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I've been looking for a project truck for a while and I ran across this one on craigslist. Its listed as a 58 f100 and it comes with a 351W and a C6 that's not hooked up. They're asking $1500 with the wheels or $1000 without. What is your opinion on this truck?
My main concern is damaged panels. I did some searching and couldn't find replacement door skins or bed side panels anywhere. Also I'm not the most knowledgeable on these trucks but isn't the hood and grille from a 59 not a 58?
Thanks for the replies. Are door skins or bed side panels reproduced anywhere? I looked at LMC and Mac's and they don't have them for the styleside version at least.
Also do you think the value on these trucks will start going up at some point? I know right now they don't seem to be the most popular (even though I think they look cool). It sure seems like as the supply of early 50's f100 trucks dries up these should be more desirable. Any thoughts on that?
Nope, only a few patch panels available. You can go with a flare side bed, those can still be bought new if you want to go that way. Doors aren't terribly hard to find.
IMO you shouldn't take on the project with an expectation of the value increasing. You should do it because its cool (this one is) and you love it. The bonus is that they're dependable trucks and straightforward to work on.
I will agree with Dan. No, there are no door skins or bed side panels made, for the styleside beds, but you don't need any of them. The metal in these trucks is so stout, that unless (and I can't really see any really bad areas) there are, anything on here can be straightened and repaired. I will restate what I have said before, "I wish mine was in that good of condition). Rust is your #1 enemy, and I don't see much exterior rust damage in those pics. May be some hidden, but still fixable. Step panels, etc, floor panels, well, these are available, but unless the places are rotted out completely, you will not need whole panels. I am replacing steps, risers, rockers and cab corners. Much of the other metal panels can be cut and patched. Repair what you got, as part of the truck already, instead of just cutting and replacing panels. The truck is a solid piece of metal structure. Keep as intact as possible, for better integrity. Either that, or deliver it to me, and I will see what I can do with it.
More pictures, please with a bit more detail if you would.
It could be a 58, or it could be a 59. Hard to tell right now. You have to judge if you like it well enough to buy it. I sure would. And don't figure to profit from it in the future. Buy it, fix it up, drive it, and enjoy it. But this is JMNSHO.