This is my first post! (although I've been doing a lot of reading!) I've picked up a 1955 F100 from CA and plan on a frame up retro mod. I'm just about to pull the cab and was finishing up the doors when I realized there is no key lock on the drivers side door! Is that normal? The passenger side has it. Looking at the inside metal doesn't look like anyone filled the hole and definitely no slot for the retainer. I guess I can cut a hole and slot for it using the passenger side as a template.... I would insert a photo but looks like it only uses website links to photos.

As for the project. I have a 302 block from my mustang I thought of using but might look for a running 351 instead. I've found a 9" locally from a 72 Ford Truck and a bench seat from a donor at the same yard that is said to fit. Only other mods I plan are flush gas tank opening and 3 point seatbelts. It's a 3HD but plan on going auto on the column.....

Want to have this done by next spring (2014)....

Thanks
Garret

 

It is my understanding that only Custom Cab models had a door lock on the drivers side in 1955. Not sure of the logic behind that but it seems like what I have read in other posts on this forum. My 55 is evidently a custom cab model because it does have the door lock on the drivers side as well as a chrome grille.

 

Mine doesnt have a lh lock either. I think it was a safety thing. You wouldnt be standing out by traffic unlocking the drivers door.

 

Well OK then....... Not what I expected but if that's how others have it then that's that. Might have to do power locks with a remote then... I was also thinking of the chrome on the grill. Lots of thoughts going on for this.

Thanks for the quick replies!

 

It dates back to when streets were narrow and you exited out on the sidewalk side instead of into traffic.

Also no lock forced you to open the door for your lady.

You can buy new locks. It is very easy to add a lock to the driver's side.

 

Ford said it was a safety feature but I suspect ol' Henry wanted to save a buck and his marketing guy put a little spin on the idea. I bought a complete lock set from Mid Fifty including both door locks and an ignition lock all keyed the same. They include a pattern for the cut out but you can also make one off the RH door. Also, I did not cut the slot. Instead, I installed the keeper clip from the inside. One less place for rain water to get inside the door.

 

You are correct in saying only the Custom Cabs in 55 and 56 and the Deluxe Cabs (as they were called then) in 53 and 54 had the driver's side lock. However the chrome grille was first an option in 1956.

 

I'd agree it was a money saver more then they'd admit to at the time...
The truck didn't have any keys and the ignition switch is a plactic POS. So I also planned on getting the door and ignition set from Mid Fifty. If it comes with a template that's great and also good idea to lock it in differently. I just signed up on photo bucket. See if this works....

 

Nice looking truck. Those are unique rims. Are you keeping them on the truck?
It looks like the straight 6 was fairly recently painted. What are your plans for that engine? I kind of like those engines. They have a neat look to them.

By the way welcome to FTE! I look forward to watching your progress. Be sure to post plenty of pictures. I wish I could move as fast as you are planning on moving.

 

Those rims from a ranger?

 

Welcome Aboard Garret! Good looking truck - the body looks pretty nice - floorboards look solid too. Does the existing engine run?

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

This is correct. Different times back then they were. Wish it was like that now.

Not to mention there wasn't really a need to worry about theft back in those days. There were no malls or parking lots, just curbs. Heck, There wasn't even an Interstate highway system until 1956!

 

I wasn't aware that chrome grilles were not an option until 1956. My 55 has a full chromed grill (original 55 style with chromed gull wings as well). From the condition of the grille I was assuming that it was original from the factory. I am hoping to have it re-chromed at some point in time because it looks good and is different than most of the 55's I see with painted grilles.

 

I bought the high-falutin' bear claw latch set too. Very nice. When I bought the key/lock set from mid-50, I failed to get the retainers. I bought them on the next order and they mailed them to me on the cheap.

Edit - typos

 

You have to understand that in the 50's there was no such thing as plazas and off street parking lots. All parking was parallel along the curb or shoulder of the road. In many places it was illegal to get out into traffic on the driver's side. Many people that did ended up with their door torn off or worse. You locked the driver's door from the inside and slid across the seat and exited on the passenger side. Ford wasn't the only manufacturer to not put an outside lock on the driver's door.