For Sale: Ford F100 Project truck.
Location: Mesa, Arizona

retouched photo of the truck

Details:
1958 F100 Short bed, style side, Custom Cab. Originally equipped with a 223 6 cyl/ 3 speed manual transmission.
Truck was manufactured in San Jose, Ca in 1957. I bought it in 2006 with a Nevada bill of sale in running condition. I have the title/bill of sale notarized but not switched over (that will have to be done before it leaves Arizona).This is a southwest Truck- great condition with regards to rust.

Below are the inspiration photos for the project: 

1957-1960 F100 Custom in a vintage style ( 1950's/1960's) 

( Documentation photos of actual truck to follow..)

1958 F100- 1950's-60's style

1957 F100 has different grill

1959 F100 has different hood and grill

Photos

Below are photos of the truck shortly after purchase in 2006. This truck was restored/customized some time in the 1980's, and has been preserved pretty well overall.

The good:

• It had ( and still does) a decent older paint job, and no collision damage. With a wash and wax it looks pretty nice from 20 feet. 
• The under side of the truck, including the frame and body, is pretty clean overall- amazing for a 50 year old vehicle. 
• It was fitted with a 400 ci Chevrolet V8 and automatic transmission sometime in the 1980's. ( Which may be sold separately) 
• It was fitted with a retrofit power steering setup. Below is a link to the kit: http://www.classicperform.com/Store/1948_64_Ford_Truck/5764PSKA.htm (this will likely be sold separately) 
• The original spot welds which hold attach the inner wheelwells to the bedsides are visible under the paint and untouched ( which indicates that there has been no rust repair or damage around the rear wheelwells and there isn't a ton of old paint on the truck's body) 
• The dashboard is still pretty intact and hasn't been cut up or modified. It is a "Custom Cab" and still has all of the original brightwork.

The bad: 

• The truck is currently disassembled ( doghouse and front frame cradle removed)
• The Drivers door glass needs replaced. 
• The windshield was damaged and now needs replaced. 
• The core support and  the cab corners have some rust damage. The bottoms of the front fenders have some minor rust. They are still intact- just blistered. This is typical for this year truck- even from the Southwest. 
• It needs an interior- including headliner, door panels, etc.

Started Modifying

In these photos, the truck has been mocked up with the lowered ride height. Shown in the last two photos are the new wheels and tires. The wheels are from Early Wheel in Morrow Bay, Ca. They are the company's smooth center wheels with their "short bullet" caps:

• Front: 16 x 6
• Rear: 16 x 7

The tires are from Diamondback Classic Tires in Conway, SC. They are custom made radial tires:

• Front: P225/75/R16
• Rear: P265/75/R16

Also included are a pair of new reproduction 1949 Pontiac Tail lights which 

fit the factory tail light openings in the 57-60 F100 bed.

The core support and the tailgate have been sandblasted. 

The tailgate was repaired with a metal patch for rust. It is currently primered with epoxy primer

 The core support has rust issue and may need some work- or will need sandblasted again. It is currently rusty

Outline of modifications so far

Front suspensionThe plan was to use the original suspension architecture ( solid axle), but lower the ride height approximately 6-7 inches, while retaining the correct suspension geometry. This is a challenge in and of its self. (It's worth noting here that if you are new to the 57-60 F100, the front and rear suspension(s) are nearly identical to the '53-'56 F100- many of the parts for the '53-'56 F100 will work with little or no modification).
Below is a list of parts and modifications:

• Classic Performance Products 2" Drop Axle w/ king pin bushings ( new-sandblasted and epoxy primered)
• Classic Performance Products Tie rod "Drop Kit" ( new- primered)
• Classic Performance Products heavy duty replacement tie rod ( new tie rod ends)
• 1981-1986 Toyota truck power steering box ( used)
• Mid Fifty Ford to Toyota power steering conversion kit: ( new)
  >steering box mount for the Toyota Box
  >Ford to Toyota Pitman arm
  > Flaming River universal steering joint
• Cardone power steering pump ( new- for older vintage chevy truck and impala)
• "Rebuilt" front leaf springs
  > Leafs were modified by Valley Spring service in Phoenix, AZ. The trailing spring eyes were "reversed", then the leafs were slightly de-arched ( This should yield about a 1.5" drop in ride height).
  > The leafs were then Sandblasted, epoxy primered and painted black
  >New spring eye sleeves, bushings, and mounting bolts
  >New leaf lining material
  >New Spring shackles w/bushings

 

Outline of modifications so far- continued

Rear Suspension

The rear suspension uses the original axle ( Ford 9"), with a 3.25 open gearset.
Below is a list of parts and modifications:

• The rear axle housing and differential cover have been degreased and cleaned with a wire brush ( however they may need some rust removal at this point on the OUTER SURFACES).
• The axle/suspension has been "flipped", which lowers the ride height 6-7 inches
• New Spring shackles and sleeves/bushings
• Springs have been sandblasted and primered 
• New spring pads have been welded on to the axle housing ( just tack welded for "mock up" purposes)