Chang's '56 Ford F-100
It's hard to believe, but the Ford "F-Series" of
trucks is now into it's 11th generation and still going strong. But all
it takes is one glance at this second generation F-100 and you can easily
understand how the love affair began. The second generation comprised the
'53 to '56 Ford model years--the most sought after trucks in the hotrod
and restoration market. Mr. Chang's '56 came to us in need of a major "makeover"
and we were happy to oblige him. Restoring a truck like this is practically
a public service. We're beautifying America's roads.
Rubber meets the road on Goodyear Eagle GT II tires rolling
on American Racing Torq-Thrust wheels (15x7 front, 15x8 rear). Under the
hood is Chevy 350 small-block engine sending power to the wheels through
a 700 R4 automatic overdrive transmission. PPG blue paint with a subtle
metal flake makes this beauty sparkle in the sun. A Mooneyes lowering kit
helps lower the stance up front and a Fatman Fab sway-bar is installed to
improve handling, as do the front disc and rear drum brakes.
The first generation "F" trucks were known respectively
as the F-1, F-2, and F-3. Stictly desiigned as work trucks, their design
and styling reflected that fact. The second generation was redesigned to
make the truck more appealing to the genral consumer market, and were renamed
the F-100, F-250, and F-350, the names we know them by today. The body redesign
gave the trucks a sleeker, more integrated look that appealed to many people.
Another selling point was the "roomy" cab of the F-100. Advertisments
of the time asked people to take "15 second sit test" in the showroom.
More room made the trucks easier to get in and out of, as well as more comfortable
to drive--both which turned into major selling points.
In addition to all the bodywork, a new tailgate from WOW Products
was needed. C&G Early Ford was the source of the bed kit. This '56 may
have begun as a work truck, but its all class now, and we can't see that
bed hauling anything but... well, you get the idea.
As grills go, there are few that match the coolness of this
one. That big V8 kinda says it all.
Hot Rods & Custom Stuff, 2324 Auto Park Way, Escondido, CA.,
1-800-HOT-ROD-5.
(Note: "Vineyard Ave." has been changed to "Auto Park
Way." Our address has changed, but not our physical location.)
Hot Rods & Custom Stuff - builds, restores, paints, services
and sells parts for classic autos, cars, trucks and street rods.