Hey Guys,
Still haven't finalize on my first 56 F100 yet, but getting very close. My question to you guys which one of the two is a better Purchase and Why?

The 56 Show truck, has all the bells and whistles, once a rust bucket,now a Show, Body been shave, suicide doors, paint is solid, front mustang II clip, rear 4 links, all air bag, 427, LID light, stereos, interior all deck out, One negative is it's Small Window. Work that need to be done, Doors need alignment, power windows need assisted, Motor run to rich, overheats in hot weather, Disc brakes need work, Looks like quite a bit off money went into is build, but NO Big window. Restored 15yrs ago, so I've go threw everything, so it adds up.

The 56 F100 resto-mod, paint is solid, Body looks solid No shaved anywhere,
frame is stock with new shocks, motor 350W EFI from a 96 Bronco, Big Window, interior detail, but factory seat and stuff, has No historys on anything that was done, what you see is what you get.

What do you guys thinks??

 

Depends on what you want to do with the truck - Most "show" trucks can't be driven for fun. Can't park next to anyone for fear of paint dings - If it gets wet, takes hours to clean for the next show - Etc, etc. You can do almost anything with a driver - take it anywhere, anytime - work on it without worrying about screwing up the paint - actually haul things in the bed etc. I'd take a stock or restomod any day - but that's just me. Last but not least, it's your money, do what you want to do.
Ken

 

Go with the stockish restomod. What you see is what you get. And it sounds like the BBW is important to you.

 

Flattie you have a point there..

Abe, Will the BBW hold better value? Will there More interest later if I do sell it? Seem like everyone I've ask told me to look for the BBW.

I did felt in Love with the Show truck, the LOOKs of it is a WOW! Then I stated to ask what I need to do after, That went I got the doors issue: went door shut, it has gaps on the outer edge, window need to be open went both doors are shut, or some sort of pressure built up, All the Body alignment fit will, beside the doors, He told me I need to realign the body or some bushing and stuff, IS this really something that occur with an F100 stock or custom?

Then on the Air bag suspension, it need to have certain amount of pressure and sometime the connection get cut or something, then your stuck on the road, since truck sit very low if pressure is not pick up, He said I might want to change it to Coil over.

Motor New 350W stroke to 427, Nicely all dress up, issue on a Hot day, it overheats, Runs to rich, He told me to Dyno tune down, is it Possible? Does it make a difference?

Then on my first test drive with him, volt meter was low, He said alternator bad need replace, then it has all four DISC brake, but went he's braking, he said you have to get used to braking first, or it won't stop properly and went wet, But it's a DISC brake, isn't suppose to Stop? Hmmm

On resto-mod, How is the 350W EFI and Tranny from 96 Bronco? Are those built stuff? Is it a good motor for the F100? I'm figure it EFI, should start really will anytime.

 

The BBW will hold value better or have a better resale value.

Sounds like the "show" truck has a lot of bugs. You will have to deal with another guy's mistakes. Go with the stock one.

 

I wouldnt buy any classic vehicle with a concern over future value, most are bad investments and will never recoup their cost when sold. So buy what you want and like but I wouldnt expect to get the money all back when sold. Myself I would pass on the show truck, sounds like it is going to be money pit and was not built correctly in the first place.

 

Many "show" vehicles are built for just that, not for driving. Oh they might be fine for a once a week cruise night, but start driving them as they are meant to be and the problems start. At least that has been my experience.

 

Well, He did mention it was a Street Rod, not a Daily driver. I guess I figure if you put all the latest technology and redid everything from the ground up, it should be able to at least run on the weekends. Of course I wasn't planning going to work with it, but went I take it out, it's Ready to roll! It was just explained, question by question as I ask. You Guys just lay down exactly what it means. I dig it now, Any other advice and opinion would be Cool, Thanks!

 

Does the resto mod have power steering? If so, how? Does it have a front clip grafted in or a Mustang II rack and pinion steering?

 

It sounds to me like the show truck has allot of issues. The fit with doors that have been changed to suicide is going to be a custom setup and there is no way to know if they can even be adjusted. Most times it takes a little getting use to driving a modified or custom vehicle but the brakes should work good. You also have to ask your self why the owner has not taken care of some of the issues before trying to sell the truck. At least the alternator and tune it up. I think I would go for the BBW.

 

I have some firsthand experience here...a guy in the truck club had an absolutely beautiful 56 BBW that was a trailer queen. He showed it at the Big Bear show each year. The last day of the show had an "around the lake" cruise where all the cars paraded on about a 4 mile route. His truck broke down EVERY year. I was riding in it one year when a caliper bolt backed out and lodged between the caliper and wheel...not a pleasant experience. Good thing there was no oncoming traffic as we veered hard to the left.

 

As mentioned it is your choice. It is good that you are weighing the pros and cons.
If you want to enjoy driving it and knowing it will get you home, then go with the resto mod.


B