Changing from a '58 to a '57
 

Okay, I was in the junkyard getting a hood for my '58 F-100. I found the "ribbed" beauty on what I think is a '57 F-600. The reason I think it is a '57 is because it had the single bar, single headlight grille with the big ol' V8 emblem in the center. I have a great desire to have this grille on my '58 and I have plans to go back to get it this weekend.

My question is: If I change the grille to a '57 ,and the hood of a '58 and '57 are the same, Does changing the grille out essentially visually change my truck from a '58 to a '57?

After looking at several pictures of '57 trucks, the only difference I notice between them and a '58 is the grille. Am I wrong?

Thanks in advance for the expertise/input/B.S.

I was under the impression the grill is the only difference. The '59/'60 have different fenders and valance panels than the '57/'58. The later trucks have rectangular turn signals.

In pictures of my truck, you will notice that it currently has a '59 or '60 hood. I now have the correct hood but I haven't gotten it ready to put on the ol girl yet. That will change soon enough.

I believe the elec. plugs on a 58 and up on the firewall is a dual outlet. (for the lights ect.) Not for sure but I believe the 57 is a single plug. I will check at Riff's place when I go in the morning. If you get a chance and the headlight doors (the outer stainless steel ring) are still there grab them. They are the hardest to come by.
Jonesy

Unfortunately only one of them are still there. I assumed it would be hard to find another because they are easy to get off and people will need the ring before they need the whole grille.

But visually speaking, the grille is the only difference. Right?

Yes the front end will change over. The hood, which I think is a better looking hood, & the grill will change over. 7 & 8 hoods are the same except the emblems that go on the side of the hood are different. If you need another ring there is one available. P.M. me for more info. And also the bumper is different for 7 ? not sure I will look at yours and let you know.

The front bumper is different than yours. The seven is a 1 year bumper. Left over stock could have made it's way on a 58. Or who is to say what P.O. put on or took off.
I have a some questions. Is going to be Fast 57/58? Or just fast 58? Or Fast 57? Just messin with ya.
Jonesy

Something else I thought about is the frame. The front horns on the end of the frame are straight on a 7 . I am not sure if your frame horns have an off set at the end where the bumper mounts? If so the bumper will sit a little higher. Just a thought.

I don't know... because technically it is still a '58 but if you just looked at it you would think it's a '57... I now have something to think about lol

Dude, My thoughts have not been clear last few days. I had a semi hit me on I-40 in my Explorer. Totaled it out. Had to drive back to get my truck so I can head to Roswell Nm. for work.
The 57 and 58 are the same frames. 1959 is where the front frame horns step up where the bumper sits. Sorry my bad.
Jonesy

I'm glad you are still alive! That sounds pretty rough.

Funny thing.. I just got done watching an episode of "UFO Files" on the History Channel, and they were talking about a UFO crash in Roswell, NM in the 50's. They went on to talk about how the government supposedly stored all the crash debris and "bodies" in Hangar 18 at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio.

I just found some ironic humor in that because you said you work in Roswell, NM. I'm sure you've heard plenty about that though.

Thanks for the input!