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I am potentially going to buy a '57 Ford F100. I'm wanting a project, nothing fancy, just a low key restoration for a truck that I will drive as often as it will let me. While I'm stuck deciding between this 57 Ford and a 55 Studebaker Truck, I am leaning towards the Ford as it is in pretty nice shape, as well as seeming to be complete, with all of its original parts, even the oil can opener clipped on the fender well.
The help I need: Would someone be able to decode this VIN for me?
The thing I am unsure about on the truck, is that it seems to have an "upgraded" suspension. It has 8 lug wheels and looks to be more than a 1/2 ton. Would it be easy to "downgrade" to 5 lug? Also, what kind of transmission is in this thing, and would it be "easy" to switch the Y-block to an FE 390, or a 460? Anything I should be aware of before undertaking this endeavor?
If I end up getting this truck, I will probably end up asking a lot more questions, so thank you in advance for you time.
Things I've been able to tell from that code: F10K7K27761
1957. F100. Made in Kansas City, MO. 272ci 2 barrel w/145hp.
What I would find interesting:
What is the W.B? What is the original color. The truck looks grey on the outside, but the inside, where it isn't oxidized, looks kinda blue. What does the Trans A mean? ...and the Axle? The truck has a stack of 7 leaf springs in the front, and two stacks of 7 on each side in the rear. I'm just a little confused by the seemingly heavier than F100 suspension, at least I'm assuming that the wheels aren't supposed to be 8 lugs.
Anyways...thanks in advance for your time reading this.
F100's have 5 lug wheels on a 5.50" bolt circle. F250's have 8 lug wheels on a 6.50" bolt circle.
I think it is 145HP Number Dummy not 115 being a 272 that make more sense.
The pic is not clear but if you blow it up you can see it is in fact stamped 145 on the data plate.
F100's have 5 lug wheels on a 5.50" bolt circle. F250's have 8 lug wheels on a 6.50" bolt circle.
Awesome! Thank you both for answering! I would love to paint it the original color, and I guess 3.70 is a decent rear end for driving.
This truck definitely has 8 lugs on all 4 corners, yet the plate says F100. I know it has been 57 years, and lots could happen, but I find it odd that the truck seems so unmodified otherwise, but has a F250 suspension. Was switching them out a common thing, or is it more likely that this body is on a different chassis than original?
...and what would the shortcomings and issues be with keeping the original engine? ...at least until I decide if I want to switch to a big block. My guess is that the 3 speed wouldn't handle a BB very well.
I doubt it has a 3.70:1 axle ratio any more. That 8 lug differential probably has lower gears.
It's possible someone swapped the cab. Check the V.I.N. on the frame. You can find instructions in this forum for the location.
It's also possible someone swapped the front axle, differential, maybe springs. Although they wouldn't match what the truck was supposed to have, I think it would all bolt on. This would, effectively, make a 3/4 ton out of a half ton truck. The 118" chassis may be the same between an F-100 and an F-250. I seem to remember the front axle is the same part number so a front axle 5 bolt conversion might be as simple as spindles, hubs and brakes.
I would want to do a little more research to see, exactly, what I was working with but a half ton parts truck should make the conversion to 5 bolt pretty easy. Any 57-60 F-100 should have exactly what you need. I owned 4 F-100's / F-250's at one point and built 3 working trucks out of them. Parts interchangeability is pretty broad.
I doubt it has a 3.70:1 axle ratio any more. That 8 lug differential probably has lower gears.
It's possible someone swapped the cab. Check the V.I.N. on the frame. You can find instructions in this forum for the location.
It's also possible someone swapped the front axle, differential, maybe springs. Although they wouldn't match what the truck was supposed to have, I think it would all bolt on. This would, effectively, make a 3/4 ton out of a half ton truck. The 118" chassis may be the same between an F-100 and an F-250. I seem to remember the front axle is the same part number so a front axle 5 bolt conversion might be as simple as spindles, hubs and brakes.
I would want to do a little more research to see, exactly, what I was working with but a half ton parts truck should make the conversion to 5 bolt pretty easy. Any 57-60 F-100 should have exactly what you need. I owned 4 F-100's / F-250's at one point and built 3 working trucks out of them. Parts interchangeability is pretty broad.
Good luck with it. Hope that helps.
Lou Manglass
It does help. I had not considered that the rear end would likely be lower gears now.
I had a chance to check the parts manual last night. The frames are different but I've no idea of what they are. If it's a F-250 frame, you might have to drill for rear spring perches.
The front axle and even spindles are the same for both models. The springs are different but bolt into the same spring perches on the frame. All you need to convert the front to 5-lug would be hubs, drums, and maybe backing plates and brakes. Or, you could purchase an aftermarket front disc brake kit which would probably have everything you need.
The rear is a bit more complicated. The differential is different so you'll need a 9" out of a 57-60 F-100, I don't know if others will fit. The vast majority of 9" diffs in those trucks were 3.70:1. Other ratios were available but not popular. The springs are different but the big difference is the spring mounts. The rear springs in an F-250 have solid bushings with grease fittings, rear springs on an F-100 are mounted in rubber. I suspect (but I don't remember for sure) that the spring width is the same so you could, probably, mount an F-100 rear end housing up against the F-250 springs. You could remove (depending on which springs, exactly) a couple of leaves to smooth out the ride. If it has a 1 piece drive shaft, that still might fit. If not, then you may have to shorten/lengthen/change u-joints.
FWIW, I think I have a used set of F-100 rear spring perches around here somewhere. If you decide to go that far with it and are interested, let me know.
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