Hi All,
Just wanted to introduce myself as being new to the message board. I found a '53 F100 while browsing Craigslist at work a few weeks ago and 2 days later I was an owner. I like to think of it as kind of a barn find for the 21st century. The truck isn't pretty but it sure is solid. The only rust is some pinholes in the grooves of the passenger running board. It runs and drives and is powered my a mid '60s Buick Wildcat 455 (401cid, named 455 because of torque output). Needs shocks and tires but overall seems very functional.
I've always been a Mustang guy but decided my stock '65 had been polished and detailed enough and it's time to get my hands dirty again. I've spent nights and weekend going over the truck and developing a to-do list.
The truck has a definite rat rod look to it now and will probably stay that way for a while out of necessity. The grabber green wheels are growing on me.
Interior is almost non-existent and is taking first priority. I cut up and laid down an old putting green for a carpet which actually looks pretty good. I'm taking the seat in to have it upholstered in the style of a '55 TBird (black with white inserts). The rest of the interior will receive similar treatment as budget allows. Speaking of, anyone know if TBird door and window handles are a direct replacement for the standard F100 ones? I think they look a little more elegant.
Also in the works before spring are tires and freshening up the stock suspension. The wheels will probably end up matte black with stock hubcaps and 3" Diamondback whitewalls. I've been scouring ebay and catalogs for some truck parts. I need the following:
a tailgate with latch and hinges
bed strips and the cross pieces that they bolt into
outside mirrors
inside mirror
headlight retainer ring and chrome trim piece
'53 grille teeth
If anyone has spares laying around and wants to get rid of them for a fair price, feel free to message me. Besides that, I have a few questions that I hope experts may have the answer for.
1) My truck has a 12V system and the wipers are electric. Does this mean that they've been upgraded at some time or is there a chance they're original?
2) Have all of my switches (ignition, healight, wipers) been switched to 12V at some time or can the original 6V still be used? They don't all match and I have a suspicion they're out of the Buick that the engine came out of.

 

Welcome! Sounds like you found a cool truck to start with..How's it run with the Buick???

There are several sources for the parts your looking for,Mar-k(beds/parts),Mid-50,Sacramento,..I would get catalogs from each and just do some browsing,they are a great help in understanding how things go together.
If I'm not mistaken 1956 was the first year for the 12v system, so yours has already been upgraded and there probably isnt a schematic to match each custom wiring job..so your going to want to fiqure that out and make your own for future reference..and just to make sure everthing electrical is safe and sound.
Hang out ,ask questions,..and Welcome!

 

Welcome to the forum! It sounds like you've got the beginnings of a really fun project. My stuff is a little older, so I can't answer too many of your questions, but I do know that 12 volt systems didn't come out until '56, so if your '53 has 12v instead of 6v, it's been changed.

 

Hello and welcome to FTE.

Sounds like you have an interesting project. I'm looking forward to seeing yo uhere on the boards!

 

Hello and welcome to the FTE family. Another place you might want to try for bed parts is Hot Rods Trucks. I just purchaseda complete bed from them. Best price and great to do business with. As said above your truck had to be converted to a 12V as Ford 12volt systems didn't come out till 56. As for the handles from a Tbird fitting I'm not sure. But you should be able to use your 6V switches with a 12V system. The higher the voltage the lower the amperage.

 

Welcome to the boards,

 

Welcome to FTE. Sounds like a great project truck!

 

Need lots of pictures...get that gallery going when you get a chance, we like pictures.

No answer on the door handles but let us know how you make out with your upgrades.

Tom

 

I will add that if you are going to order new switches, you might consider getting them for a '56 pickup, that way you'll be sure to get ones made for 12 volts, and they'll look correct enough in your '53.

 

Welcome to fte.You are really off to a good start,the truck sounds like it is real good shape.I hope that you got it at a good price.You will get a lot of help here.

 

Welcome to the board of knowledge! A lot of good folks and good posts here. Keep comin back. Get that gallery goin we like photo's.

 

Welcome aboard!!! Wheres the pics!!!!! We love pics!!!! Good luck with your build.

 

Welcome, Wheres the the pics!

Kyle

 

Cool beans! Welcome. (old school welcome) Nothin wrong with that nailhead definite old school flavor, plenty of torque. Hot rodders are rediscovering them. Measure your bed before ordering parts, the standard bed is 6', but the 8' express bed was optional and in addition to being longer is wider and higher so parts like tailgate and bed wood does not interchange. All parts for the 6' bed are all being reprod, 8 ft is an orphan.
People won't be able to PM or email you until you reach 25 posts, so get busy telling us more about your truck and your plans.

 

Your project sounds and looks very cool!!!

BTW, 53 grills don't have teeth.