I am deliberating the idea of buying a 57 F100. I know they are 12 volt,cause the 56 is . I know the body is different,but these ''orphan'' year trucks are rare and how rare?
I wonder where would I get body parts? My catalogs don't list much for them.
If the truck has a chrome grille-is it a custom cab? Is 900 bucks too much for a running 6 cylinder truck?
I used to dislike these ''orphan'' yr. trucks -but you have changed my mind.
Thanks for opening up my eyes!! Bill

 

Hello one reason i got rid of my 1959 was because of body part issues. Couldn't find fenders inner fenders cowl pieces rear quarters and misc box pieces. If you want one get one that is fairly rust free and go from there. $900 sounds alright depends on the body. My 1959 FOrd was a factory 4x4 with a 292 4.11 front gear closed knuckle with a 1 to 1 transfer case 2 speed a 9 inch rear with 4.10 and a 4 spd sychro. I paid $600 for it. I went to a 1955 because it is som much easier to work with. 1956 is a one year only truck. Different windshield etc...

 

take a look at these websites, they would probably give you the best shot at what you may be looking for as far as sheetmetal goes.

lmctruck.com
dennis-carpenter.com

dennis carpenter purchased the original sheet metal dies from ford when they were done with them.
i have a 57 f250, haven't had to look for any sheet metal but if its out there one of these two suppliers will have it. good luck

 

I wrote before that I may sell my big truck stuff. I want to have a truck to drive. I will use my 71 F100 for this. It is near ready to go. I want a 56 f100 to drive all summer. I want a driver,and will take the utmost care of it,but want to use it. I am considering bigwin's panel,but 20k is alot.
I located a 57 that runs and drives--but will be at a loss as to getting body parts. I only know it is a 6 cylinder and runs and has a chrome grille. I was told by a buddy that a 57 is a weird truck,and hard to get panels for....I almost bought 1 last year,but it was real rusty. This is a southern truck,but beat lookin' I think with some body and paint (my specialty) it will be ok-----i hope!!! Bill

 

i say go for it.


the 57 - 60 Fords are in my opinion are getting more and more popular every day. they aren't as picked over as the 48-56's and you can still get some great deals on some very nice trucks because of this. a decent 57 - 60 is probably 1/10th the price of a similiar shape 56. and every year, more and more aftermarket parts are starting to appear. LMC now offers the front and rear bumpers, you can get the floor panels and cab mounts aftermarket now where as a coulple of years ago they were not available. you can get patch panels for the front fenders no problem along with cab corners. door handles are the same as the 56, so no problem there. just about all rubber parts and window parts are avaialble along with new windshields and glass for rear (even the big window option, which make these trucks look incredible).
as far as other patch panels, since these trucks used pretty well non-complicated curved panels, pretty easy to fabricate patch panels.
also, buying parts trucks with the parts you are missing or panels you require are easier, because these trucks don't demand as high of a price as people seem to want for the earlier part trucks. got my 60 from my dad when he passed away and bought a parts truck complete,(2) extra cab with better sills and jambs, straight doors and a few other parts for under $400 total invested.
you don't see as many on the street or at shows as the 53 - 56 and even the 48 - 52's, but that is part of the lure of owning one. anything you can do on a 53- 56 as far as upgrades or customizing you can do on the 57 - 60's and you won't see 10 or 12 of them at the next car show all done up the same way (nothing against the early trucks, i would love to still own one, but i would not give up my 60 for anything)

they are more work and fabrication since you can't catolugue shop for everything like the earlier trucks, but that in my opinion is the fun and challenging part of doing these year trucks.

rgds
Mike

 

I truly agree with Mike,,, The orphans are a good choice for a project. It takes a lot of googling but parts can be found.

 

Bill,

Lots of patch panels are available. The only show stopper that I know of it the lower hinge area on the cab. I couldn't find parts and had to get a cab from out west. There are still parts available in the dessert states for fridges. We love ours.

Cab supports and floors are available. Rear corners are available. Bed parts are pretty limited. Tail gates are repo'd and available from Dennis Carpenter.

Is it an 8' bed or a 6' bed? Does it have a big or small rear window?

Custom Cab - Chrome grille, stainless trim around the windshield and rear window, "custom cab" written on each door, Chrome trim on dash and chrome horn ring. I think the fabric on the seat may have been different but I am not sure.

Hope this helps.

 

one year !!! had to do it ............lol.

 

Thanks walston and everyone....I will know more when I get some pics. I know it has a chrome grille,and looks like a longbed. Not sure and will know tomorrow. I know I told everyone I want a 56driver,but it is gettin' harder to turn down some of these ford trucks along the way.......I do want to get rid of some big truck stuff,but think I will continue the f600 56 with the cummings and make a heavy-hauler out of it!! The 71 will be my winter ride,and a nice 56 for my good weather machine.....and to think my wife thinks I need a new vehicle-----a 57 is newer than a 56--hmmmmmm...Bill

 

I have both, a 56 And a 57 F350 and I much prefer the 56 for some strange reason.....

 

Bill, I feel your pain.

 

Hey bill, shore crew here. I guess that I see where you are going with your projects. No problem bud, you need to get you a driver and let your yourself enjoy this crazy a @! hobby. Peace out and the Alabama Shore Crew loves ya'.

 

Rodney---I haven't forgot you,and will see you some time soon??? I am going in a hundred directions,and want everything I see-LOL ........Bill

 

Both my trucks are orphans ,my 1946 and my 1960 .It,s harder to find parts,but they are cheaper when found,and you don't see many of these trucks around. Wife would rather I had a 53,until she saw the price for old rotten ones. both my truck coast me 500$ each. Go for it!

 

The differences are EVERYTHING! Ray Charles could see that!

4speeds 59 could be bought. Its a road ready original with original paint, y block, fordomatic, big window, radio, factory tinted glass, factory locking differential.

Nice truck $9500

Kevin Bigwin