My dad gave me his '60 F100 a few months ago, so I decided to restore it and get things back to original. It has the original 292 engine in it but a 4-speed transmission and rear end out of an F6. Dad tore up the 3 speed back in the early 70's so he just replaced it with the 4 speed since his brother already had that and since it was free. I want to go back to the original but am unsure about a few things. I had a friend give me a '57 F100 with a straight 6. I am going to take the 3 speed transmission out of it, but I know that I am going to run into some problems with the bell housing not matching. If anyone has any info on what I need to do, then it would be much appreciated. Also, I believe the '57 has a different clutch system in it. I think that 60 was the first year to have a hydraulic cluth. I would like to also make the swap with the rear end. I don't think I will have any issues there. It looks like an easy swap. Once I get the transmission and rear end issues taking care of, I am going to rebuild the engine. The engine hasn't ever been rebuilt so it definitely needs it. I am not sure how many miles it has on it, since the speedometer linkage didn't hook up to the 4 speed tranny. It had set up for over ten years this last time. I rebuilt the carb, put new points and condensor in it and it fired right up. I would love to get any input on this rebuild process from the engine to the rear end if anyone else has had similar experience. I will take some pics and post them soon. Thanks in advance for any input or suggestions.

Brandon

 

Also, here is the VIN info...decode if anyone is able or point me in the direction, please.

F10C0K61789

WB: 110 in
Color: FM
Model: F100
Date: 23H
Trans: A
Axle: 01

 

I belive 57-60 all have the hydraulic clutch, I know both my '59 and '60 do.

Also I would think the bellhousing on your v8 would bolt up to the 3spd, it might be the same bolt pattern as the 4spd.

If it were me I would leave the 4spd in there but it's your call.

 

The 57-60 had hydraulic clutch and here is a good place to figure out your vin

http://www.mercurypickup.com/1960vin.htm

 

f100, c=292, 0=1960, K= Kasas City, MO, series #=61789
110=110inch wheel base/short bed
FM=sky mist blue and white two tone.
23 H august 23rd
A=3 speed standard
01=3.70 gear ratio

 

The 3-speed uses a different bellhousing to the 4-speeds. You'll also need the column shift stuff, unless you install a stick-shift conversion (I think Hurst/Indy still makes those). But, I also can't see much reason to go from a working 4 speed back to the 3 speed. It'd be better to install a rear end with a different ratio, like a 3.00 which would make 4th seem like overdrive for highway use. The 4-speeds are much tougher, and the granny 1st gear will be welcome if you ever haul heavy loads or drive steep terrain.

 

I still have the the column shifter on my steering column. Whatever other linkage I need, I should be able to get off of the '57. I am thinking more about what your saying about the 4 speed. I was just thinking about the way it looks. I figured it would look better with the "original" 3 speed. Do you not think so?

 

I am thinking that the other truck is a 58 instead of 57. The VIN is F10J8K32390.

Color:S
Date:12C
Trans:A
Axle:01

 

So it sounds like you want to have a column shift and not a floor shift, regardless of how many speeds it has? Is that what you mean by "how it looks?" I wouldn't worry about it. I'm about to cut a hole in my '60's floor for a floor shifter. I think, looks wise, that floor shifters look tougher, so they work well in trucks.

Don't make extra work for yourself...if you're happy with the performance of the 292 and four speed, keep it. Good luck.

 

I only thought that "original" was better...guess it doesn't matter that much, huh?

 

Well, if you were going to build a restored show truck with the intent of winning trophies, then original is better, otherwise, what you have will probably go unnoticed. But then again, if you were building a restored show truck with the intent of winning trophies, you wouldn't be starting with a '60! We're still the ******* stepchild of the F series line!

 

the '58 vin you have is
f10=f100
j=223ci 6 Cyl 1BC Carb
8=1958
k=Kansas City, MO build city
the rest is the serial number.
Good for you, I love the '58. If you are going to use it as a parts truck let me know I have some parts I am looking for that you might not be using. Send me a PM.
Regards
Cbass

 

I have lots of 60 pictures in my gallery, however mine is not completely original. Mr4speed has an original 1960 with a 3 speed.