Well here goes. I recently bought a 1959 f100 4x4 off a prominent online auction site. It was supposed to be in great shape, no rust, ready to go working perfect with newer 351 v 8 engine. I am new to the hobby and thought that this would be a good way to get started, something that did not need much work, just cosmetics etc.. I had to have the truck shipped here to St.Louis. I got the call one morning that the truck was waiting at my house. I left work as soon as possible to rush home to see my new toy. Well, I pulled up, the truck looked to be in good shape until I got closer. Windshield had 2 holes passenger side window cracked. The bed rusted pretty bad. But not all that bad for what I paid for it. I started er up and she sounded great. Turned on the headlights and, The truck actually caught on fire, I am not joking. Before I could get it out the entire electrical system was fried, do to the fact that not a single fuse was used during the new engine install. The ENTIRE electrical system, under the dashboard all the way to the entire engine compartment. So here I am now. I am being thrown head first into the realm of truck restorer. I am very good with this kinda thing and feel very comfortable doing the work myself. I just need some manuals, specifically wiring diagrams, and a wire harness, right now along with some websites for parts and good info to get me started. I would love any help anyone could give me. This is a great site. And I look forward to talking to other 59 f100 owners. Thanks,Sean

 

Sean, Sorry to hear of your misfortune. It's very hard to know what you are getting from a distance even with pictures. Shop manuals and diagrams are available here on this website's online store. you should be able to pick up a new wire harness from places like Dennis Carpenter, LMC Truck, etc. Good luck to you! I do have some info if I could be of further help.
Kenny

 

It's not difficult to rewire your truck, considering the fact that it's not efi, or with all of those control sensors the even the 70's trucks have. I had to rewire my 51 because someone botched up the wiring trying to convert it to 12 volts.

I would buy one of those painless universal boxes for insurance, or like I did, found an old fuse panel out of a newer car (83 t-bird out of a junk yard, is what I used).

I just concentrated on one part at a time.
1. Start out with the cables from the battery to the solenoid and to the starter.
2. Next, the power from the solenoid to the main buss of the fuse box. (this should power up your fuse panel)
3. Run the wires for you generator to the regulator.
4. Next do the ignition for your engine, coil, spark box, starter wire to the solenoid from the switch, etc.
5. Sensors, with will lead next into the dash meters.
At this point you should be able start and run the engine.
6. Then work on your headlights, high and low beams, and getting the high beam light working in the dash.
7. Then the brake lights, side markers, inside lights, dashboard lights, etc.

This is where I stopped, because I don't have a radio, or blinkers yet. Don't be intimidated by all of the wires, try to be a neat as possible and remember not to under-gauge the fuses or the wires, especially the generator wires because a lot of current can flow through those wires between the gen and the reg. A box of wire ties will come in handy.

I hope this helps.

 

Sean, check your headlight switch. The 57-60 trucks had several fuses on the switch itself. I've been fooling with these trucks since the mid 70's. If you need help let me know. I'm in western Kentucky.

 

Hey Fordmann my son and I are restoring a 57 F100 could use your brain occasionally if you would help. darkman270@home.com

 

get one of the Painless Performance's wiring harness or just their fuse panel. It has the flashers and relays built right into it. Their instructions are very clear and they have a tech line to call for help. I used one on my 56 and made my own harness from store bought wires. I had never done any major wiring before and it performs flawlessly.

 

Hey everybody! I am also new to this restoration thing. So don't feel lonely. I am 14 years old, so that doesn't help much. My dad knows a lot of things, but he is "unwilling" to help. I have a 1959 Ford F100 too, but it isn't 4WD. I have had no previos experiance before, but i have the aid of a service maunaul for my pickup, and a restoration book by tom bronall(i can't remember his name off the top of my head) that tells you everything about restoring a ford truck in laymen terms. Right now i have the front clip, the cab, and the bed off the frame and that is where i stand. I just today went down to texas and bought a '56 ford and brought it back so i will work on the '56 now and lay the other one off for a while. Well, i thought i could be some kind of help, or encourgement, to helpin' you. always help those who need it! talk to ya later and good luck!


Russell


P.S. i also have a website that is currently under construction. but it is totally about '59 ford trucks! www.members.tripod.com/nice59fordf100

 

Russell, Sounds good. I will visit!
Kenny

 

thanks!