Guest imported_jmarsicano Posted March 7, 2003 Share Posted March 7, 2003 I recently picked up a new toy, a 1955 Ford F-100. It has Custom Cab badging on the sides. I know it is in original condition and original badging since the truck has been in a friends garage for the last 22 years. My question is, what extras or goodies came with the "Custom Cab" option? The trucks interior was mostly removed to do a cab off restoration and I want to put it back correctly. Amazingly enough, the truck is in great shape. Even the bed is straight with no dents (except for the wood floor). Only one little rust spot to touch up. Picked it up for $500! The guy was even nice enough to let me use his trailer to bring it home. By the way, to all of you who gave advice to me on the "cost of paint" thread a month ago for my 60's Trevis Sprint Car.. here is an update. I painted the body and it looks AMAZING! The little tips you guys gave led me to ask a lot of CORRECT and INFORMATIVE questions at the paint supplier. Thanks again!!! As soon as I have a couple of pics processed I will post them for you. The truck will be my tow vehicle for the racer hehehehe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 7, 2003 Share Posted March 7, 2003 Congrats on your pickup purchase and racer project. If you intend for the pickup to do interstate speed, you might need to see what ratios the rear end is running. Many pickups of this vintage were configured for farm use, and their idea of "road gear" didn't go much above 55 mph. If you're looking to keep the truck original in appearance, you may be able to replace the differential internals. If you're not concerned about originality, it may be cheaper to swap out the entire rear end. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_jmarsicano Posted March 7, 2003 Share Posted March 7, 2003 That was one of my thoughts, I have a 10 bolt posi truck rear that I am considering swapping in. Haven't measured it though. I figured I would count the ring and pinion gears first. I would really like it to stay as original as possible. According to the VIN plate, this was not a farm truck but is worth checking into. Another funny note about the truck, the last PA inspection sticker on the truck says 1969! I am calling my PennDOT people to see if I am allowed to leave it there for conversation piece. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DeSoto Frank Posted March 7, 2003 Share Posted March 7, 2003 J,If I recall, most PA inpsection stickers of that period were located at the lower right corner of the windshield.As long as the location of your 1969 sticker doesn't interfere with the application of the present-day sticker (ie: the lower left corner of the windshield), there should be a problem with you leaving it on there.I doubt any PA cop is going to pull you over and write-up a ticket for having an "antique" inspection sticker ,as long as you have a current& valid one properly displayed.The 'Custom Cab' option was primarily a trim package, sometimes that, meant full gauge package in the cluster as opposed to idiot lights, probably a heater and radio, upscale upholstery, headliner, door panels, etc.I will look in my truckspotters' book when I get home to see what they have ot say about it.Regarding trailer towing/ rear-end upgrade: is this truck a 6 or an 8? if it's an eight, than there's probably enough power there to tolerate a lower rear-end ratio for better hughway speed; if it's a six, you'll probably need to keep the stock stump-puller to have enough pulling power to haul that trailer.Sounds like you've got a nice piece; good luck with it!Frank McMullen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_jmarsicano Posted March 7, 2003 Share Posted March 7, 2003 You are correct regarding the guages, heater and other elements within the cab. They are all there, not sure which ones work yet but that is part of the restoration fun. It does have door panels and a very rough looking headliner. I didn't even know that was an option. For one reason or another, all of the badging was put in a box under the seat protected from the elements. Should help the budget!The engine is an eight cylinder, so I shouldn't have much trouble pulling the old racer. But the "sea Foam Green" paint will probably go. I have a list of other paint options for that particular year. That for now, is WAY in the future. Making the truck mechanically sound is my first objective. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DizzyDale Posted March 7, 2003 Share Posted March 7, 2003 Dear F-100,You have sometime to think about the color,i think that green is PERFECT for that period truck.It is sOOOOOOOOOOO bad it is perfectttttttttttttt,diz <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_jmarsicano Posted March 7, 2003 Share Posted March 7, 2003 Diz-I am not lying when I say the rear quarters have paint brush strokes on them!But sea foam green? I don't know abou that one...Speaking of colors, what color is the front grill to be? I have seen some with white grills, chrome, and the color of the truck. Any ideas? Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 10, 2003 Share Posted March 10, 2003 Joe,I have a 1953 F100 in Pacific Green (1996-1999 Ford code PS). The grille and running boards are Gloss Black. My bed is Mahagony. The truck is a highly modified Street Rod. The disadvantages of a stock vehicle are steering, braking, gearing, ride and handling. A stock 272 or 292 Y Block in good shape will provide ample power for most uses and a lot of nostalgia, but if you intend to use it for more than shows or as a 'Garage Queen' then you should think about the things I mentioned.The last bastion of stockdom in my vehicle are the original bench seat (recovered with modern fabric) and some armrests (aftermarket). I am in the process of redoing the interior now and will be selling these items as soon as it is completed. I live in Delaware and I am convenient from Southeastern PA. If you are interested in these items or want to discuss something let me know and give you my direct address.Dan Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DeSoto Frank Posted March 10, 2003 Share Posted March 10, 2003 J,I have to disclose very limited knowledge on Ford PU's, being mainly a Chevy man in the truck dept; although Grandad's (now Mom's) last truck was a nice straight '65 Ford F-100 stripper, w/ 8' fleetside box. 6 cyl ,& 3 speed.In the '50's & early '60's most base-model trucks had painted bumpers, grilles and hub-caps, as well as bare-bones interiors, often not even having a heater!The "Custom Cab" or Deluxe series would have chromed trim. The most common color I remember for painted grilles & bumpers was white after 1955.If your truck was a Custom Cab from new, I'd suspect it had chromed grille, etc.This box o' CC badges: are there mounting holes that correspond on the coachwork, or did someone buy a box o' badges with the intent to "upgrade" their vehicle?I might get in trouble for making the recommendation here, but Dennis Carpenter has a fairly complete catalog for repro Ford parts -cars as well as trucks- and I think there's ID tips and other helpful info for the restorer - I did get his catalogs when I was "restoring" my 1970 Ford F-100 Sport Custom lwb pick-up.(Almost forgot about that one! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />)Ponder this: what do you want the truck to do for you.... and, how many restored vs. rodded versions do you see today?I have used old(30 to 50 year-old)trucks as regular everyday trucks for the last 20 years, and the only big issue I've had has been speed: I just have to allow more time when I'm running old iron.( But then, some have suggested that I'm "a little loose in the flue"... <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_jmarsicano Posted March 10, 2003 Share Posted March 10, 2003 Basically, I need the truck to be a tow vehicle. I want it to be as original as possible but be able to chug along as well as my 87 Suburban. I don't need a garaged only vehicle, I want a functional truck that doesnt have an ECM or plasitc interior or a catalic converter. I love the old iron and it makes a great match for the trevis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 11, 2003 Share Posted March 11, 2003 Joe,As Frank mentioned Dennis Carpenter makes Repro parts for your truck. Another source for stock and modified parts which I use extensively is Mid Fifty (www.midfifty.com or 1-800-252-1956). They have a showroom in Tennessee, but the mail/phone/internet orders come from Arizona. Call for a catalog.Dan Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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