New and eager and... lost

[Alcaeus]

Hello all, I'm new to old trucks. (new as in I don't own one and I never have owned an old truck or done any restoration...) lol I really want a mid 50's F100 but I am having a hard time finding the truck. I checked auto trader and called a few car clubs but I am running into walls. How did you all go about finding your trucks? Any suggestions? I am looking forward to digging in and getting dirty!

[RicManSr]

What are you looking for & how much?, most of us know where to find one or two!
Ricky

[Alcaeus]

I'd like an f-100 from 1950 - 1956. I like the more rounded "fat" body. I'll admit that I don't have a lot of extra cash but I could come up with a couple thousand depending on the truck and its condition. I'm in Arizona but would travel a piece for the right truck.

I really enjoy this forum. Thank you for your help!

[RicManSr]

Ebay has a few deals right now.

[Alcaeus]

I was looking at that. There are only 2 within 1000 miles of me that I would like to buy for restoration purposes. They are sitting at around 450-650 and their reserve has not been met so I don't know how much they will land at.

How much did you all pay for your trucks?

[3golfjack]

I would check Ebay but you really need to watch the cost of shipping which can be higher then the truck is worth. Allso being able to see a truck in person is a whole lot better then going by what you can see in a picture. Allso check on your local Craigs list. Take your time and make sure you know what you are getting and it's worth the cost. One big thing on these older trucks is to watch for is rust. Sometime's a little bondo and paint may hide it from you if you don't look it over really good.Good luck on your hunting.

[RicManSr]

8K For mine, I don't have much to do to mine to bring it up to a show truck. The less you pay up front, the more you pay in the end. The more you pay up front, the less you pay in the end.

[Glockem45]

Come on man, your in Arizona. There are like a million rust free F100 sitting out there, that us east coasters could only dream of getting our hands on.

Just jump on all the available Craigslist's in Arizona, and I guarantee you will find a dozen or more nice ones that you could easily pick up for cheap.

[Stephen67]

Yeah I agree with Glockem, you're in hot rod heaven (I use to live around Phoenix)

I would suggest Craigslist, you can find anything on there. Post a wanted ad. I would keep posting a new ad for a couple of weeks just to get a strong idea of what is out there. For a couple thousand you could get a pretty sweet truck... course my idea of sweet involves how easy it is to finish, lol.

[deyomatic]

Where in AZ? Do what you've done here, go to some cruise nights and network. Learn what they have done to theirs, get to know them, etc. There USED to be a great site called cruisin' Arizona, or something that listed EVERY cruise night in the state...I wish CT had one of those sites! If you're in PHX check out 35th Ave and Northern on Friday nights at the Goodwill, on Saturdays check out Scottsdale Pavillions. Before too long you'll find something...a couple thousand dollars might be a bit too low for the style you want but you'll find something.
Also, don't rush the sale. You know what you want, look at it, if it's the right deal, it will all work out.

[Alcaeus]

I live in Glendale, Arizona.

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I put a wanted add on craigslist and I will defiantly have to go to those meets!

I have searched Craigslist in all Arizona but it has been a bit disappointing. Most of the trucks are either full restore, junkers or they are asking way to much. I'll keep looking. I don't have to buy it right now I just WANT it right now I'd rather take my time and get something that I am really going to enjoy rather than something I had to settle on.

I know that a couple thousand is low but I really, really hate taking out a loan for any reason. But when I have a dream/obsession to own one of these beautiful vehicles and to have worked on it myself so that I have that sense of pride that comes no other way...

I guess the Truck wins Desert schools will love me in a bit I'm sure.

[Stephen67]

Couple thousand isn't low to start with, but I guess it depends on what you're willing to do. The more you can do, the more you can save. You either need lots of money and no time or lots of time and no money to build.

[jmadsen]

here is just one example here in Utah

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=&ni...iew&ad=1399687

search this site under cars and also parts vehicles there have been a few recently.
I just recently picked up a 53 f350 flatbed non running truck for 250 cab was in excellent shape.

good luck in your search, thats half the fun too.
Josh

edit:
btw
I'm going to be driving right past this truck sometime tomorrow to pick up my fenders for my 51 F1, if you want me to check it out i will see what I can do.
I see so many of these trucks around here, lots of larger 3/4 and 1 tons as well just wasting away in sideyards and backfields.

[jmadsen]

Originally Posted by RicManSr

What are you looking for & how much?, most of us know where to find one or two!
Ricky

That's the truth, why; because its impossible to have just one and if you do just have one, why are we always looking at the other trucks out there??? because you want more than one! lol

[Alcaeus]

That would be awesome if you could look at that truck for me! I'm always amazed by how generous and just plain cool people can be. I work for the state and I usually just get all the pissed off people lol

I know what you mean about wanting more! I keep looking at other trucks and older vehicles like this 32 Packard town car I saw today thinking "I WANT that".

I don't mind spending a lot of time on this truck. I want to take it slow and do it right. I can save up and buy the right parts and do most of the work myself. I just dont have any welding or body experience. I need a bigger garage

Thank you guys again for the responses.