Hey fellas does anyone what kind of donor truck to use to get my truck up and running. I was pricing stuff like brakes and such and it popped in my head what about a donor truck? Any thoughts

 

Now there is an interesting question, with very little information, its kinda hard to answer.

 

Your profile says you have a 2013 F150, what could you possibly need a donor truck for????

 

No I dont have a 2013 150 its a 1956 f100/250

 

Well then, I'd guess a 1956 F-100 or 250. Probably the best bet would be whatever truck would supply you with the most parts you need.

 

With all due respect, it's hard enough to answer questions sometimes when all the variables are presented. Your profile does say 2013 F-150 so you'll want to go into your "user cp" box and change that. I also see that you're in Illinois. What part of the state? You might add that to your header info.

To your question, many of us have relied on donor trucks to keep one going. Or in my case, to put one back together. Like potato chips, can't have just one. Stu

 

Buying parts trucks is the only way I can afford this hobby. I have stayed pretty close to cost neutral by buying parts trucks, taking parts I need and selling the rest.

 

I'm from the southwest side of Chicago.When I get a chance to get to a computer I will change my profile,I'm new at this hole forum thing. By the way I'm using ny phone. And I guess my question is what's a good starting point. When I got my truck it was in pieces so I'm starting from square one

 

What are the plans for the truck? Which donor is appropriate depends where you're headed with it.

 

I wana make it a decent driver and have fun with it on the weekends

 

How about some pictures showing what you now have? Not only would it be appreciated, but it would help with suggestions. That said, if you are seeking "brakes and such" I wouldn't look to a donor truck. I would never put used brakes on a vehicle, much less one I hope to make a driver. You can't get a donor truck with used brakes good enough to put on a driver for less than new brakes, unless it was a recent restoration that was totaled. Maybe it's just me, but donor trucks are for sheet metal or parts that are missing from your truck. Or maybe for an original drive train if yours is gone or beyond repair. Brakes...I'm thinking NAPA.

 

If the truck is really boxes of bits, it might be more appropriate to view it as the donor for another complete truck. Might depend on how deep you abused your savings account to buy what you've got. If reassembling yours, I'd start by pulling together a shop manual, chassis catalog, and vendor catalogs that show the location and relationship of parts to one another. Then you see what's there vs what's missing. Stu

 

Best advise!!

 

Welcome to FTE! Sounds like you've got a PROJECT on your hands.

While this is a great place to get info IMO there's nothing like looking at another truck in person. There are several F100 owners around the Chicago area that may be very useful for you. Try looking them up in the members tab. If you still want a donor truck after that then try to find a 56 that's in tact. That'll let you see what yours is suppose to look like so you can go from original to the MODs you want. A lot of the metal is interchangeable on 53-55s but the cab and electric (12 volt vs 6 volt) are different.

I agree with those above about brakes. Too many vendors that have the stuff to go used. Keep in mind these trucks didn't come with a lot of HP so good brakes are a must.

 

Just a thought but with the lack of info from this guy maybe, just maybe we are missing what he is asking. It came to me that he may possibly want a later model donor to upgrade what he has to make a daily driver out of it. If so then we need a lot more info. Like what running gear is with the basket case now? Is it all stock engine, crash box trans and slow rear? Is this what yer asking my friend?