Since your GVWR is 27500, you need a CDL. See the comments by dmanlyr in the C series thread regarding CDL on this truck. As the prior post says, the airbrake thing isn't that tough but it is vital to know exactly what you are doing, what to watch for etc etc so you don't plow into a school bus or some other catasstrophy.

Value. You wrote:

"ALL: any idea what the value of my truck is AS IS? I've seen prices all over the board and haven't seen an exact match to my truck or even one with the reduced sized cab yet to compare. i did see a 56 flatbed sold at barretts auction for $46000 restored so if i restore mine is that kind of money unrealistic?"

As it sits with that miserable gas hog 475, I would be surprised if you could pull $7500 for it as a working truck IF the rubber is 50% or better, it drives good, current registration, clean title, and it shifts good and the two speed works. (you have a 5 speed trans with a 2 speed rear axle, more later) You could gold plate it and never get close to $46000. A '56 is something of a collector and an icon of the 1950s. It is a one-year only style, and has been popular and collectable since 1956. Your C series was basically the same truck from 1957 to 1990. Billions served. The cut cab is a deal killer for anything other than the steel hauler it is. (less room than a Mini in there, right?) If you need it as a working truck, good. If you are expecting to retire on the proceeds of a sale, think again. As for "restoring", imo nothing other than maintaining running status is wise, and only if you are working it.

'86 diesel automatic for $13500: http://www.truckpaper.com/list/list....xact&bcatid=27

Two speed rear axle: As with air brakes, not too difficult, but you don't shift them any old way. Downshifting requires the proper touch, and you never shift them going down hill. More here, see post 5 for links:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ml#post9565523

It's a great old truck, but it's not a toy or a collector. Put it work, or sell it or part it out. JMO.

 

85: thanks for the good advice and i really thank you for the shifting tips because it's been 40 years since i had the high low and granny gears.


interesting that no shifting going down a hill. so just braking i guess??


thank you very much

 

The down hill should be started in the lower gears. You would arrange to be in low range before you start down hill. It is important to maintain the low speed. Thus the advice to know your air brakes, and make sure your compressor and tanks are good, etc etc etc. Down hill loss of brake accidents a pretty ugly. There is a trucker facing murder charges here after running over a police car with a concrete mixer. Note the "snub" theory explained here:

downhill braking,truck accidents,air brakes,runaway accidents

Your engine compression braking will be constant, allowing you to keep your speed range tight on the down hill. If you are in too high a gear, you will be more reliant on the brakes. OK on a short hill, not so good on a long steep one.

 

85: i do remember seeing those gravel ramps for the trucks that lost their brakes or couldn't stop, but all the big hills and mountains don't have those. another great post for me (us) to learn more about these big trucks.


thanks again and if you think of anything else please post and let's just say almost anything you can tell me about my truck will be great to hear even if i heard it 40 years ago or almost know it.

 

C Series Tilt Cabs were only sold as a Cab & Chassis (no "back of cab equipment"). Whatever bodies they have, were installed by aftermarket body makers.

In fact, all 500 and larger series trucks (C/CL/CLT/CT/H/HT/N/NT/L/LN/LNT/LT/LTS/W/WT) were only sold as Cab & Chassis.

And, at one time, Ford also sold F100/350's as Open Drive-Away's: Chassis and Cowl & Cowl and Windshield. Neither had cabs or back of cab equipment.

I decoded the OP's VIN/Warranty Plate in another thread.

 

Sorry but this is incorrect. Air brakes DO NOT require a class B.

 

do the rules for Class A or Class B regarding these trucks apply the same from state to state? i heard they don't but i'm not usually driving one of these big trucks across state lines.


thanks and any other information about my truck feel free to post if you have any to share.

 

In a mut shell........Yes.

 

Crete: thanks for the CDL information and it doesn't seem to be exactly the same throughout the US.


ALL: i just listed the truck in Seattle's Craigslist because we are not quite ready to move to a piece of property where i can use it more often. if any of you are interested i live close to Seatac airport and i could pick you up and you can drive the truck home after you hand me the cash. i do have free and clear title.


Ford C800 18 foot flatbed with small cab very unique and runs great


thanks all for the help and if nobody needs my truck i might be back asking more questions for help if i keep it and restore it.