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06-11-2012, 05:21 PM

FixEmUp2Drive

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New Member, New Truck

Hi All,

First post (YAY!) here on the forums. Next week, I'll be purchasing a '58 F600 from a local guy who was hiding it in the back of his shop. Just a few questions for all you experienced old ford truck guys and gals.

First, I know there's a fella on here who can tell me an awful lot by looking at my number plate info. I got some of it decoded, but I can't figure out what a few of the codes are.

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9; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> SN: F60D8G20141 = F600, 292ci V8, 1958 model year, Assembled in Chicago, SN-20141, 154" WB. What I don't know, is what Color Code A, Transmission F, and Axle 62 mean (other than that it has a two speed diff as evidenced by the shifter in the cab)

Secondly, Anyone have a good reference for a place to buy body panel patches. This baby needs corners and lower fenders, but not much else.

Finally, anything I should be wary of on the truck? Specific problems to look for? Started right up today after sitting for a year (with a fresh battery of course), he said trans and all running gear is great, and he seems to be a pretty honest guy. Cab has had some patchwork done on the step up area, but I don't care for now, it'll be a "driving project" for a while.

Thanks a Bunch! I look forward to picking many brains and offering up as much advice as possible in the future.

-FixEm

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06-11-2012, 09:30 PM

theodore/teddy

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FixEm, welcome to the orphanage!

Color code A=black

trans. F= 4sp T98A

axle 62= 6.33/8.81 two speed 15000

Check the sticks at the top of the forum (read first) IBuzzard put together a list of resources.

What your plans for this work horse.

We like pictures when you get the chance.
good luck in your quest

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06-12-2012, 09:36 AM

GB SISSON

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I second the welcome! Big trucks rule!

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06-12-2012, 11:47 AM

FixEmUp2Drive

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Thanks for the welcome, and thanks Ted for the remaining codes. My initial plan is to do a thorough 12 volt conversion and get the brakes working appropriately, back ones need a little love.

Long term, I'd like this to be my DD. I typically bike or walk to work and the store, so it'll only be for the fairly short outside of town trips. Redo the frame, running gear, engine compartment, and underside of cab with POR-15 or similar. SS brake hose and braided flex lines. Factory, unmolested Y-block, trans, and rear end. Clean everything of course and eventually, after some rust fixing, repaint the exterior. Last thing will be a new, nice looking but functional, flat bed.

Oh, did I mention it's a one-owner truck with a Custom Cab and 88k original miles? I'm very happy to have found it.

Pictures to follow
-FixEm

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06-12-2012, 12:04 PM

truckdog62563

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Quote:

Originally Posted by FixEmUp2Drive

Finally, anything I should be wary of on the truck? Specific problems to look for?

First, my welcome too. Glad to see another big truck being saved. One of the breed issues with many big Fords is the risk associated with multi-part wheels. While it's possible your truck has tubeless wheels which were first offered as options in 1956, many buyers at the time didn't opt for them fearing their reliability. Today the tubeless 22.5" wheels are very sought after. If you have 20" multi-part wheels you'll want to investigate to learn whether they are the kind with a locking ring on the wheel face side, or worse the "widow maker" type that has the joint along the mid-line of the outer rim. Instead of me linking in a few old threads showing the differences I'd suggest doing a Google search using the FTE name along with the terms "widow maker" and the technical term "Firestone RH-5°". You'll find pictures and a lot that has been said on the subject. Stu

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06-12-2012, 12:30 PM

FixEmUp2Drive

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Hi Stu,
Thanks for the note. I hear you're the man when it comes to wheel knowledge. I have been reading about these wheels extensively and I believe, unfortunately, that I do have 6 widowmakers on the truck. I know for certain they're stud-piloted on a 6x8.75 pattern, but the profile definitely looks like the "rasied strip in the middle" man killers.

I've been searching and searching, but no luck yet. In a few weeks (after the brakes work) I plan to head out to a large scrap yard southwest of here. Hopefully some luck there, but we'll see.

Just another thought:
I won't do this on my truck, as I have a desire to resto-mod it but do more resto-ing than mod-ing. Anyone know if the wheels from an M35A2 Deuce and a half would work on these trucks? same bolt pattern, and there's a company that makes some that are offset to convert an M35 to super singles. BUT, 395/85/20's would mean a change from 36" OD to 46" OD. Who doesn't like huge tires on huge trucks, right?

Just a thought for those who might want to try something crazy.

-FixEm

____________________________________
*EDIT* - of course, huge-antic tires would require some convincing to fit under the fenders. Susp or sheet metal mods would be required.

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06-12-2012, 01:47 PM

truckdog62563

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Glad you've done the research, and yes, military surplus M35 wheels will mount up just fine. Any Dodge, IHC, Ford, or Studebaker with the stud piloted 6 x 8.75" pattern will do the trick. They should are fairly common and should be available at most big truck yards. Good luck. Stu

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