Hello,
I am looking to buy a 1957 F600 Dump. Can anyone tell me what a safe cruising speed is for this truck. I think it has a 312ci motor. It is about 250miles from my house on the highway. I am trying to decide if I need to trailer it or if it is drivable.

Thanks,
Marc

 

Also,
Are there any places to get necessary replacement parts like brakes and clutches and stuff like that?

 

Sure about the 312? If so, someone swapped it in.
Depending on the rear axle, you should be able to cruise at 50 to 55 mph comfortably if you do not mind the engine noise. That is if the steering linkage not too loose and the truck tracks pretty good.

If it has a two speed rear (push pull switch on shifter) just make sure it is in hi range if you want to go over 40.

 

Hello,
I think it was swapped from a car because the car only had 50,000 mi and was crashed. Do you know if these things are reliable enough to use? I have a construction company and would like to use it for dump runs and the occasional load of stone

 

They are more than reliable enough for that. Once you go through all the systems, that is. Engine, brakes, fuel system, cooling, electrical, steering etc. you know, all the usual stuff that goes bad after 50 something years..... Have fun, we all are!

 

GVWR is probably 16,000. Is it really economical to buy for commercial use a truck that will get 5 mpg, and needs every system gone through?
Even if the brakes seem to work fine, are you NOT going to look at them before you put it into commercial use? Ditto the steering? Tires?

 

I am aware that it will have to be completely gone through, but so would an 80's truck if I got that. I am not looking at these oldies because i am trying to do this on the cheep, I am doing it because I love classic trucks. If I don't get this I am going to get a 61 unibody. I think it is good for advertising and either would be fun to drive. Can I really expect much better fuel economy from an 80's f600? This would be an around town machine. Probably would not drive it more than 20 mile trips tops to get some materials. My main question is if there are places to get brake parts, clutch parts, electrical parts, and cooling parts. I am pretty sure NAPA wont have it and I dont want to get stuck with a truck I can not repair.

Any thoughts?
Marc

 

For my 1960 F600s, I have found master cylinders, wheel cylinder rebuild kits, radiator hoses, thermostat, bulbs, bulb sockets, filters, engine gaskets, and such at NAPA stores. Not always in stock, but a day or two from the warehouse. Clutch parts should not be that hard to get, and you can get brake shoes relined at places that do brake relining and bonding.

Not as easy to get parts for as current trucks, but for me, I have had just as much trouble getting parts for stuff made in the 80s.

 

Does anyone know if it is easy to change the glass in the doors? Also, anyone have a source for tires? I know it needs both of those things. also, what do you think is a fair price? it has is a 57 that was bought by current owner in 59. it has been garaged since 62 and has not been on the road since 76

Thanks,
Marc

 

IIRC, the door panels are pretty big, so the door glass replacement should be nothing special.

Tires? Hard to search for your area from here, because I don't know where you are vs. guys like this:

Commercial Truck Services Dorchester Tire Service, Inc. Boston, MA (617) 436-0900

IF this thing has 6 lug wheels, which it should, you can go with some 9R22.5 tubeless tires if you want, as wheels should be easy to find.

Price? Beats me, but you can try to find comparable trucks:

ClassicTruckCentral.com | Classic Trucks For Sale | 1956 Ford F600 Truck For Sale

ClassicTruckCentral.com | Classic Trucks For Sale | 1950 Ford F-6 Truck For Sale

ClassicTruckCentral.com | Classic Trucks For Sale | 1950 Ford F-5 Truck For Sale

Does it have a title?

Other stuff I've found that might could come into play:

--thread about the two speed, with links to Eaton in post 12:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...y-58-f600.html

Note brake size info in post 3.

Hoist parts in post 5:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post11768171