A Letter From Sy Miller

MID FIFTY F-100 PARTS 1-800-252-1956 MIDFIFTY.COM midfifty@citlink.net A word about fluctuating and confusing prices, various qualities and manufactures on the market today. As you know, many F-100 parts are now coming from China. Often there are 2 and 3 manufactures of the same basic product, (weatherstrips and patch panels for example), Due to the limited space available in our catalog we sometimes do not list all the choices even though we have them. The choice listed is what I feel is the best choice at the time, however, we have any and all the choices that may be available. I have been manufacturing, designing, changing, distributing & schlepping F-100 parts since the mid 70’s. Products are not always the same, raw materials change, manufactures change, even one person off a few days can change the quality of a part or service. As a builder and end user of these products you must find suppliers that you can depend on and trust to help you decide what is best for your project. Also it is important to reach out to others with similar interests. One of the best things about a project like this is the people you meet. Over the years I have done projects for a few companies specializing in other vehicles, the thing that always brought me back to this truck was the people, many have become like family. The truck is fun and does not have to be “exact of original”. Every truck can be, and is, as individual and unique as its owner while bringing us together at the same time. F-100’s seem to bring out the best in us all, everyone you meet is willing to help the next guy in any way they can. Clubs, the internet, outings, even parking lots can be a great source of information, inspiration and help of all kinds. Trust the guys building trucks just like you, to steer you along in the right direction.

Back to fluctuating prices and quality. The price of rubber and steel have gone crazy in recent years so some things can not be controlled. However, many dies and such have now made enough parts that we have been able to lower many prices. There are some products on the market right now that are quite inexpensive, however, some are not quite what they should be. Please watch our catalog for info on some of the differences. Some of these products are also listed on our S&D (scratch & dent) list as we do not consider them first quality. We price match any competitor for the same product and will keep you informed of what is the best buy for your needs.

DOOR WEATHERSTRIPS AND WINDOW RUBBERS on the market today. Best choice is HOLLOW CORE DOOR WEATHERSTRIP #3109, for the 56, still working on them for the 53-55, should be ready soon. Or, for exact of original trucks, best choice is weatherstrip made to original Ford specs by Carpenter, our number (3105). Other cheaper weatherstrips on the market made in China are: The “smaller” style (3106) which is too hard and does not “squash” properly, and one being marketed as exact of original (3110-ECON) but has the wrong rubber “recipe”, which causes an odor (which dissipates after a few months) and it sometimes does not adhere well with weatherstrip adhesive. We have all the above in stock and are happy to supply what you want. But, Please, ask before you pay, and get what is right for your needs. Same thing is happening with windshield and rear window rubbers, although some “off brands” are not as difficult to use, if you live in a sunny climate however, do not use China rubber as it breaks down faster in high ultraviolet ray areas. Here in AZ the sun will destroy bad rubber in no time. Rubber compounds change from run to run so always check with us for the best buy at any given time.

SHOCK MOUNTS pieces and Brake pieces - a lot of chassis pieces available are “universal” as many fit both Ford’s and Chevy’s from the 40’s through 60’s. We now make those pieces for the Ford frame only so the bolt holes are correct. No more frame drilling. We are working on a new spring mount as the current castings are very bad and we have not been able to get the casting company to improve them. If you need rear spring mounts give us a call for help with the current casting or get on the list for the new ones, should be ready about May. Most of the stock parking brake pieces mounting pieces are finished.

SHEET METAL, lots of China sheet metal on the market. Much of it is pretty good, China steel is just slightly less than normal 18 gauge but the difference is not noticeable and does not affect the use of most items. Watch our catalog or ask if you have concerns about a specific item. The new hood is pretty good, fits nice, needs very little finishing and accepts stock hinges, shipping it is very expensive. It does not have any holes for emblems. Couple of tips on alignment, if your fenders, hood etc. are not lining up, first check the little mounting bracket on the cowl where the back of the fender goes. (#1563 on page 94 of our catalog) This piece is often rusted away, fatigued, bent or separating from the cowl. Next, place a jack under the frame, right at the cab mounting wing. (wing see page 100) Raise it slowly and see if there is movement in the fenders, the frame or the wing often fail at this point. These two points are usually the problem with fender and hood alignment.

NEW PIECES are made available every day it seems, we are working on a couple dozen new or improved items all the time and add well over 100 every year, from small items like Brake Arm Bushings to large things like Long Bed Running Boards. If you do not find what you need in our catalog, please let us know. Most items are produced because you builders asked for a solution to some problem. Keep in contact with us, we need to know the good and the bad so we can continue to improve our parts and service and keep these old Fords and old Friends on the road.

Sy