Watching a video of this ’58 truck, I saw how much the owners love this car. It may seem strange to many, but some owners have owned such a Ford for over 60 years. These cars become family members that have accompanied the owner for many decades and sometimes passed down to their children. Some of the vehicles have been in collections for a long time, even though originally they were utilitarian trucks that were never exotic.
The 1958 Ford F100 was the third generation of the F-Series from the ’57 to the ’60. This pickup truck has significant differences from the two previous generations. The design of this truck has some revolutionary solutions, but about this a little later.
The third generation comes in four versions with payloads of 100, 250, 350 and 600. In the first case the payload is 500kg, in the second – 750kg, and in the third – 1000kg. Besides the USA the trucks were produced in Argentina and Brazil.
Sales and price of 1958 Ford F100.
The cost of these trucks today can vary greatly. But a well-kept car with 60,000 miles can be found for $15,000. A quality restored machine, possibly with a modified, or replaced engine, could cost over $50,000. Someone may want to buy an earlier first- or second-generation car. But the third generation F-series has a special charisma that the previous models do not have.
Appearance and photo.
It was in the third generation that the F-series received front roof pillars with a slope to the opposite side. Such element of the body looks very stylish not only because of the unusual shape of the racks, but also because it allows the windshield to go more into the side zone. Such a solution improved visibility.
In the third generation, the F-series received a new, cargo side, where the fender arches are on the inside, not on the outside of the side – as it was in the two previous generations. The spare tire is inside instead of outside of the cargo area.
Note the shape of the hood and front fenders. In the third generation, the hood and fenders are at almost the same height. On vehicles of previous generations, the fenders were significantly lower and did not line up with the hood.
In the third generation, the F-series has a gas tank neck, which is built into the cab. It no longer has a long neck, which was located outside the cab, as it was in the previous generation.
The footrests are hidden behind the front doors and are not visible when the doors are closed. This is also what separates the third-generation F-series from previous models.
In ’58 the truck received dual headlights, while in ’57, when the third generation debuted, the headlights were single. As an option, the grille could be chrome-plated.
The body of this truck is mounted on a frame, which of course contributes to the overall longevity of the truck. Chrome, the wheel covers are decorated with the inscriptions Ford. And the emblem itself is a Ford inscription with a lightning bolt going through the gear. To be honest, I myself do not know the history of the origin of this logo, but today it looks very interesting, because it was long before the blue oval.
On the back of the cargo area there is a Ford lettering, which was also found on the previous generation of trucks. Dual mufflers are also used on the previous generation of trucks.
Interior and equipment.
In the third generation, the Ford truck remains as utilitarian as it was before. There is no trim on the front panel, as well as on the doors. The power windows are manual, and the one-piece sofa has no adjustments. Instruments are mounted in a metal panel, which can be painted in body color.
Of convenience, there is a plafond on the ceiling above the rear window, which was also installed on the previous model. The parking brake is activated by a pedal. This machine does not provide much comfort, but that was in the 50s, at that time the F-series truck was purchased as a tractor and hauler. Of course, today such a truck would not impress with traction, or payload, but in terms of exoticism it is far superior to any of the new pickups.
Like the trucks of previous generations, the third generation was produced only with a single-row cabin. Because of this, a maximum of 3 people can sit in a Ford pickup.
Engine and specifications of 1958 Ford F100.
As in previous generations, the base engine was an inline six-cylinder 3.7-liter capacity unit. As before, not only the engine block but also the engine head is cast in cast iron. The engine has a power of 139 horsepower and has a long service life, reliability and maintainability. The inline configuration allows easy access to the engine with plenty of clearance on the sides.
More powerful, the 272d V8 has a cubic capacity of 4.5 liters and produces 173 horsepower. The most powerful engine in the Ford F-Series was the 292 cubic inch V8. This engine is equipped with Holley carburetor and has a power of 186 horsepower.
There are leaf spring suspensions on both axles, and drum brakes both front and rear. Nowadays disc brakes are installed on these trucks. But the drum mechanisms provide a longer service life, although the brakes are not so good. The trucks with higher tonnage have thicker springs with more plates.
This is a very stylish machine. Today some owners buy such a pickup for restoration and some for modernization. As I said above, many owners keep such pickups for decades. And they don’t even drive them for significant distances. Such owners don’t sell their car simply because they are used to it. They have fond memories with the car. I saw a video on YouTube that described how one owner could no longer drive his truck due to poor eyesight, but still kept his car, only occasionally driving it out of the garage to drive it around the front yard. For these people, it is not just a car, but a part of their life and a true friend.
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