A Guide to Selecting a Project Truck - Continued

There are no big changes until 1960, when GM changed the from the straight axle to a torsion bar suspension. This lasted only through the 1962 model year. In 1963 GM switched back to the straight axle. This retro-designing was part of GM's effort to cut costs. These trucks are pretty much the same mechanically.

The 1960 - 1962 trucks have X frames which supported the torsion bar setup and are different from any other year Chevy truck. Parts are somewhat more difficult to find and pay for on these trucks. Unless your really nuts about these trucks, I would not recommend them due to their poor resale and flat market appeal.

By 1963, the cab height of GM's trucks had drop and the cab widened. GM introduces the new 230 inline 6 to replace the old Stovebolt 235. The 1963-1966 trucks are the first of the modern body style trucks. These trucks are more comfortable and easier to drive. They have more room and make good daily drivers. Parts availability for these trucks is very good.

 The 1967-1972 trucks carry on the previous improvement with a more desirable look. These trucks are highly sought after in the market today. Many good examples can still be found and prices are in the affordable range for now.

These trucks make an excellent investment truck as well as very fine project trucks. Parts availability is excellent, with almost everything available. These trucks make excellent daily drivers and hold there resale value well.

FORD: 1930's to mid 1940'S

These trucks are hard to find! Most of the good examples have already been restored or converted in to Street Rods. These trucks have very small cabs and are of simple construction. Most of all the early trucks have mechanical brake systems prior to 1939. Many of these trucks will be V8 powered, although 4 cyl and 6 cyl engines were available. Do to the popularity of the '39 -'41 models, there is an abundance of aftermarket parts and accessories. If you can find a sock running example, it will be costly to obtain. A stock restoration is your best investment on these trucks.

POST WAR FORDS, '46-'49

The 1946-49 trucks are a rehash of the pre-war trucks. Parts and materials for restoration are fair to good. The F-1's restyled cab is still not very popular. This are good service trucks, but there ride is poor.

FORDS of the 50's& 60's:

The 1953-56 F-100, known as "The" Ford collector truck. This is Ford's first modern truck with a large cab and modern engine. The strong points of this truck are it's tremendous popularity and the large amount of parts to make them like new.  If any truck can be identified as the most popular collectors truck, it has to be the 1953-56 F-100.  Their weak areas are the brakes, suspension and steering. These areas will almost certainly be wore out many miles ago if you find an untouched truck.

Production of these trucks was high and many survived. You can still find these trucks at a fair price. In the rust belt of America, check carefully, as no truck is immune to the rust devil. The doors and lower cab areas are the first to go. For some reason, rust is a problem above the windshield area as well. [more]

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