Well, guess what? once again, I wasn't exactly looking for another project when an ad appeared for a 58 F100. It was in good running order, but had suffered some body damage when it collided with a lamp post. It was not too far away so I went and had a look. I liked what I saw, and for once had the cash available.
So a deal was struck and the truck was dragged home to Sunny Solihull. With the help of a couple of good buddies (Thanks Sam and Ernie) I got the parts I needed to fix the damage. I welded in half a front fender and the corner of the hood. I also had to replace one of the front springs and adjust the clutch pushrod as it wouldn't release.
I straightened the grille out the best I could, splashed a quick coat of paint on to seal it and got it back on the road pronto.
The truck drives really well, the previous owner had spent a lot of time and effort replacing things like kingpins, brakes etc., so once the body was fixed there was only minor jobs to do.
August 05: The truck is seeing regular use, mostly at weekends, sometimes towing Old Rusty or fetching and carrying parts for the 40. Most times though, you'll see it at the supermarket or at the park with the kid's bikes in the back.
April 2008: The truck served me well for quite a while, but when I received an enquiry as to whether it was for sale, I let it go. It's now in the hands of enthusiast Gerry Brennan in Dublin, Ireland. He flew in and drove it home.
Spec:
Body: Stock
Chassis: Stock. Was once lowered, drove bad. Now back at stock height.
Engine: Originally built as a six, 292 V8 swapped in some time ago.
Transmission: Stock Ford 3 speed.
Rear axle: 9" Ford. Has "highway" gears.
Front axle: Stock.
Wheels/tyres: Cheapo narrow white line radials on later f100 wheels. Jag trim rings.
Steering: Stock.
Pedals: Stock.