Before WWII, Ford placed its truck bodies on car chassis, but the war taught all manufacturers a thing or two. The challenges of rugged territory, long-distance deployment, and enemy fire encouraged the development of more robust equipment. So when Ford sorted itself out post-war, it introduced the “Bonus Built” F-series, situated on a dedicated truck chassis. With a booming economy at hand, it wasn’t long before the company refreshed its lineup in response to keen competition and strong demand. The new trucks had “driverized” cabs, a shortened turning radius, and an overhead valve V8. Today’s stake-side F-600 hails from this second generation, and it’s available here on craigslist for $11,000. Drive it home from Overgaard, Arizona. Thanks to Zappenduster for finding this great old beast for us!
The arrival in 1954 of Ford’s Y-block OHV V8, replacing the old flathead, was scintillating news. However, this example wasn’t invited to the party: its 223 cu. in. “Cost Clipper” six was an update from the old 215, and output rose from 101 hp to 120, but the lowly six relegated this F-600 to base model status. Likewise, the four-speed manual was standard, while fancier trucks were optioned with a five-speed. If a guy really wanted to spring for top-shelf specs, a two-speed axle was available. Here, the radiator was rebuilt, and the tires are newly installed on split-ring wheels. The 6-volt system is still in place.
Ford spent a lot of money from the post-war period to the late 1950s updating its cabs. The Bonus Built “Million Dollar Cab” kicked off the trend. Second-gen trucks received even more upgrades, with wider interior dimensions, better seat padding, generous door openings, and a wrap-around windshield that not only looked great, but also afforded an excellent view. Previously owned by the US Army, this F-600 shows only 33k on the odometer. The seat has been reupholstered.
The stake sides are said to be original and in good condition, as is the wood bed. (Dry storage in Arizona will do that!) These trucks came in three wheelbase lengths – 130″, 154″, and 172″, and the GVWR ranged from 14,000 lbs to 16,000 lbs. When it comes to valuing these trucks, prices are all over the map. This guy wants $7500 for a ’54 in worse condition than the truck we are featuring; and here’s a fine ’55 stake-side with a six-cylinder (the description is wrong) for $17,500. What do you think of this former Army truck? Would you use it as-is, or make updates?
I know some may think I’m full of borscht, but I had a very similar truck, only mine had a 2 speed rear and a hoist. I had a LOT of vehicles in my days. When I had my farmette in the 80s-90s, I saw the truck on a farm from the interstate. $100, and I DROVE IT HOME( 2 miles)
Slight nit-pik, the 6 was not “lowly”, in fact, I bet most trucks around this time had in-line 6s, and they did an adequate job. The farmer was slow to adapt to the new fangled V8s, as the 6 always got them home. Never been, but from what I figure, the military was in no hurry. One thing for sure, couldn’t kill them, even with the foot to the floor all the live long day. I’m sure some GI that drove this will tell you that. The star in the grill indicates a 6, V8 would have a “V”. I guess a heater isn’t necessary in Az. and no doubt it’s an army vehicle. No combat, strictly stateside supply, and a great find, for sure.
I don’t know why you’re thinking it came with no heater. The piped together heater hoses indicate its element developed a leak in the past, so no ‘heater’ now.
That cabinet with the two door on the right side of the interior shot may(???) be a heater that was bypassed per the under hood shot because it was leaking???
You need a heater in Overgaard!! Lots of cold weather and snow there on the Mogollon Rim.
Nice truck, something that you can always use on the acreage. You will miss having a 2-speed axle because this is probably geared for formation travel, which would probably by 40 mph or slower. You sure wouldn’t want to be driving it on the freeway when your laxative kicks in.
Kind of interesting in that the following year, Ford brought out its one-year-only ’56, with its full wraparound windshield and knee-knocker door frames.
It’s funny, out in my region, a six cylinder Ford was actually quite rare. The vast majority of them were V-8 powered. People who ran GM products were a little slow on the draw but it seemed that if you ran a Ford, you got a V-8.
One local farmer had a ’52 F-4. I was so surprised to open the hood and find a six-cylinder in the engine bay. Saw quite a few after that but it still seemed strange when I saw a Ford with a six…
“Formation travel”? There’s an interesting new one. But “ You sure wouldn’t want to be driving it on the freeway when your laxative kicks in” almost caused a coffee spewing moment! Good one, sir, and an exceptionally descriptive analogy.
Another beautiful truck there, geomechs.
Beautiful article..learned from it goive trick Christ me bu,per.. everyone in those days went to wschool from forts acadamy had balls home of the brave land of the free…give truck chrome bumper and boy scouts leadership your pack leaders every one belonged to boy scouts us army for community service not for foreign wars disputes in the states…I was in ROTC since eight years of age…today’s age they broke Missouri muels back and turmned to sheep…I’m only stuck up one girl not listening taking orders from fifty…sheep…nice lesson from ford and article
Nice looking ’56, also, the ’56 had a built in sun visor, of sorts too. I think the V8/6 thing was purely regional. In the wide open spaces, a V8 would be preferred, where as in the Midwest, 6 in a row, made ‘er go. Just different terrain, that and the stubborn farmers felt it wasn’t needed. Travel was very limited then. One must remember, farms were generally the lowest on the pay chain, they had to be frugal, and the cost of a V8 was in this case, almost $130 more, and better spent elsewhere.
This rig is from an era when a basic truck was just that “BASIC” almost everything that we take for granted today was an “option” back then. These trucks were built for work, no sissy “comfort features” were considered cost relevant and you ordered it with only what you considered necessary for the intended job. My 1956 F-100 came from the factory with the optional heater and extra power V-8, But only 3 on the tree tranny, no dome light, no passenger side sun visor. no radio. On the previous series (F-1 etc.) the passenger side windshield wiper and second taillight were optional equipment.
Geomechs…… “You sure wouldn’t want to be driving it on the freeway when your laxative kicks in.”
That has to be the funniest thing Ive read in a while!! Good one!! 😆 🤣 😂
I concur. Been there without the laxative.
Michelle you are on a roll!!! Found us another great low milage collector truck.. Especially if you are into Olive Drab military equipment. That price may be a tad on the high side, BUT if the seller has found someone to install new tires on those Firestone 5 degree “widow maker” rims that will improve his sale by a lot. This will be a slow truck without a 2 speed rear. NO problem for a weekend work horse and local show vehicle.
And ride around the track/parade down Main Street for the Prom King and Queen!
If you look very close they’re not “widow makers” but a split flange lock ring rim.
OK??? The front was too far away and he drive covered with a a tarp.. The split rim Firestone 5 degree were Ford’s standard in those years.
Jim Randall, you are correct as usual!
Hey Brocky, gotta look at the craigslist photos to see the drivers front wheel a little better.
Being a fan of these old trucks, but having outlived my usefulness. I’ve reached the point in life where hands on repairs are not within my ability to perform. Having worked most of my life as an automotive/truck mechanic I could not bear to hand over my tools to another. Truly I love this truck and do hope some young enthusiast will take up the task of buying and maintaining this wonderful piece of historical work tool. This old war horse deserves to be loved and pampered well into the future.
God Bless America
Had a ’54 3/4 ton with a dump bed in it. That’s right, an honest to goodness dump bed. There was a hydraulic cylinder under the bed that raised and lowered it
when you engaged the PTO next to the gear shifter. You threw a switch on the dashboard, and then you pulled the lever towards
You to raise the bed for dumping and then pushed it towards the dashboard to lower it. But bear in
mind that this was a standard pickup and not a dump truck. The only thing Dad and I could figure out was that it was either a
coal truck or a small grain truck.
It had a 6 cylinder mated to a 4-speed tranny with a PTO to raise
and lower the bed. And even with
a 6 cylinder, it was one tough truck that never ran out of uses.
It did everything from pulling a float in the homecoming parade to pouring gravel to recover our
driveway. We even used it to salt
our driveway and those of our neighbors after a blizzard in ’68.
Wound up selling it to buy my ’66
Cadillac from my parents. And it
was too nice a car for my drunken uncle to be driving drunk
and wrecking it. I sold it to a kid I
knew at school and he literally cleared up with it by both plowing
AND salting the parking lots at school. Now why didn’t I think of
that?
I have a ’75 F150 with a dump pickup bed. I used a universal kit (because the truck is too old for a current kit) from (you ready for this?) Pierce Arrow! It’s been on there now for 7 years. And building a new house, it has made many, many dirt runs. Not to mention many runs to the transfer station. It has paid for itself many times over.
Here I go getting into trouble with the purists. Full disclosure I’m somewhat a purists depending myself.
But in this case I would love to turn it into a 4 door SUV, in the same body language. Maybe take some cues from a Panel truck of the same year.
Modern reliable diesel running gear, dual tanks, air suspension, Limited style interior…yeah I’d drive that.
And as for this truck, get it properly sorted and use it when you need it. Why pay $20 an hour
to rent a pickup truck from Lowe’s when you can have this truck instead. Just fix the slats on the left side of the truck, add
a Tommy lift, and you’ll have it made! Just think of the money
you’ll save with a truck this size.
Need to move? No problem! Need new appliances? No sweat! Once she sees all the things this truck can do, your wife
or significant other won’t even yell at you for buying it! Happy wife, happy life!
And when your friends find out, every weekend you’ll be busy hauling their stuff around!
A required aftermarket addition for these and practically every pickup-“YES, this is MY truck.
NO I won’t help you move!!”