Best Places To Look To Buy A 53-56…
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Bethlehem, PA
Best Places To Look To Buy A 53-56…
I've been doing my homework and saving my nickels and I want to start seriously looking to buy a '53-'56 F-100, but there don't seem to be many out there that aren't either falling apart "projects" or totally "done" and show ready.
I'm looking for what I would call a "driver." Something that I could get in and drive, but isn't "perfect." Ultimately I'd like to end up with a truck that is mostly stock but has safety upgrades (seat belts, dual-reservoir master cylinder) and maybe a (more) modern drivetrain.
The first place I looked was right on this site but I didn't see any 53-56 trucks currently for sale at all, regardless of their state of "done-ness"
I also checked Hemmings, eBay, Craig's List (which isn't easy to search beyond your own metro area, why the heck haven't they added that functionality to the native site yet?) and Old Cars Weekly.
I realize that 60-year-old trucks aren't on every corner, but where else should I take a look?
I'm looking for what I would call a "driver." Something that I could get in and drive, but isn't "perfect." Ultimately I'd like to end up with a truck that is mostly stock but has safety upgrades (seat belts, dual-reservoir master cylinder) and maybe a (more) modern drivetrain.
The first place I looked was right on this site but I didn't see any 53-56 trucks currently for sale at all, regardless of their state of "done-ness"
I also checked Hemmings, eBay, Craig's List (which isn't easy to search beyond your own metro area, why the heck haven't they added that functionality to the native site yet?) and Old Cars Weekly.
I realize that 60-year-old trucks aren't on every corner, but where else should I take a look?
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
I'd be checking Craigs list for cities in the SW US, i.e. NM AR NV. The old tin in those area are usually solid. Shipping cross country is cheaper than a bunch of rust repair. Be patient and keep saving your pennies, buy the best truck you can find. They aren't that hard to find, one will pop up when you least expect it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,686
Likes: 1,254
From: Jefferson City, MO
I would recommend using autotempest.com
This search site allows you to put in a year range, price range, make and model and searches several auto sites.
Ax is right, find the most you can with the money you have. You will be much better off that way.
Good luck in your search. Let us know how it goes. Also, if you have one you are interested in, post pictures. The experts here will give excellent advise on what you need to be aware of before you plop down the money.
This search site allows you to put in a year range, price range, make and model and searches several auto sites.
Ax is right, find the most you can with the money you have. You will be much better off that way.
Good luck in your search. Let us know how it goes. Also, if you have one you are interested in, post pictures. The experts here will give excellent advise on what you need to be aware of before you plop down the money.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 150
Likes: 2
From: Kansas City, MO
Searching Craigslist made easier
Alan
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 19
From: Austin
Hey Obsidian,
Hmmm... Unfortunately a lot of the better ones have been modified in some form
to get them more functional. Here is one near us in Central Texas - It looks like a nice '55 that runs but it has that other brand drivetrain in it.
1955 Ford F-100 Pickup
We bought our's several years ago - I didn't really care what drive train was in it
as we were going to upgrade that part any way. The more complete you can get it - the less expensive your journey/adventure will be.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
Hmmm... Unfortunately a lot of the better ones have been modified in some form
to get them more functional. Here is one near us in Central Texas - It looks like a nice '55 that runs but it has that other brand drivetrain in it.
1955 Ford F-100 Pickup
We bought our's several years ago - I didn't really care what drive train was in it
as we were going to upgrade that part any way. The more complete you can get it - the less expensive your journey/adventure will be.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
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Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,516
Likes: 401
From: W. Central FL.
Usually something on ebay or CL. Don't be in a hurry and one will show up. My SWAG is you'll pay around $10K for a driver that has not been hacked too badly. Buy the best you can afford. IMO, many upgrades are over rated if you have a solid truck to start.
Do not discount having the right truck shipped cross country. Trusted eyes on the other end is imperative.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/221212792408...84.m1438.l2649
I followed this one. At quick glance it looked pretty decent.
Do not discount having the right truck shipped cross country. Trusted eyes on the other end is imperative.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/221212792408...84.m1438.l2649
I followed this one. At quick glance it looked pretty decent.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Bethlehem, PA
That's the ballpark I had in mind to spend. Glad to hear I wasn't too off base in my thinking.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 803
Likes: 0
From: Gibsonia, PA
Here's a falling apart project, but I've purchased a couple vehicles from this guy, and he's fair and knows his trucks. It is maybe 200 miles from you (New Alexandria, PA) and I'll bet he would deliver. He will know how to help you obtain a PA title.
PictureTrail: Online Photo Sharing, Social Network, Image Hosting, Online Photo Albums
The '53 and '47 panel are in my basement garage and no longer for sale by JT!
PictureTrail: Online Photo Sharing, Social Network, Image Hosting, Online Photo Albums
The '53 and '47 panel are in my basement garage and no longer for sale by JT!
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Bethlehem, PA
Thanks for the tip. I already have a '66 Mustang that isn't driveable at the moment, so adding another vehicle that won't move under its own power isn't really an option for me at this point. 
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,297
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
I'd say you'll end up at $10K+, regardless of where you start. Hardly anyone can leave well enough alone, I thought I could but that was about $10k ago...
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Bethlehem, PA
Haha, I completely understand that "problem". The $10Kish price was what I was hoping to spend on the initial truck with the expectation that upgrades, fixes, etc that I do later would be on top of that price.
New User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
I have a '54 F100 for sale but I'm in Toronto Canada. Western truck, all original except upgraded wiring to 12V. Currently running strong and plated on the road. Asking $7200 CDN but I'm flexible as I'd like to get rid of it asap. How much could shipping be? $1500 on a flatbed? Send me your email and I'll send you pics.