What in your honest opinion is the benifits of going either way? And what would you appreciate more: A mint original truck or one that has been altered. Thanks for your opinion.

Huey

 

It depends on the year/model of truck. I am in favour of a mint or restored stock truck in the 50's, but the 70/80's look better with a few goodies bolted on them. ...Terry

 

Make it how you want it.

I prefer modded.

 

Huey,

How you plan to use the truck is also a factor. I would not attempt to use an original truck for long trips or for general everyday use. On the older trucks, 48-56, the brakes aren't good enough for stop and go traffic and they ride and handle like a brick. The newer ones are somewhat better. I appreciate a truck that looks original but one in which the engine, brakes, and suspension have been updated.

Vern

 

Stay original. there's enough modified ones around.

Barry

50 F-1

 

As GreatNorthWoods said it depends on what you want to do with the truck and, I think, partially on it's condition. If you have a truck that it already well on it's way back to Mother earth then anything you do to it is an improvement. If your truck is already mostly pristine it may be a shame to "mess with it" and just go ahead and leave it stock. Bottom line - it's your truck. Do with it as YOU like. For me, I'm taking a moderate approach with my 51. Modernizing where I can without going to a point where I couldn't take it back stock if I wanted to. Minor mods and bolt stuff. Will I ever go back to pure stock? I seriously doubt it...but I could if I wanted to without a great deal of grief. In the meantime I'll have an easier to drive, stock looking (well mostly - it'll be lowered a wee bit) truck that will suit my needs for an around town driver and occaisional jaunt to the car shows and rod runs.

Have fun with it - do what you want to suit your needs. With the time and money (even going the low bucks route) that go into these things it's hard to justify anything but that. Either way you go you can take pride in knowing that it's another Ford on the road and not parked and rotting somewhere.

My $0.02

Leaks

 

These trucks are not rare enough to command stupidly high prices when restored to perfection. Yes, they are expensive, but you won't likely get $50-75K for a perfectly restored 48 F-1.

I personally wouldn't mod a super real clean stock truck. There are plenty of modded trucks out there already to do that too. But as mentioned, it's your truck. Depends what you want to use it for.

 

IMO, it depends on what wag's your tail more:
1. driving a restored all-original truck (nostalgia is a good feeling); or
2. driving a modified truck that's unique because it has your own creativeness put into it and makes your own statement.

Either way you decide, the main thing is to enjoy the adventure!!!

Butch n Me

 

Both are very cool, but, if you tire of the truck in the future, you will never see your investment in the original version. I have gone both ways and drive each one for different purposes. The stocker does provide a " feel good" and I can relive the past. My modified give me a great rush and I can get up and go on any freeway, stop on a dime, and not get burned out on steering and shifting. Plus, p/w, p/b,p/l,a/c,a/t, and cd are what keep me driving and enjoying. Do what you like and can afford, but have fun and love your truck.
Whatever lifts yer skirt. Good luck......

 

What "Leaks" said

 

DUDE! Your truck's a sweetie. She's made it this far without goofing it up....give her a break!

I'm of 2 minds, which sucks A$$, but I've learned to compromise. I'm taking the 'Daisy back to stock, but the mods I will do to her will be period mods. Such as old school lowering, and a Y-block w/period speed goodies, stuff like that. So, even tho' it's modified, it's STILL historic.

Why get an old car if you don't want the time machine quality of it? If you want a new truck, GET a new truck.

VON WALP!

 

I appreciate all of the responces. The only think I am thinking about doing that isn't stock is paint it a dark metallic forest green instead of the original meadow green. Will this effect the value of my truck. I have put way too much into her to sell her but I don'tr want to do anything that would depreciate her.

Huey

 

Huey

If your truck is truly 100% "correct" vintage Ford, then yes, it will probably be worths a little more painted a factory color. Most of the trucks have considerable aftermarket parts installed by now, and the wrong color isn't going to hurt that much. Sounds like you have a non-stock color that really winds your watch. If you aren't selling anytime soon, why not paint it the color you want?

 

My vote goes with stock, or mostly stock. With a 223 that nice, it's a shame to pull it.

Like some of the guys said, trucks like ours ('57-'60s) aren't worth a whole lot on the market, so I'd say there's really nothing wrong with a mild custom. Plus, custom paint colors and what-have-you are cool.

Though I can't say these trucks let me relive the past (they're far older than I am), I personally think old trucks are far cooler with the stock drivetrains.

That's what I think.

 

mod's to the max make your mark!