I am doing quite a bit of custom bodywork to mine, so it will get a fresh, CHEAP paint job. However, since I plan on driving my 56 F250 in all weather, except snow... it will have a well worn look before long

 

beginning to think I don't know what a beater is ..my ragged 54 is shedding parts and looking like a refugee from the crusher ..I look at your truck and dream of being as nice as yours...shiny clean ,chrome .. beautiful rigs ...mine ...well needs a lot of work..

 

In my opinion this is the best way to enjoy the hobby. I have a 67 econoline all original rust and all with 60k original miles... Currenty building a 50 F2 with all modern running gear and EFI.. but it will look like you just drove it off the farm. Drive em' and enjoy em'

 

I don't want a trailer queen so I will always call mine a beater... I have tust and some holes to fix and PO primed the whole truck with rattle can primer... I want to paint it flat black.

 

Ken... you just have a beater with alot of character!!!

 

Excellent way to look at things...lol

 

heres garry (homade) i'm sorry I put 2 of my work trucks in

 

Sorry it isn't the correct vintage, but it IS a beater for sure......I've mixed up a special batch of dull meadow green to paint it with, but haven't gotten up the nerve. I even bought an expensive brush.......

 

Here my F-7 at work

 

No matter what my end result will be, I plan on riding around town in mine for a couple years in primmer......if nothing else I should be able to get to know my truck durring that time. I'll know after that if she wants to be pretty on the outside.

 

OK I'll confess I have a Beater - It's a little OT as it's my 1997 Ford Exploder - I cut the rusted rocker panels out last summer, might replace them this coming summer - The back seat is dog country, I do have it covered, nobody can sit there because of all the crap on the floor - The cargo area floor is full of dirt and grease/oil from hauling old engines and trannies - It runs and drives great, It can still get back in the boonies to haul out treasures.
My New 52-51 will be a beater, I may change out the tranny, a crash box, and the rearend - Other than taking care of any mechanical or rust issues that will be about it - Oh ya, I'm gonna get one of those christmas tree oder eater things

 

I have a beater...which many people argue isn't safe. Each to their own.

Personally, I have WAY too much fun driving it in it's current state to bother with body work. It shows its age well in my opinion. I keep it mechanically sound and secure, the rest can be the rest.

I get comments from car show folk about the rust, the safety, the interior (or lack thereof), the hood (also lack thereof), pretty much anything. I have bondo on my truck older than some of these people. At the same time, I also enjoy putting kids on the fender for pictures, sitting on my battery trunk, letting people get freaked out when they try to open the door and the handle falls out. I built it to be exactly what it is, a truck that I enjoy. Frankly I could care less what public opinion is about it weather it be positive or negative.

 

I say keep enjoying your truck because that is why we drive them!

 

YAH FOR THE BEATERS...I BELONG !!!!!

 

I've even used one beater to retrieve another beater. Yes the 38 has mechanical brakes, but I always kept them adjusted, and the trailer brakes did all the stopping when towing.