My father has a 1959 Ford F250. He is only the second owner of the truck and he was told that the engine is original along with the current listed mileage. He is wanting to sell the truck but is unsure of the engine size. I listed it for him on craigslist just to see if he received any interest. An individual told us that the engine is not the original as the picture we listed showed the distributor in the front but for this model and year, the only V8engine available in the '59 was a 292 Y block which has the distributor in the rear of the engine and not the front.
I just wanted to get some honest insight from people that know what they are talking about. I can get you some pics if needed to answer correctly.
Thank you

 

Yep, Y blocks distributor is in the rear!
Of course we need pictures!

 

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This is what I have of the engine. Hope it helps a little. I will be getting better ones within the next few days.
Thanks for your help.

 

Definitely not Y block valve covers, not sure what you have by that picture.

 

Well, marvin looks good for his age but his not original. Got a newer engine and a 1960 hood. The radiator is newer also. I'm not the one to id the engine but if you find some numbers on the block and heads, surely some here can id it for you.

 

From what I can see in the pic it looks to be an FE. Could be a 352,390,360 or a few others. Without a bore and stroke you probably wont know for sure.

 

I agree it's an FE series engine and from the valve covers I'd guess late 60's. Most likely a 390 but there's no way to tell for sure certain. The Carter/Edelbrock carburetor is not stock, either. How long has your Dad had it?

 

Thanks to everyone for all of your input. It is helpful!

<TABLE class=tborder style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR title="Post 12013309" vAlign=top><TD class=alt2 align=middle width=125>52 Merc</TD><TD class=alt1>I agree it's an FE series engine and from the valve covers I'd guess late 60's. Most likely a 390 but there's no way to tell for sure certain. The Carter/Edelbrock carburetor is not stock, either. How long has your Dad had it? </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Dad has had the truck for at least 15 years that I can think of. He is only the second owner and was apprently given some false info on it as he was under the impression that it was basically all original.
When I was there visiting, we tried to look for some numbers so that I could research it some for him before listing it for sale but we were not able to find any numbers on it whatsoever.

All of your added input is extremly helpful when trying to sell it. I appreciate your help.

Thanks
Kris

 

Not sure about a 59 but that lightning bolt on the hood should signify a 6 cyl. motor uder the hood as original

 

Kris there should be a data plate on the inside of the glove box door or possibly driver side door jam. That would show year, model plus what the truck came with and should match with the vehicle identification number on the top frame rail behind the front axle in front of the cab, below the battery!