1956 Ford F-100 Truck
“All American Truck”
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 (15×7 front, 15×8 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 general 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.