Gents (and Ladies),<?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /><O:P></O:P>
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I have had very little luck finding a good ’55-56 F100 for a reasonable price.<O:P></O:P>
Either the truck has been molested or the asking price is off the planet here in Australia.<O:P></O:P>
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To this end, I have come across a quite good condition 1955 F500 not far from where I live. This brings to mind a couple of questions regarding the F500, namely:<O:P></O:P>

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Thanks in advance,
Tricky

 

The F500 is a lot heavier truck than a F-100.

You can use most of the sheet metal, except as you stated, the front fenders have larger wheel openings. The cab parts are the same except the tranny cover will be slightly different with the holes being in slightly different locations. The speedometer will also be for a F-500 drive train.

The frame and drive line is the part that makes up most of the weight difference. I would strongly suggest finding a useable frame from the same vintage F-100. You could try using a modern chassis to mount the sheet metal but that practice is highly frowned upon by many members of the board. It takes a lot of fabrication skills.

There are places that sell new reproduction front fenders and complete boxes for the F-1. Do a search of this forum, there has been a lot of discussion about reproduction fenders and boxes.

If you stick with the F-500 frame installing the IRS/IFS front clips are going to be a problem. Again, the best option is to find a F-100 frame.

 

Hey Thanks Bob

Had a look at the truck today (the F500) and it wasnt as I expected

For a start it was an F600 not an F500, and it was riddled with rust, had dents and dings by the dozen and had bits missing. In short, it was ****e!

No good, so we wont even bother with that.

Still searching for a good, restorable and unmolestd '55-56 Effie for my project......

Thanks,
Tricky

 

In the end it is probably best if you take your time and find a truck that is want you really want. Keep looking, there has to be something out there. Good luck.