Depends on what you want to do with it. If you want to drive it on the street, obviously it has to be safe and reliable. That said, a late '50s truck has lots of potential. The engine bay is huge, it already has a straight axle etc. Maybe a solid lifter 428 with a top loader, 9 inch rear, drilled front axle on blocks? It would be easy to make a gasser out of that truck and plenty of stuff is available. Please don't put a (choke, puke) 350/350 combo in it. They are so common they are boring.
ya know its got a 6 in it now thats ok by me for shor on $$ later on a v8 can be placed, but it will be a DRIVER!!!! ALWAYS!!!! I've sold all I've had to pay the bills, but I always loved the the 57-60's f100 you can go so may ways with them....good thing about that I can change when I get tired of it.......Did I say its a DRIVER!!!!!
I know what you mean about "short on $$" All my vehicles have been built that way. The good thing is, big block and small block Ford motors are still cheap, places like P.A.W. and Summit have reasonably priced overhaul kits and an automatic is way cheaper than a toploader if you prefer automatics. On the other hand, modifying the 6 banger might be cool too! I don't know of any speed equip for that motor but for sure other HAMBers should be able to provide input. As for parts available for your truck, check Dennis Carpenter Reproductions, Mac's Antique Fords for stuff. N.P.D has stuff as well, but the some of parts I've bought from them aren't the greatest quality and I suspect they were made in China. Been steering clear of them.
I've seen this one at the F-100 Supers in Knoxville a few times. It's looked the same for years, but it's still my favorite. Simple and perfect stance. One of these days I'll have one like it. Kevin Ooltewah Speed Shop
I lucked out and found a 59 F100 in really great shape. Next to nothing for rust and it has already been converted to disc brakes and power steering. It currently has a 390 4bbl with a C6 but I am thinking since the engine needs refreshed after sitting for 15 years that I may install a 427 crank and rods. So far have just over a grand total invested and should have under 3 in it once I get it finished and painted.
57 is the nicest of the "square" cabs. I'd drop the front a few inches and drill the axle, put 14" Lincoln steelies on it up front. 15" wider steelies out back all with dog dish caps. Be different and drop a big Lincoln Y Block (331 truck or 365 car) motor in there with a late model 4 speed OD stick out of an 80's Ford truck. Easy cruise and mileage would be OK. Sound really healthy (all Y Blocks do) and anyone would think 292 when they first opened the hood. Should get you some fun on the street and you'll clean house, even on regular gas Do a nice interior on the factory bench seat. Some decent gages that match reasonably close. The paint work makes these things. Pick nice solid colors and lots of detail work. Even with a painted grill, they can look really sano. Add air if you want. You have the room under the hood and it can be clean too.
Gasser would be cool me personally like the lowered look and is easy to do and around 500 bucks and some work but there's so many ways to go,advice make it what you wanna get in everyday Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
The Jalopy Journal
