I stumbled across a duel head light 4x4 at a junk yard. It was raining and cold so I did not get a close up look other than the bed is pretty bad and the cab is as dirty as I have every seen one. It is without a title. The engine and drive train is there. Cab is pretty solid.

How do I verify this is a true 59 4x4? Where is the vin on the frame? Right Front frame and under the cab like on later models?

Is it a worthwhile restore assuming it is the first year ford 4x4 1959 or a 1960 second year 4x4. Price tag on it is $1000.

 

VIN is often on top side of right frame in front of firewall and behind radiator. They seem to vary with exactly how far they are located. Mine is even with the oil filter of my 223.

As far as worth restoring, that is all your decision. It sounds like it would be worth it to me though, but I have seriously impaired Fridge judgement.

 

1959/60: The first 3 digits of the VIN is the SERIES code, but does not designate if the truck is 2WD or 4WD.

VIN will begin with F10 if an F100, F25 if an F250, but in 1959/60, these codes refer to both 2WD & 4WD

Only the MODEL code stamped on the Warranty Plate defines which is which, examples: F110 = F100 4WD / F260 = F250 4WD

 

Thanks guys,

ND, as always... your knowledge is awsome.

 

If it is an 1959 4x4, model numbers should be
f180 or f190 for the f100's
f280 or f290 for the f250's
Just sayin

 

Sounds like a cool project, but I'm partial to old 3/4 ton 4x4s. That said, these aren't the most desirable body styles as far as classic trucks go. The same 3/4 ton 4x4 chevy or GMC will be worth almost double the ford, simply because they have a more 50's style. Bottom line - we will never make money restoring a fridge, but if you like the truck, and working on it & driving it puts a smile on your face, go for it. That's what it's all about.