I'm chomping at the bit. Looked at it earlier, going to pay for it tomorrow. I'm building a small wrecker. I hope I'm not getting over enthusiastic about it and overlooking the obvious. Tell me what you guys think. I only looked at it briefly and snapped a few pics. In my hurry I forgot to get the VIN. it looks all original but who knows.


$1500

1954 F500 53,000ish miles on the ticker.
V8 looks original, not running in years,
still has antifreeze and clean oil
4speed w/pto
Hydraulic bed
Needs everything rubber
Bent driveshaft (forklift incident)

 

Why shouldn't you buy this F350 tomorrow? Because I might buy it today!

Seriously, It looks good. But you didn't mention price. "It hasn't run in years" is always a gamble.

The body looks good and the interior is unmolested. The fact that it has a PTO Hydraulic dump bed is a plus.... but does it work and not leak?

And how many $$$$$.

 

Looks like a solid buy, hard to find a rust free looking truck in my neck of the woods. If the price is in your favor I'd jump on it.

 

Great looking F-500. Only point not mentioned, it has widow maker wheels that you'd want to deal with asap. Stu

 

My bad, $1500 is the standing price. I will talk to him in person tomorrow and haggle.

 

I'm thinking a different drivetrain altogether, possibly a Dana 60 instead of that solid front axle. Wheels will make great rollers for now and that's it.

 

I must be dyslexic.... I thought it said F350.... but you said a 53 F500.... That is a bigger truck as you know, but still a good buy at $1500

And it is a 54 by the way. And good point about the WM's...

 

54 eh? I have no clue. Kicking myself for not getting the VIN. What is the difference in years?? Any guess on the motor??

 

In an F500 in '54 the engine would have been a 239 OHV Y-block. 1953 was the last year of the Flathead.

The only difference in years (besides the engine) would have been the grille.

 

For several years I was looking for a 53-56 flatbed dump. I could not find one in drivable shape close enough to me so I had to settle for the 1970 F350 you see in my signature. I like it. It is old. People think it is cool and it works hard and serves its purpose. So this could be a nice truck for you if the engine is OK and you get safe rims.

 

That's a nice looking truck for a decent price. I hope you get it.

 

Who's a good parts supplier??

 

If the motor isn't useable I'm thinking about a stroked 460 (or a big diesel) 5 speed, NP205 Dana 60 front 70 rear (or whatever's available). Probably full semi truck air-ride suspension all around. I'm gonna blow a freakin gasket sitting here waiting. I bet with a drive shaft, new wheels and tires, and all new rubber hoses and belts, that it will be a driver.

 

Before you get too excited about tearing the drive line apart, consider what you really need and want. Does your wrecker need to be 4 wheel drive?

Even if the factory motor in this truck is shot, it is easy to find a running 292 Y-block and bolt it in. The only major change I see that needs to happen very soon is changing the wheels. If you decide you really need more power than a Y-block can supply, consider an FE motor. From what I understand these are almost a bolt in as well.

 

#1 question does it have a clean transferable title in the name of the present owner that matches the serial # stamped on the frame (NOT just the plate on the inside of the glove box door!)???
If not, walk away or find out from your state DMV headquarters what is required to get one, then do it before you hand over the money or you may end up with an expensive piece of lawn art, or arrested for possession of stolen goods and/or the truck confiscated.