I was thinking of getting a 50's ford truck. I have two questions, maybe three. 1. What is the best year for these trucks, I want a shortwheel base, show type truck. How much could i expect to pay for a fixer upper? 2. I am rebuilding a 460 and this is the engine I would use, do they sell conversion kits or anything like that, so I wouldn't have to do fabricate mounts etc. myself?

 

The "best year" Ford truck in the 50's? That's a matter of personal opinion, naturally. '53-'56 have the most abundance of parts, OEM and aftermarket, available. As far as the 460 conversion, the '50-'52 are narrower than the '53-59's, so you may want to avoid them for that reason alone (not to say you couldn't cut the inner front wheel wells and fabricate something that'd work!). If you want a slammed truck, the Mustang II front end seems to be the suspension of choice for that slammed show-truck look, and it goes in fairly easily, I hear, and is readily available from numerous sources.

As far as what price you could expect to pay? Again, it depends on if you want (or don't mind) starting with a real fixer-upper or if you prefer to start with a 50%+ restored truck? I was just checking out www.dealsonwheels.com (Deals on Wheels) website. You can select by range of years and manufacturer and see what's out there. Prices ranged from $1000 to $20,000. My '59 I wouldn't let go for under $10,000, but it's got A LOT of modifications, etc on it. Many other sites like it, too, so scout around.

Motor mounts are available for 460 conversions. I know Bob's F-100's has them (www.bobsf100.com), but without knowing what year truck you're referencing,...... well, you know...

Anyway, welcome aboard into the FabFordFifties... if I/we can be of any help along the way, please do not hesitate. On a personal note, I'm anxious to see what year gets this 460 you're talking about. Yee-haw... torque and power o'plenty

Good luck with your project,

 

Thanks a lot! Yeah the 460 has/will have around 450 hp and 500 ft lbs torque.

 

The best year would clearly be a 1953 F100. If you get in a bind and can't find anyone that will sell theirs, the 1956 model is also fairly popular. Sometimes you have to take what you can get.

 

There's a nice-looking 1959 Ford panel delivery 4x4 on eBay right now, just begging to have a 460 dropped in.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6221 or if this link doesn't work, search on "1959 ford panel"

If you happen to like the looks of the '57 to '60 Ford trucks, then arguably the 1957 and 1959 model years are the best-looking. Reproduction parts are not as plentiful for these years, so it's worth paying more to get one that is complete and in good shape. That goes double for the panel deliveries.

 

Yeah I saw that earlier. I was hoping for something more like a 56 that is slammed or something like that. A cheap fixer upper that I would Paint and what not.

 

'fenders,
You're not speaking from any bias or anything, are you?? !!!!
Why you gotta be like dat? So cruel to the "Refrigerator Fords"...
I do agree though, if he wants to slam and show it as a buffed-out ride, go with the '53-'56 years, they are much more conducive to just that! :-)
Just kiddin' around...
Daryl

 

Daryl

Now where above did I mention anything about "Refrigerator" Fords Trucks

Now go out to the garage and make sure your dome light is good so I can we can find the beer at night without fumbling around so much.

 

oh, what transmissions would bolt up to this? Or would I just be better off using the c-6? I would rather have a manual though.

 

Everybody knows that the 1952 Ford pickup is the best looking Ford EVER! The '53-'56 trucks are just fat imitaions of the best.

You can fit a 460 in there, the only problem is the stock steering, but I'm sure that can be overcome easily. Speedway motors sells mounts for this.

And also the price you pay depends on where you are, who your buying it from, and the condition. I had my eye on the one I have for years, through two different owners. One day durring a time I was looking for a new form of transportation the thing went up for sale and I got it one week later. Ha, ha! They are hard to find, and for the right price but I'd say you could pay anywhere from $500-$3000 depending on those conditions. Just keep an eye out and ask around.

Clayton

 

Agree somewhat with you 41 clay. The 52's are the best but I would put a 51 hood on it. I got both of my trucks from friends of the family for $50. Don't bug the 57-60 fords my friend loves them.

 

Fenders has it right...53-56 is where its at!
Clearly the most popular choice.
There is also an abundance of reproduction parts for these years due to just that.
Go with what you like. I see parts now for just about every year and more on the way as long as guys continue to make a market for them.
Good Luck!
-Shane