Hey everyone, My name is Aaron but most everyone just calls me Schroeder. I am currently in Afghanistan and scouring the internet daily for my next project when I get home.....Its gonna be a 53-56 f100. I have my eye on one right now, as long as my buddy can get over to see it before some vulture snatches it out from under me. Its a 53, currently running with the old straight 6. It needs break work, lots of new glass and cab corners and running boards are rusted a little, no wood in the bed, basically an unaltered original. guy wants 2500 bucks, which for me seems reasonable, I don't care the condition as much as completeness. I have downloaded a copy of the LMC truck catalog for these trucks. Anyone had any issues with them? One more question about the truck then some about me. where can I get this grill from a 51' f1? its not in the LMC catalogue, and how easy is it to mount in the 53-56 trucks.

So more about me, I have been doing automotive customizing for about 11 years now, I did 2 years of autobody school, and graduated, I've worked in a few different shops and then I joined the army a little over 8 years ago. In the army I do aircraft structural repair basically sheetmetal fabrication and composites, I have been on a few different forums for various vehicles that I have owned and built and or painted several show vehicles. This is not my first old school custom, but I'm sure there are several things you guys can teach me. Thank you guys for the great site, and any help you guys can give me along the way

 

When you do your build take a lot of pictures. We love looking at build pictures. Welcome to the site. Maybe some of the 51 crowd will kick in and tell you where to find a 51 grill.

 

Welcome to the forum, as was said above, please post pics as you can, we love pics!

 

Welcome! The 53 should have a 215 OHV 6 cylinder engine if it wasn't replaced throughout the years. They're good engines. They were made fro two years only, 1952 and 1953. Both engines are the same except for minor differences in the front engine mounts and exhaust manifold shape. I have a 215 in my 52 Panel and just installed an Offenhauser dual carb intake with two stock Holley 1904 glass bowl carbs.



In your post, the truck you pictured is a 1952. 1951 is similar and has the same grille. Not sure why you'd want to put a 51/52 grille onto a 53, but that is your choice as the owner. The body style changed in 53 and I'm not sure that the grille swap will look good on a 53.

You won't find 51/52 grilles in any catalogs. They're not reproduced at all. I have one or two available to sell if you actually decide to go that route. You can also search eBay, as the grilles are on there from time to time.

I hope you get the 53. If you do get it and decide to change out the engine, keep me in mind for some of the parts from the 215 engine that I'd like to have as spares.

By the way, thanks for your service!

 

Welcome to the site. Lots of good people eager to help. As Panelman said the pic is a 52. The 53 to 56 models have the most aftermarket parts. The 51, 52 not so much. You can still find some of the 51, 52 grills at car show swap meets and as Panelman said, on ebay. I also have an extra grill in kind of rough condition. Looking forward to you getting home safe and sound and working on you project.

Thank you for your service, stay well.

Panelman, you just couldn't resist showing off that manifold and carbs !!!!

 

panelman, I will let you know about the motor, probably one of my first steps is to replace it with a pretty simple 302. As soon as I actually take possession of this truck I'll get with you about a grille

 

Hi and welcome to FTE!

 

Welcome to the site and Thanks for your service!

 

Welcome, and thank you for your service. If you're wondering about LMC, my experiences ordering from them have all been positive.

 

Welcome to FTE and as a former serviceman many years ago, I appreciate your service to our country! Good luck on the 53.

IMHO, A 55 grille would look much better than the manure spreader grille and a heckova lot easier to install!

 

Hello and I'm new here too. I also give LMC positive feedback. Thanks for what you are doing in Afganistan. My stepson just returned from there. Be safe! Good luck w/the truck

 

Hello and welcome!

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