Hey guys. I'm new to this side of the forum, at least posting here. Been lurking for a while. Spent most of my time in the dentside section. Anyways, I've been wanting a mid 50's truck since I was probably 12. My neighbor up the street had a 56 ford in his garage. He never drove it, it just sat. I talked to him one day about buying when I was 16, but he said he was saving it for his kid. He was probably 70 at this point in time.

Over the last 15 or so years that truck has always been in my mind, but I have never done anything about it. A couple years ago I heard that the old man had died. Anyways, long story short, I missed the boat on that truck. His widow had sold the house and moved before I ever made it back to the old neighborhood to ask about the truck. It would have been the perfect truck.

Present day- About an hour away from where I'm living I know of two trucks that have been sitting in the same positions since the late 80's, early 90's. I actually remember one of them driving around town. They are just parked behind a house that is only lived in part of the time. Old run down place. My parents know the guy who owns them, and I know he is broke. I'm thinking about driving the hour to go pay the man a visit, and see if he will let them go. Here's a couple pictures. What do you guys think? Sorry about the long post.





These pictures were taken a couple years ago by my wife. The picture with the two trucks has some editing applied by my wife.

 

Welcome to the old guy division of FTE. You won't get any argument from us about buying a pair of 56's. Our standard line is we're just a bunch of enablers helping others to fuel our and their addiction to old trucks, and sometimes we have to live vicariously through other people's projects, and money.

But seriously, if you can get them for a decent price and it's always been your dream to have one (or two) then there's no better time than the present. You're not getting any younger and the trucks aren't getting any easier to find or cheaper, so i say go for it. The yellow one appears to be the typical rust free Arizona truck we always love to see. That'll save you thousands in repair costs and labor and let you get right to the good part a lot faster than others; the driving. The other one only looks like half a truck, and could be good for parts, either for your own or trading fodder. Never turn down anything.

Make him a decently reasonable offer. Try to be somewhat fair and don't insult him. I'm sure you've done enough research in your area to know what they're worth. Especially if you've been eyeballing 56's for 30 years. Keep us posted on what the guy says. Good luck.

 

Welcome,
Don't think about it very long. The reason I say that this is a public forum and now that the plate shows in the picture some auto picker guy might trace it down and buy it out from under you. It would be a good buy to get a restorable truck and a donor in the same deal.

 

I'm not too worried about someone buying it out from under me, at least not in that way. Those trucks haven't seen the state of Arizona for a few decades.

 

you need to find the trigger first. it helps that your parents know the guy. it might take a couple of visits to set the hook (to use another analogy). good luck.

 

dont wait to long,go for it

 

Everybody can use some new lawn decorations from time to time.

I say go for it. If at nothing else (like was said) can be used as trading fodder, taking and keeping the good stuff for yourself. Rust free Henry metal is gettin a lot harder to find these days.

 

I certainly wish I could have found something as in good of shape as those, don't sit too long in desiding. They are ripe for the picking