Call 1-800-252-1956, Mid 50's has project trucks. As far as Craigslist goes when you searhc try 53 Ford, 54 Ford, 55 Ford, 1956 Ford. I have found people list trucks other ways than F100. Good luck in your search.

 

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/cto/1249072922.html
In Phoenix
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/1224362749.html
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/1209065913.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv...250742879.html
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/1202681385.html

http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/pts/1204781155.html
http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/cto/1228675521.html

http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/1230379157.html

Here are some to start with

 

That Utah truck looks to be in good shape, but if you are looking to do a restoration (returning it to as sold when new) That one would not be as good a candidate unless you are only looking for a body. It appears that one is a rodded frame transplant, it does not look like a MH 4 wheel drive, it has an auto tranny and late model steering collumn, so it likely does not have stock engine either $4K wouldn't be a bad price for rust free and straight sheet metal tho.
Bottom line: a drivable decent looking restored truck is going to cost 15K and up depending on how rough it is to begin with and how much work you can do yourself. You can pay 15K for one someone else has already done the work on and be driving it tommorow or you can pay 2K for a hulk and spend 13K and 10 years working on it before it's drivable. You have to decide which is more important and how much you are willing to trade off. Some would rather pay and drive, others would rather build and spend the money gradually. There is nothing cheap or quick about this hobby.

 

The hardest part is deciding. I'll sell you a whole 48 F-1 right now. Clear title, but you gotta come to Oregon to get it. The nice thing about the 1/2 ton trucks (F-1/F-100) is that for body parts, you can order replacement aftermarket. It all depends on how much of a project you want, and how much you're willing to invest (both time and money wise). Do you want a resto-mod, with IFS, later motor tranny, etc., etc. If so, then your search can include some trucks that have some rust, or body damage, missing motor tranny, etc. If you want a like new restoration, then your search will be limited to more complete and unaltered rigs, and of course, they get more expensive. If youwant all out wild custom, then all you really need is a few body panels, and you can mail order just about everything else. It all depends on what you really want. The 48 I have, is perfect for a resto-mod.....install an IFS, later model drive train, etc., etc. Yeah, I'm trying to sell you a truck, but I won't try twisting your arm....

 

There's also nothing that says it needs a $10,000 paint job and nice chrome on it to drive it, either. If you are able to find something within your budget that runs and drives it will most likely need body work...do what it NEEDS and drive it while you fix it. If the floors are a little rusty, well you can drive it as long as you and your passengers or cargo won't fall through and no harmful gasses come into the cab. The '55 Fairlane I bought a few years ago had just that, rusty floors and rockers but it ran and drove nicely for a couple of years before I started cutting. I've seen some rat rodders (a term I don't usually like unless it's true) drive cars with no floors at all...Flintstones style with the driveshaft riding shotgun. Just make sure it's safe and do the work when you have the time and money. Good luck.

 

having done two trucks, if you can find 80-85% of you what you like in a finished truck and your budget allows the PAY and DRIVE program causes less graying of the hair, less stress, less weight gain, and injury

 

If your goal is to do most of the work and you don't have welding or body repair experience I would suggest you take some classes in these areas at your local community college. This will help you get an idea of the skills needed and the tools. You can waste a lot of time and money doing it wrong. Just read some of the issues members here have discussed regarding previous owners (PO). Good luck and welcome to FTE.

 

Not quite a million, but some pop up from time to time here. A lot of the projects are ones that have some mods done to them and then the owners got tired of them or have no money to finish...that should tell you something.
I was a lot like you when I picked up my truck in 2006. I had the fever bad! I bought mine for $700 for a bare bones truck. In hindsight, I would have waited and saved up a bit for one more complete, but my project has still been fun to this point. I am just having to save and buy parts as I go now instead of up front when I got the truck.
I bought mine from Craigslist...look on it everyday as sometimes deals can come and go quick.


Oh yeah, and welcome to the board...Glad to have another AZ guy on here...oh, wait...now there is one more guy searching AZ craigslists to compete with for deals!

Good luck!

 

I guess probably the first thing I would do is to get on the computer and just surf around different sites to get pictures of all the 50s ford trucks. Here's the link the the FTE picture library:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/pictorial/1951.html

Just a little basic overview about 50 trucks body styles (and pardon me if you know this already) is that the 1948-1950 trucks were virtually identical. The 51 and 52 trucks were for all intents and purposes (except for an engine change in 1952 and a trim change) the same. Then the 53-55 trucks were the same (again with engine mods and trim changes) and the 56 while definately related to the 53-55 was refined and some folks feel the nicest looking Ford truck ever built.

All 50s Ford trucks up to and including 1955 were originally built with 6 volt electrical systems - so if you get one of those, expect a 6 volt positive ground electrical system powered by a 30 amp generator, or a truck that has been converted (ie it's had electrical work "done" upon it).

Another thing to very carefully study is the differences between the Vehicle weigh ratings for the trucks. The reason that can bite you is because at a glance to the untrained eye, an F1 (48-52 half ton pick-up) and F2 (48-52 3/4 ton pick-up) may look pretty much the same, but there are some very substantial differences that will affect a restoration. For example, the larger truck has a different bed on it and parts/sheet metal for that bed are not being reproduced. 51 and 52 trucks seemed to be transitional in design and certain parts (like brake drums that cost $75 each) are unique to those two years.

These are the types of things to study, and we can all help.

After you look at pictures you may decide you like one of the partucular styles better than another (for example the 48-52 group will only seat two adults where the 53+ will seat 3) THEN, I would begin looking for the truck you want. I'd be patient and particular.

When you decide on a year or model, let us know and we can provide you with a plethora of what to look for, do's, don'ts, prices, just plain really great stories, and maybe even shipping options.

Good luck and keep in touch!

 

That Mid 50's place is a gold mine! I smiled from ear to ear when I saw it and my SO is now convinced that I am completely obsessed.

I've decided on the 56 f-100. You were right when you said it is the best looking truck ford ever made.

I want the truck to be as OEM as possible. I want it to look like a OEM 56 but drive like a corvette... We can all dream right? I do want to put a nicer engine in it that sounds and performs like a real beast however. Any suggestions on that?

I'm going to end up spending money gradually. I don't want to spend more than 5k up front. I understand that this wont be a quick process but I'm willing to savor it! I really enjoy the look and feel of these older cars.

I'm defiantly going to have to sign up for a metal shop at my local CC. I hate paying a shop for something that is simple but I just dont know how to do! I don't want to bubba the truck at all.

Craigslist is my new best friend I see that I have found my nemesis on craigs. You can stop looking if you want and I will just pass along any info that I see. Really... I will... lol My wanted add keeps getting flagged and I don't know why but I'm searching through every post with the word ford in it for the truck that I want. I'm willing to wait... A little.

I'd appreciate any thoughts you guys have on the 56. That is the truck that i am going to get if I can find it and I have to keep telling myself that I'm not going to get this truck or I'm not going to get that truck. I'm just so darn impatient and I do "have the fever".

I'm really glad that I found this place. Its a trove of great people and great information. Thanks again!

 

I know where a 56 big window rust free truck with a new 460 CI can be had for about $7500, let me know if your interested.

 

Do you know where I can get some pictures of it. Is it a get in and drive truck? How is the interior? Is it 4wd? Do you know if the person who dropped in that engine took into account that the frame wasnt meant for that big of a motor? Is the Tranny ok?

All in all... does it need alot of work?

My fear is that its just a body with a big engine dropped in it.

Sorry for the barrage of questions

 

The engine, tranny and frame are a 1972 F250 truck. The body, bed, cab, fenders are all 1956 big window.





The motor is comming back from the engine shop this weekend. New rings, rods, bearings, cam, heads, the whole sha-bang.

 

A 56 frame can easily handle a 460, A Hemi or a Viper V-10 without complaint. It's torque/HP that determines how well the frame can handle it. The stock frame is good up to ~ 400 HP no matter if it's a big block, small block, or blown flathead. After that some boxing/X bracing might be desirable to keep all the wheels on the ground during hard launches. After all Ford used the same frame for the 1/2T, 3/4T and 1T versions (added some doublers in the 1T to strengthen the rear of the frame for the load). You'd be hard pressed to find an engine that weighs >500# more than the flathead.

 

I started out wanting a 56 too...but got tired of waiting...now I really like the 53, esp the grill with those teeth!

Where are you posting your wanted ad? There is a "wanted" section on craigs too. Maybe try there.

The way I search craigslist is a bit like Tacson...by just the year 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956 I search in the car/truck section and the parts section. You would be suprized how many people list their trucks as the wrong year/make.
There I go giving my secrets away to the competition...sheesh!