So, I've always wanted a 56 F100. Just love the looks of those trucks. Nothing against you 53-55 guys. The subtle changes in the 56 body do it for me.

Anyway, I found, what I believe to be, a smoking deal. 350 bucks for a 56 cab, doors, 90% of the glass, and hood. No title, frame, or anything else. Does 350 seem like too much for this? I have to wonder. These pieces have been for sale for some time now and the guy selling them just can't seem to move them. A few months ago, they were 500. I actually was prepared to move on it a few weeks ago, but my inability to line up a trailer to move everything forced me to put the brakes on the deal.

Also, I found a 55 F100 with title, in pieces, for 1500, with title in another location. So, I was thinking I could snap up nearly everything I would need to build my 56, for less than 2k *minus pretty much everything that needs to be replaced.

So what say you guys? Does it seem like I could be getting in to yet ANOTHER project at a very fair price?

 

Might be tricky using the 55 title for the 56 but otherwise sounds like a decent deal...

 

well, it would technically wind up a titled 55 F100 with a 56 cab on it. Not a huge deal to me. If/when I ever built one, it would never be resold.

 

If you could get the 55 stuff for a grand, it would be an even better deal. 2K seems a little steep for a project buy in, to me, but if you're good with putting together a project like this and you're happy with what you're getting, I don't think you'll get hurt. A couple hundred bucks isn't worth squabbling over, in the big picture. Even if you found a better, complete 56 next week, having extra parts to use, sell or trade is a good thing. My 2c.

 

If it's the view of the '56 you care about. I think it sounds about right, depending on the overall condition of what you're buying.

I have a similar plan for Jessie (got her running at a similar price); even though she's a '55, I'll be adding a few '54 looks to match Julie.

Speaking of looks, that F250 looks mean. I've been trying to put my ranger on steroids to see if it can grow to something like that. No luck so far.

 

Thanks for the input 52. Honestly, the 55 is a second thought to me at the moment. It's convenient, which is why I considered it. I'd have nearly everything I'd need. I would be just as happy scoring the 56 cab and included parts and sitting on that for awhile until I found everything else I needed. I'm certain I could piece together the truck by picking up the other pieces here and there for much less money.

I suppose the big question I could really use input on is whether or not 350 for a cab, hood, doors, and glass is a deal, average, or a pass.

 

LOL. Don't let it fool you. It's a pig at the moment. I got out of a Tacoma because I got tired of not being able to haul anything with it (Broncos, big parts, etc). Picked the 250 up for a song and have really loved it. Fixing all of the issues caused by poor maintenance of previous owners has been a challenge. Especially when you have another project (72 Bronco) in the driveway, and an itch for a 56. But, it's coming along.

 

JMHO, but if the '56 cab is good, meaning relatively rust free and not beat all to pieces, it is a buy. You can not install many patch panels or do much sheetmetal work at all for that kind of money. Look at pricing on repro stuff. Again, JMO, there will be naysayers.

 

I'll agree with Ray in that as long as the 56 cab and doors are solid and relatively rust free, $350 is a good deal. 56 parts are high demand items, so scoring them if they're in good shape is a big benefit.

It's difficult to put a truck together one piece at a time. It gets expensive when you have to buy every little bracket and component separately. Picking up a complete parts truck is definitely the way to go. If the 55 is solid and complete, it could be a good start. If you can sell the cab and doors for what you pay for the 56 stuff, it'll be a wash. Every marketplace is a little different. In my neighborhood, $1500 is a lot of money for a parts truck. Your mileage may vary. But condition is extremely important, too. If it's not all beat and rotted away, has more useable or saleable parts, it's a better value than a $500 rust bucket.

Either way, if I wanted a 56, I'd snag that stuff for sure.

 

$350 is a good deal for what you're getting, but does it really get you closer to what you want? You're still going to need to store the parts, then sell off what you don't use. Make sure you're ok with doing that before bring that cab home. It looks like you live in a nice area of town, can you get away with keeping it in the driveway without running afoul of the neighbors?

 

If the sheetmetal is all in good condition, minimal to no rust in the cab corners, door bottoms and/or floor on the 56, and the 55 is a F100 with good fenders, bed, hood, I'd say to get both. Like previously said you can title it as a 55, the frame serial # is what designates the year and title, not the body. Make sure the paper work matches the number on the frame (usually stamped on the pass side frame top flange near the firewall or engine mount crossmember) not one from a titlemill. Having the correct title will save you a lot of paperwork and time/money. The 56 cab will bolt right on in place of the 55 cab. You DEFINITELY cannot piece together the 56 for a lower price., the small parts will beat you up. You can sell the leftovers to recoup part of your investment.
If either or both are rust buckets, keep looking.

 

Thanks for all the input guys! I'll let you know what pans out.