Hello all: I joined this group last week when I acquired my 1956 C-600, and after doing plenty of research. From the vin, it appears the "z" engine code designates a 272 cu. in. OHV 8 cylinder heavy duty engine. A good friend who owns a salvage yard here in Michigan , when he heard of my acquisition, sent over a Ford E-350 complete ch***is with a V-10 motor and heavy duty transmission, in excellent condition. Looks like I will attempt to transplant the cab, and have all the modern conveniences such a four wheel disc brakes and heavy duty suspension. I will probably end up with a pickup rather than a hauler, since I'm not sure I have the skills for a ramped hauler. Both cab steps are fairly well rotted, but I have no idea where to obtain a set. The 1953-56 steps are interchangeable, so maybe one of you would be willing to part with a set. If I can't find them,do I have to have them fabricated from scratch, or does someone make them ? The only other rust-out is on the back-side of the cab. Will a patch panel from some of the smaller trucks fit, or does this have to fabricated also? I'm sure I will have many other questions as I progress, and will be grateful for your collective wisdom and suggestions. I have pictures, but don't know how to post them in this forum. Regards, Mark.
I saw your post over on FTE, nice project. I have a friend here with a really rough '56 COE that might have the steps......but it is buried in snow till spring. If you don't find any before then I will check it out.
b-bop,thanks for posting the pictures . RMR&C: I'm buried in snow also here in Michigan, but if spring ever comes , I appreciate your offer to take a look at your friend's. Another piece of the puzzle may be solved.
all the F-100 cab and door patch panels will work except the lower front cab corners - cabover specific. I'm jealous of the lack of rust you have. I have a bunch of cancer excision ahead of me on mine. wish you were closer, I'd like to make a deal on your factory rolling stock. but distance and cash are tall hurdles right now. If you would, keep me in mind when you're ready to ditch those. I might be in a spot to help you out of them. JML
vintage 56: My fenders are also good, the only issues I have are the steps and the bottom rear of the cab. I don't know if there is a patch panel for the cab, or whether I have to have one made. Hop in your car, bring a big trailer, rob a bank on the way, and we will figure out a deal(as soon as I make sure the E-350 will work). Regards, Mark.
Looks like you need some door bottoms too. You could start with the repop F100 door bottoms but would, again, have to cut out the radius for the Coe fender. All that can be bought from places like midfifty, Sacramento vintage, obsolete ford Midfifty is my preference even though obsolete is 15 minutes from my house. I'd rather pay shipping and deal with pleasant folks. I looked at the HAMB Alliance Vendors but didn't see anybody I recognized.
Those steps are going to have to be tracked down or fabbed up. Nobody I know of is remaking those. I need to rebuild mine. I'm hoping the ribs are same or similar enough on newer ford steps and I can piece them back together with later model donor steps. Of course I plan to crew stretch mine like my avatar shows
vintage 56: I just purchased from mid fifty some of the interior parts and they were a pleasure to deal with. I think my friend, Todd Murthum, from Northern Cl***ic trucks here in Michigan, makes the cab corners, but I'm not sure about the door bottoms. I showed Todd the steps, and he would make them if there was a big enough demand, but I don't think that is the case. The front edge of the doors is another rust issue, but we keep getting so much snow, I can't take the cab off and get it inside my shop to fully do***ent what I need to do and put it on the E-350 ch***is. I hope I live long enough!! Thanks for the helpful information. Mark.
For us few mid 50s C series guys, those steps are the most often missing or thrashed components. Hanging out there down low to catch all the road spray, road tar, road salt, and road rash life had to throw at them... I still look for the retired farm truck, or fire truck, with easy years behind it to replace the abused delivery truck I'm rehabbing.
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