Hi
I'm just about to own a 1959 F100. It looks in pretty good shape but I'm here in the good old UK and the truck is in Florida. It has an updated 351Windsor motor as well as a C4 shifter all fitted by the owner in 1995 Anything I should look out for? Anything not available? Can I fit power steering, uprate to disc brakes and a servo? Ohhh and what is a clip. Thanks fellas....in anticipation Lee

 

Welcome to FTE. The folks here know their stuff.
We love pictures here, it will also help the experts here point out any possible issues you might have.
You can add power steering disc brakes and just about anything else. Expense is usually the main factor. There is lots of info around on these.
The front clip is generally the body parts front of the cab (fenders, grill, etc.)

Someone with knowledge will be along shortly to correct anything stupid I said.
By the way, did I mention we love pictures?

 

Cheers Harrier..
It's probably a litlle early for a lot of folks, but it's midday her in the UK

 

Welcome! One thing to watch out for on fridge trucks is rust in the front cab mounts and floor. Can be a big job to fix it.

"clip" can also mean frame clip, or front suspension. Does this truck have the original straight axle or has something else been swapped in up front?

Post pics if you can.....

 

Given the upgrades mentioned a 'clip' can also refer to cutting off the frame in front of the cab and grafting in a frame from something else. Car, truck, other brand, etc. You might do a search here for Volare, GM, etc. front end swaps.

Really depends on what was used and how well the swap was made. They range from garbage to very well done. You're going to want someone on the ground in Florida to inspect the workmanship.

edit - morning scott

 

Ahhh, it's all starting to make sense now.

Fridge truck? Is that because they were popular as a fridge truck, or because they definitely have the look of an ice cream truck about them

I can put a link up to the ebay page that I bought it from and maybe you experienced guys can tell from that about the front clip and axle.....

Ford : F-100 on eBay (end time 21-May-11 17:58:51 BST)

The story goes that the truck was owned by the guys grandfather and he was the one who replaced the Y? engine with this 351 Windsor and C4 transmission back in 1995.

Regarding rust, there is one picture on the page, but I'm not sure how serious or where exactly it is

 

Nice truck. I read the questions at the bottom of the page on the auction. The person who asked if it had a "clip" is referring to what mtflat mentioned. It was a very common practice to "clip" these old vehicles in order to get IFS and power brakes in years past. Heck they still do it! I have an "old-school" friend who welded an entire front camaro frame onto his 48 F1 about 4 years ago. But based on the info given, I'd bet your truck still has its straight axle underneath.

 

Fridge refers to the boxy, or squarish look or the body.....like a refrigerator.

That looks like a pretty decent old truck. I like it! And the ride height (stock) suggests it still has the original straight axle under the front. Have fun with it.

How long till you get your truck? Waiting would be tough for me....

 

Were is it in Florida ?

 

All in all, it looks to be a right decent truck. It has a few condition issues, like that rust spot appears to be worse to me than described, but nothing that can't be fixed without too much difficulty. It's a scary thing to buy something sight unseen from that far away, but I don't think you'll get hurt on it. Best of luck, and enjoy your project. keep us posted and let us know when it arrives.

 

It hasn't been clipped that I can tell - the last picture shows the straight axle up front.

 

Arrowhead Fred...yep it's in Florida.

Well fellas, you've made an old man really happy.

You know how scary it can be when you buy something on instinct and then you realise you may have put your ***** on the line because you cannot get to see close up what you are buying! well that's how I was feeling till I came on here.

And yes tinman the 6-8 week wait before it gets her is gunna be crap, but you fellas have settled all those fears by sharing your experience and time with me, so patience

However....now I want another to hold it's hand across the sea.......I've seen a rusty chassis'd 66 or a beautiful 72 Ranger !!

watch this space