Hello,
I have the chance to purchase a 1953 Ford F-100 truck.
I've always wanted one. I actually have two cabs for sale as we speak.
Back to topic - This truck was restored 5 year ago. The wooden bed is now rotted and will have to be replaced. The truck has a 327 Corvette engine in it. It has the original Ford front end (Large I-beam) and the guy will throw in a used Mustang 2 Front End. The paint looks good. I would remove the front bumper and shave the openings. It has a GMC Steering wheel, which will be replaced with a ford one, eventually.

The guy is asking around $5000.00. Should I purchase this truck?
Give me your opinion!

I own a Mustang, If I don't purchase this truck, my money will go toward the car. Which would you all do?

Thanks and have a great day!
Aaron

 

Buy That Truck If Its What Youve Been Looking For Mite Catch Soom Greeeefff About That Engine But To Each His Own. I Have A 50 Im Puttin A Tune Port 350 In If I Can Talk My Soninlaw Out Of It So Go For The Gustow You Only Live Once So Do It Right

 

Hard to say. If the interior is good, solid paint on frame and undercarriage (which is what sold me on my truck) and if the rust is repaired with patches properly, or done the half-**** way like me, with chicken wire and bondo.

 

Post some pictures and we can give you a better idea - - but I would not spend $5k on something with an off-brand engine. Also, the rotted wood in the box worries me - It should not have rotted in just 5 years. Makes you wonder about the entire restoration - where eles did he cut corners?

Also, I don't think anyone still uses stock Mustang 2 front ends - they use that style, hence the name, but buy aftermarket kits with much stronger components.

A good rust-free body is well worth spending extra money on, but you have to be carefull that any rust repairs were done correctly and not just putty and steel wool. I would put the truck up on a lift and go over it, looking at any repairs, including the inside of all fenders and running boards.

My neighbor went overboard and bought a 50 model in primer for $5k, but when he brought it home we found lots of hidden rust, a homemade front hinge kit that was junk, and a nova front clip that was installed incorrectly. He has not been able to sell it for any price, even though it has a like new GM crate engine with all the goodies. I don't think he will get more than $1k back - and that from someone who wants the GM engine and tranny.

 

yes, pictures are very good.

 

I haven't yet seen the underside of the truck, should I travel the 5 hours to see it? Check out my website @ www.mustanglife.com/onetwin69 when you get a chance. Also, I have two 1953 Ford cabs for sale complete with two doors, 4 fenders, 2 hoods, 2 front ends and a 292 engine from a 1956 with 40,000 original miles on it. Make me an offer on the trucks. Asking $200.00 for the engine (Engine is on Stand and has been cleaned/painted).

 

Aaron,

If the truck runs and drives as well as it looks I'd certainly be interested in buying it... even with the GM engine. Engines can be changed later. If that's a GM column, don't expect to fit a Ford steering wheel on it but you could get an aftermarket wheel and put a Ford emblem on the horn button. I'd also replace the bumpers with polished stainless steel ones. The bed wood kits are only $300 or so. The MII front end is useless for an F-100 if it's stock except for possibly the spindles.

 

Yeah, The truck still has the old ford I-beam which I wouldn't like to keep. We're dropping my 85 F-150 right now. I already have someone interested in the 327 for his older chevy truck. I work at a trailer manufacturing company, so the floor is nothing. I'd replace the wood there with Keruing (hard wood). The front bumper would be cut off completly, I'd shave the front holes so the front was smooth. I love that look!
Thanks,
AF

 

Yep, it's a great look...as long as you don't hit anything! I'm a strong proponent of bumpers. Any colision damage will be much worse without one. Also, check your state laws. Some states require bumpers...

 

I live in Canada so the cops aren't that sticky. You're right, there would be more damage with out one, but I'd risk it for show only drives.
Thanks for your comment!
AF

 

Just got a quote on wood (for the bed) if I purchase it from work:
COST OF 1 1/8 X 7 KERUING IS 3.03 / SQFT.
Approx. 32 SQFT WOULD COST YOU $96.96 Canadian for a 4 x 8 bed.
That's not bad, for wood that is fully treated. Keruing is originally harvested from wet areas over seas.

 

Not that it really matters, but I've never seen a 327 that wasn't "from a Corvette". Even when they have a 2-barrel on them.

 

Yes, and that's exactly why I'm not a Chev man! My Chev/GM history/knowledge is limited and I expect it will stay that way. Or, atleast it won't be obtained thru Chev driving experience.
Thanks,
AF

 

I would be real carefull of this one - it was not restored 5 years ago. It looks like it got a paint job and new interior - but look at the discolored inner fenders and the rust on the firewall.

To me this would not matter - but it does mean that the truck is a driver and not a show truck. It is worth a lot less money.

It is sort of like your idea on the bed wood. What you suggest will work, but if you were to do a real restoration, you would buy the wood kit that matches the original.

It is a sharp truck, but still just a driver. I don't know about the money where you live, but around hear it would only be worth $2k to $3k american, assuming no rust.

 

Thanks very much! That's what I'm looking for, opinions. You are right, you've reminded me. The guy did say that his wife drove it for 2 summers. I'm assuming that it has sat outside for the winter. Not sure if it's been under a cover any type. Just found out that the guys wife owns an antique store. I'm assuming that there's the reason for the large asking price. Antique dealers always think that antiques are worth more than they should be. As far as the wood floor goes, custom is the way I'd go. Only because the wood isn't as expensive as a kit. I'm a CET in an Engineering Dept. and have all these ideas of how to save money.