a 59 hood with out the raised center section

 

OK, let me take a crack at this. I see no mystery, just typical Ford practice. Take a good look at the 59 hood (both styles) and the 60 hood. The 59 hood has a full width punchout in front where the mesh and FORD fit. The 60 hood has two small punchouts on either side of if the central area for the emblem.

What I suspect happened was that at some point in 1959 production, Ford changed the die design for the hood outer panel in anticipation of the start of 1960 model production, and just started using it for the later part of 1959 production, as the setup for the front punchout could be used as it was. No part number change, just a die change. When 1960 production started, they changed the punchout die to get the 1960 hood. That would explain two 1959 hoods using the same part number (early and late production). Things like this are more common than most realize, but if you have spent any time in the stamping plants, it is not uncommon to see things like this done.

 

Thanks for the photos and clarification. Nice trucks there in Nevada! As for my place , for 35 years it's been a fun place to play AND work. My commute is walking 50 feet to my cabinet shop. I picked up an old sawmill a few years back and that's my new favorite part of the business. I bought the 5 acres on the side of Mt. Pickett for 18 grand back in the late 70s and over the years built the house and the shops. But I'm hijacking again, blabbing about my 'hood.

 

Hey GB.....LOVE your "hood".......God bless you bud!

 

Whoa.....I only have a door lock on the passenger side....so I figured one of my doors must have been replaced. Why would there be a lock on the passenger side but not the driver side???

 

Hmmm...Im thinking I may need to go up to the islands...been ages since I was up there...and seeing an old Ford or two...all the better :-)


- cs65