hi everybody ..just joined this site on monday so new 2 this..i live in london england uk and i have a 55 panel van..had it 4 two years now..think there is only 3 or 4 over here was wondering if there was still loads about or r they becomin rare ..have a good new year everyone and cheers

 

Welcome to the Forum. I lived in Brentwood for 3 years and love your country. There are few old Panel Trucks of any year in the States. They are very prone to rust over here. I belong to the Klassic Haulers of Michigan Club with about 50 members and we have only a couple. Our club concentrates on 48-56 Ford Trucks. I have a 55 F-100 with a recently finished Restoration.
Cheers,
Fred K.

 

At last !

I am no longer the token Brit
Haven't got a panel but a pile of bits that used to be a 54 pickup and hopefully will be again one day

Welcome to the forum

Stephen

 

hi steve nice 2 hear from u ..c u r in west london im in north london...enfield...jioned the website 2 find out where i can get parts 4 my van ..took me ages 2 find this site ..seems like a cool site bit quite in the chat room tho cheers

 

Hi 55, glad you joined us!

There are some great folks on this board and they'll really help you out with information and even parts, if they can. I don't have a panel, but I know there are some fellow panel owners lurking around here. They may take a couple of days to find your post and reply so don't give up.

As far as the chat rooms go, I got the same impression you did when I first checked them out. I suspect most of the folks, at least on the 48-60 message board, have gotten in the habit of posting things that might be in a chat room on some other web site. That's OK, it makes the board more like a family and less like a list of technical bulletins.

Watch out for the "dark side" - members like 'fenders and a few others. They'll have you installing power brakes, IFS, and all sorts of stuff that Henry Ford didn't put on these trucks when he designed 'em. Stay with the Force - strictly stock.

 

sorry earl already gone to the dark side and pro streeted it thanks 4 the reply anyway

 

Well, I guess we'll let you hang around anyway. Welcome aboard!

 

Hi 55. Welcome. You would be well advised to listen to George about most things but he has grown out of his "hotrod" stage. Let us know when you are ready for 3 deuces... you'll get some help here. hotrod himmelberg

 

I have a 56 panel that is all orignal with the y block with overdrive.. It is rust free and awaiting a restoration.

Production numbers for the panel trucks:

1953- 9,951 and delux panel- 2,000

1954- 8,078 and delux panel- 1,015

1955-11,198 and custom cab panel 1,076

1956- 14,023 and custom cab panel 1,190

As you can see for the 4 year run there weren't alot of them produced. I feel lucky to have on today!

Kevin Bigwin

 

Let me welcome you to the forum and apologize for Earls behavior.

As Bigwin stated, they didn't make too many panels. There is a pretty respectable survival rate for all the Effies though. Popular restoration/hotrod material for decades. I am guessing there are perhaps a few thousand left in half decent condition.

 

Welcome to the forum. I spent 3 years living in the UK and loved it, even though it didn't do much for my sun tan.

I never saw a single 53-56 Ford truck the whole time I was there, so I'd bet your UK panel is rare as hen's teeth. Is it right hand drive?

Brits like Steve_B and yourself are pretty dedicated wanting these old rigs over there, especially given the $5/gallon fuel prices you have to put up with. It's good to see.

 

Welcome to the forum; I have a 55 panel, and am changing the frame for the 4th time, putting the original one back under it (don't ask, too long an answer).

Mine is a "daily driver", with disc brakes, Toyota steering, 351/C6, etc. etc....
The best thing is the front visor! Panels look really great with the factory outside visor; sort of extends the roof line forward, taking away the hog head look. Makes the homely panel actually look sporty!

Have you checked out "www.paneltruck.com"? Great panel site. Pls advise if I can be of any assistance.

The furthest away panel I am aware of is Clive Pedersen, from New Zeland. Met him at the 98 Supernationals; at the time he was looking for a panel to take home...eventually found one in California, I believe.

Regards,

Paul

 

Hi There 55 Panel!
We have a 56 Panel (one of the rare custom cabs!) that has visited the dark side as well. Chck out our gallery for pix of Gracie and some of her mods.

 

HI DUDES C WHAT U MEAN NOW when u say no one really uses the chat room everyone talks on the threads excellent....thanks bigwin for all the production nos of the panel vans through the 4 years..cheers..ino this sounds stupid but i have 2 ask because i dont no whats the difference between a panel and a custom cab panel ...dont no anyone over here 2 talk and find out info about these vans thats y im so glad i found this website now i can be educated...
earl checked ur truck out on ur website..lookin cool..
glad 2 here that there is a dark side ..i also like standard trucks and vans but must admit i went 2 the dark side 2 years ago when l got my van i pulled it apart and made some small mods 2 it.....its runnin a mildly tuned 454 big block...thinkin of goin 502..yes i no chevy engine but,,,owell.....camero front clip 9in rear end...15 by 15 wheels and tyres etc...love it 2 bits..wife often says u love that van more then me...i just change the subject quickly...think u all no what l mean
will check out the galleries and websites u have all given me and get back...thanks again...wicked site

 

Custom Cab was Ford's upper (and only) optional trim level on the pickups and panels.
Besides the name plate on the doors the extra trim pieces included varied by year.