1953-56 (and others) F100 Frame Rust Problem Areas
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2019
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1953-56 (and others) F100 Frame Rust Problem Areas
Hi FTE,
I've been looking around for a few days and I really haven't nailed down what to look for in terms of frame rust hotpots/problem areas when it comes to buying a "project". I'd really like to compile a list of frame rust problem areas that would necessitate a "hard pass" and just frame areas to look for rust.
Any help greatly appreciated!
I've been looking around for a few days and I really haven't nailed down what to look for in terms of frame rust hotpots/problem areas when it comes to buying a "project". I'd really like to compile a list of frame rust problem areas that would necessitate a "hard pass" and just frame areas to look for rust.
Any help greatly appreciated!
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 688
Likes: 6
From: Central PA
To be honest with you i haven't seen much in the way of rot on these old frames unless they are sitting in a filed sunk to their axles/frame.
On my 53 you could still read the part numbers on the frame cross members but when i stripped it down the only rust evidence that i saw was a little pitting on the upper part of the frame that the bed sits on. Likely due to rotting wood floor and collection of junk in that area. I could see where there could be issues with the areas where the cross members join with the main frame rails if mud and junk got in there but i didn't have any thankfully. You can or should be able to easily look under the truck at all sections of the frame and get a good idea of what's there. The sheet metal is another story but obviously areas are cab floor, cab corners(front and rear), lower fenders/etc but most of that is to be expected to some degree. You definitely want a solid frame to start with.
On my 53 you could still read the part numbers on the frame cross members but when i stripped it down the only rust evidence that i saw was a little pitting on the upper part of the frame that the bed sits on. Likely due to rotting wood floor and collection of junk in that area. I could see where there could be issues with the areas where the cross members join with the main frame rails if mud and junk got in there but i didn't have any thankfully. You can or should be able to easily look under the truck at all sections of the frame and get a good idea of what's there. The sheet metal is another story but obviously areas are cab floor, cab corners(front and rear), lower fenders/etc but most of that is to be expected to some degree. You definitely want a solid frame to start with.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 9,733
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From: Wentzville, MO
As stated by bhalemail these frames aren’t prone to rust through. You will find pitting in a couple of places that tend to hold water or trap dirt. Frame issues are usually with things mounted to the frame i.e. front cab mounts (cracks) and spring and shock mounts, frequently welded due to rivets breaking.
Again as stated earlier the bodies are a totally different story.
Again as stated earlier the bodies are a totally different story.
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,516
Likes: 401
From: W. Central FL.
I once saw a 1954 F100 that had frame rust thru at the vertical member in the area of the front rear spring hangers at the rear of the truck. A plate on both sides of the frame inside vertical surface had been the repair.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 688
Likes: 6
From: Central PA
As stated by bhalemail these frames aren’t prone to rust through. You will find pitting in a couple of places that tend to hold water or trap dirt. Frame issues are usually with things mounted to the frame i.e. front cab mounts (cracks) and spring and shock mounts, frequently welded due to rivets breaking.
Again as stated earlier the bodies are a totally different story.
Again as stated earlier the bodies are a totally different story.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,094
Likes: 654
From: Brentwood, TN
On the list of things to check on a project truck, frame rot would be pretty far down on the list especially in CA. As others have said, cracks and poor workmanship by previous owners is a more likely issue. I had a 54 some time ago that I bought as a basket case, the PO put a built 390 in it and virtually trashed the frame because of the way it was installed.
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