Tracking down a truck
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Rochester, NY, USA
Tracking down a truck
Have any of you ever tried to track down a vehicle from your past?
My grandfather had a '54 F-100 in the early 80's that I would love to track down but I have no idea where to start. It was a show truck back then so I would hope that it's still rolling around or sitting in a barn somewhere.
I would much rather restore a vehicle that had some sentimental value than restore some POS from the road side. Thanks in advance for your help
My grandfather had a '54 F-100 in the early 80's that I would love to track down but I have no idea where to start. It was a show truck back then so I would hope that it's still rolling around or sitting in a barn somewhere.
I would much rather restore a vehicle that had some sentimental value than restore some POS from the road side. Thanks in advance for your help
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Akron Ohio
Hmmm.... your going to need some info, pictures are the best source. If your grandfather is still around, ask him where he sold it. Asking around town always helps. www.collectorcartrader.com and others are a great source for finding it out. Alot of times these trucks get redone, was there a body or engine mod that really set it apart from the others? -4speed
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Northwest Fl
Svooom,
I have thought about the same thing many times. My first old Ford was a 53 F-100, which I got from my late father-in-law in the early 70s'. He had purchased the truck new in Florida. The serial number was much different than others in that the glove box tag and registration listed the serial number as ‘FLOR3A’. No other numbers or letters. He said that the dealer called a ‘Fla. Special’ and it came with no heater or defrost. Being a bit younger and a little more stupid, I let it get away from me. I have always regretted that move but you live and learn.
I have thought about the same thing many times. My first old Ford was a 53 F-100, which I got from my late father-in-law in the early 70s'. He had purchased the truck new in Florida. The serial number was much different than others in that the glove box tag and registration listed the serial number as ‘FLOR3A’. No other numbers or letters. He said that the dealer called a ‘Fla. Special’ and it came with no heater or defrost. Being a bit younger and a little more stupid, I let it get away from me. I have always regretted that move but you live and learn.
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From: Rochester, NY, USA
There were a couple things that set it appart. My grandfather was a body man and quite a good fabricator. The truck had a custom tube grille with 4 headlights (2 stacked on each side). It had maroon and white 2 tone paint, with the maroon on the top and the white around the wheel wells. If I remember correctly it had the 80's style mag wheels and I almost think It had either side pipes or stacks.
My grandfather is still around but not doing so well. He's got a 11 x 17 framed picture of it in his old shop. Next time I go see him I will take a picture of it and post it on this site to see if anyone has ever seen it.
I realize that these trucks change drastically with each owner but If you guys are like me, there is about 60% of my brain dedicated to vehicle memories. Maybe someone will reconize it.
I really appreciate the advice, Thanks
My grandfather is still around but not doing so well. He's got a 11 x 17 framed picture of it in his old shop. Next time I go see him I will take a picture of it and post it on this site to see if anyone has ever seen it.
I realize that these trucks change drastically with each owner but If you guys are like me, there is about 60% of my brain dedicated to vehicle memories. Maybe someone will reconize it.
I really appreciate the advice, Thanks
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
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From: Valley Center, CA
Daryl, bite your tongue. I'm sure that it is not demolished. Maybe it's even in a museum! 
John
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From: Rochester, NY, USA
I didn't mean any harm by the POS comment. Believe me, I've bought, driven, and sold my share of "cosmetically challenged" vehicles in my day. And I'm sure I'll be there again soon.
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From: Rochester, NY, USA
Thanks for looking mr4speedford,
If that's it, someone did a lot more work to it. The grill is similar but that's about as far as the similarities go. I believe that I will be able to post a picture of the actual truck this weekend. Thanks again for your help.
If that's it, someone did a lot more work to it. The grill is similar but that's about as far as the similarities go. I believe that I will be able to post a picture of the actual truck this weekend. Thanks again for your help.