Something I want

[Willowbilly3]

I drove a 57 Ford pickup with a 312 many years ago, wore it out. I always missed that truck and have been wanting a 57-58 shortbed for a long time. I have found quite a few 1960 models over the years but I don't like the front end on them.
Well, I found not one but two shortbeds, a 58 and a 60 custom cab, about 3 1/2 hours from here, thinking about pulling the trigger on 'em. I know, I know, I promised not to start anything else until the rpu is on the road but these would stay on the back burner until it is driving and I think it would motivate me to shift gears. I think I would go through the titling process and maybe sell the 60, even though it's the better of the 2. Whadya think?

 

[Willowbilly3]

Also I have an old 71 Ford motorhome with a good 302 and I am thinking that engine/transmission might make a easy/cheap combo. Or maybe the 425 out of the Torosaurus.

 

[Snake Farm]

Do it

 

[rainman]

You probably won't find too many in that condition!!
I say DO IT!! If the money is right!

 

[Toad]

That '58 is bitchin! Go for it! [dr

Toad

 

[42chevy]

Do it! I like the 425 idea also.

 

[old man dave]

Buy them all and put the biggest engine possible. At least thats what i would do.

 

[GJunktionMike]

I would jump on it, The front glass in that 58 looks good in the pics.

 

[Willowbilly3]

The 60 is a little straighter but has a broke windshield. I like the front on the 58s a lot better but both doors and fenders are raked down the side. It does have another set of doors in the back and I think I can find fenders, 57-58 fenders are different than 59-60. Or I have another option, a good friend has a nice 58 grille hanging on his wall I could have and get a 57-58 hood onto the yellow 60 model.
BTW, $1000 for both trucks, no titles. Plus another couple hundred for fuel to go get them.
Maybe I could put the whole Toro front drive in one.[ddd

 

[old man dave]

Put the Toro drive in the bed exsposed. Maybe they will push as good as they pull.

 

[Sam_Fear]

I don't get it. Why not just find a 60 in good running condition and look for a 58 grill and trim to slap on it? I know the 61-66 better, but I didn't think the 57-60 body changed at all besides that stuff.

 

[Dr Crankenstein]

Maybe I could put the whole Toro front drive in one.[ddd

Put the Toro drive in the bed exsposed. Maybe they will push as good as they pull.

 

[ssimpala]

I just saw a really, really nice '58 advertised on the HAMB from Nevada for $7,900. Lots of dough, but sure looks nice.

 

[Willowbilly3]

I don't get it. Why not just find a 60 in good running condition and look for a 58 grill and trim to slap on it? I know the 61-66 better, but I didn't think the 57-60 body changed at all besides that stuff.

Because I can never afford one in decent condition when I find it, which is seldom. I have looked at some in the 2500-3500 price range and the cab supports were so rusted out you couldn't lock a cat in the cab.
But it isn't that I didn't think of that, I kept a nice 57 grill for years hoping the right 60 would come along at the right price. I have also looked at quite a few barnyard trucks like these over the years, only much less savable and this price is about the best deal I have found and one I can swing right now.
Oh BTW, I did pull the trigger and send him a deposit last night. What I am thinking is I can go through the titling process on them both and probably get my money back selling the yellow one once it has a title.
Since I have access to a nice chrome 58 grill and I have found a few parts trucks so hopefully come up with a decent set of front fenders for the 58, I think it's the one I want to fix (plus it has a windshield) but I'll have to wait and see which one has the least rot in the floor. Usually you can tell if the cab mounts are gone by the door/fender gap, it will start opening up at the bottom if the cab is settling.

 

[Bonehead]

Way to go, If you find the project you always wanted, better jump. We are not getting any younger.

 

[Sam_Fear]

I figured they were a dozen a dollar up there. That windshield intact is worth a little floor work. Doesn't have the custom chrome trim though. Is that serious rust above the drivers side? Gonna switch over the yellow doors too?

Personally, I'd be good with both those for a grand, except for the no title thing.

 

[Willowbilly3]

The 58 has a good set of custom cab doors in the back and I have access to a mint chrome grill so it would be pretty close to a custom cab. I'm not sure why there aren't more of these around. I can find 100 AD chevys for every 57-60 Ford.

 

[shakey56]

Yep...

Good lookin trucks Willowbilly. Glad you bought em brother. I drive a 56 Effie but I love those trucks, too. I personally like the patina on the ones you found. Put a killer set of wheels on, slam it.....oh yeah. [cl[cl[cl

Lynn

 

[Willowbilly3]

Speedway sells a 2" dropped axle for 4 bills, seems like a lot of $$ for only 2 inches. Another option is a crown vic front stub. I've got a friend who has done a few, including a 56 Effie and a 68 F-100. It sets the front right and handles awesome.

 

[Sam_Fear]

I wouldn't even bother with the drop axle. Too many stub swaps that'll work. If you still wanted to haul with it, I think a Dakota clip will work well too.