I owned a 33 Dodge P/U, a 36 Chev P/U, and a 32 Ford stake truck. Liked them in that order. Pick of my 32 Hard to beat this one though (not mine but almost bought it back when traditional wasn't popular) yet
I went through the same challenge, beginning with a 40 Ford – I love them (probably my favorite), but at 6'2", I don't fit. So I tried out an F-1 – better but still tight. I love AD Chevys too, so I sat in one of those, and found even more room than the F-1. I landed on a 53 - 56 F100 because there's even more room than the Chevy – you can put a full sized 70s to 90s Ford bench seat in them. I wanted room for three adults in a pinch. The later seat fits and is about 6 inches wider than the stock seat. So while I love the looks of the 40/41 Ford the best, for comfort, roominess and drivability, I'm building a 54 Effie.
Dad had one in the early 60s as his carpenter work truck. Story I heard is they were intended as drag racers, could be had with big Chrysler engines.
1958 Chevy Cameo Carrier 283, 4 barrel, Hydramatic... Hello, My brother and I immediately liked the 1958 Chevy Cameo Carrier. It was completely different from all of the other trucks at the time. If he had not purchased his new 58 Impala in Nov-Dec 1957, this cool truck was next on his list. It was the body style with the full rear fender/bed design. He had plans for just about everything during our teenage lifestyle. He had alternates to his alternates. If one thing did not go his way, there was always another way to get to his goals. (51 Olds Sedan to Model A Coupe to the 1958 Impala to the 1940 Willys Coupe) The Cameo Carrier bed was straight forward with no bumps to compensate for the fender wells. It was just a very nicely put together truck. With that full length rear body panel, it did not look so utilitarian, but added some custom touches to a rear bulging fender version of any truck. The first couple of years, it was smooth sides for the bed, but in the 1958 models, the addition of the side bed application made it really look as if it came from a custom car shop in all colors. In our Westside Long Beach neighborhood, there were plenty of trucks, new and old. They served as work trucks, with very few of them as a daily driver that was not associated with the varieties of work related pick up trucks. (Gardeners, Auto Parts store owner, Contractors, 3 Speed Shop owners, the local small department store with delivery service, and Long Beach City Recreation Dept. worker at our local park) But, there was one full custom 56 Ford F100 truck (previously noted), one red 57 Ford truck at a Mobil Gas Station for the owner's personal truck, and of all things, a 1956 smooth side, Cameo Carrier for the local upholstery shop owner and his wife, who also used the Cameo Carrier as their personal daily driver. Jnaki Color? As a teen, black was the first choice, but this red version showed some class. It even looks good with whitewalls, small hubcaps, color matching wheels and beauty rings. It was a real custom truck straight from the factory. It would have limited our “group” teenage cruising style, but at least it was geared for a date-only vehicle and not open to rear passengers, such as a double date. Remember those?
This is a hard one but the 68 to 72 Chevy is my favorite looking truck followed by the 48 to 50 Ford.. As far as handling and ride, hands down the Chevy wins... I think Nascar still uses the Chevy long arm, truck suspension.. The Willys trucks are really nice looking too.. Those 48-50 are hard to beat!! Canted headlights also look real nice on them.. Wow! The trucks nice too..lol
Damnit, I was going to be the first one to say first gen Elco!!!. But I'm partial to the 1960 version, I like the harsh lines, pin tail lights and rockets/birds on the side.
The headlights were changed along with a new chrome grille shortly after the truck was purchased. HRP
I personally think the 35-36 Ford Pickup is the best looking, but it sure is small on the inside! Having said that, I built and sold my 35, then built a 1949 Ford PU with 51 Front fender/hood/grill for my daughter. And three people fit WAY better in the 49 than you could ever squeeze even two people in the 35. Itll get shiny paint some day. View attachment 4846733
Nothing beats the toothy grill on a 51/52 F1. That’s why I took my truck to the dentist for a few extra Chicklets Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I have posted pictures of mine before , but if you want space in the cab and an ability to haul motorcycles -1950 long bed International Harvesters are hard to beat (especially fitted with a 327 sbc)
Gee @Elcohaulic, I had no idea you and I thought alike.[emoji6] Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
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