'56 big window build second time around

Thought I would post a few pics of my current project, my second owner '56 F100. I drove the truck during my high school days when it was new. The original owner had a garage I worked at. I remember the day he brought it to work brand new from Monte Mansfield Ford here in Tucson. As the years went by I kept pestering Howard to sell me the truck. Finally in '85 he called and said it was time to put the truck in my care. He had developed leukemia. I was able to give Howard a ride in the truck after the first rebuild. He passed away shortly afterward. The old truck even got a feature in Classic Trucks, spring 92. The second rebuild mates the original frame and body back together after 25 years. Heidt front end, 383 SBC,Turbo 350, 9" rear, power brakes and steering, walnut bed wood, Meadow Green BC/CC. Thanks to all the guys who took the time to answer my stupid paint questions by the way. Tucson is a weird place to paint in the summer, too hot or too wet. Should get it shot next month. Updates to follow.

 

looks awesome. I'll be checking back in to see it all come together

 

What is a story. It's been my dream if I'm able when I get these 4 deuce projects done to build a big window 56. I've had several 55/57 big window Chevys, but it just isn't the same.

 

Great story and project , Look forward to additional posts , as it progresses,, thanks ,,,,

 

sweet effie

 

A few updates. I'll load more later. Waiting to install the body clad in it's new "Meadow Green" paint next week. Note the neat Hamber Crafty B's plate frame. I'm going for an OEM low key theme.

 

A Few More. The Heidt Super Ride sway bar to pan clearance is real tight. Don't know how front sump guys do it! Glad I moved the front wheel center line ahead 1".

 

One more

 

Are you doing the paint yourself?

 

Looks nice Bill. I still want to meet you someday soon. Dale

 

Well that was the plan but a detached retina reared up so the guys at HI-SPEED here in Tucson are doing it for me. Man are they good!

 

Thanks Dale PM me for a ph.# if you want. Regards Bill

 

Nice work! (subscribing)

 

Sheet metal is going back together with it's new "meadow green" paint applied by HI-SPEED here in Tucson. After 5 years apart I hope I can remember where everything goes! Sorry the attachment is so small but I tried resizing for upload and this is what I got. This upload crap is too hard to do so this is the last pic I'll try.

 

Looks good. Don't let the picture thing get you down. You'll get it if you don't give up. We're counting on you. It sure looks good so far. We want to see more.

 

thanks Tommy

 

I love the color !

 

Nice truck. I love the color. I've got a 57 and 62 big window but the 56 is the one I've always wanted.

 

another try at a better size

 

one more Yep that's better

 

Noticed the fuel cell and wondered what the source is? I am in the process of restoring my son's 68 F-250 and want to put a tank outside the cab; also will be going fuel injection when the time comes.

Gear Up

 

Try CPP..Classic Performance Products. This tank is designed specifically for Ford F-100's. Not cheap but a very nice unit.

 

Great truck and great story!

 

Making slow process putting things back together. Flaming River steering is in. The column drop is my design machined by Joe Harris. I think the vintage curved glass Moto-Meter is a fun touch. The bulkhead fittings for the heater hoses seemed to add a finished touch. The meadow green paint color seems to defy an accurate color tone in the pics. Basically a "gray/green". Next is cab insulation and Rebel Wire Kit install with fuse bock on the floor behind the seat. Thanks guys for all the good comments. At 71 I find that the work is a lot more slow and deliberate with lots of coffee breaks! Probably good as I don't redo stuff like I did when I was a young pup.

 

Making progress slowly. Installed new Posies rear springs that brought the rear down some. Should be even better with 100 lbs of fuel in the tank. I turn 72 tomorrow so guess I should speed up a bit! Started doing this stuff about 55 years ago and one thing I learned is that the longer you think it through, the better it'll work out.

 

Nice truck, Bill! Had a '56 three quarter ton years back and sold it. Looked at a "green" Forestry Department '56 MERCURY BIG WINDOW 4 x 4 with an eight foot box ~ "FACTORY" and as it had a Ford small block in it and a high ? asking price; I never bought it! Oh to only turn back the clock! Thanks for the memorys!

 

Thanks Willys77. I passed on a few during the years. Wish I hadn't. Bill

 

Afew updates..Bell 17" steering wheel, Rebel wire kit behind the seat, Remote reservouirs with AN 7 plumbing.Stock throttle linkage works perectly. My oval track experience shows up in things like redundent return springs.

 

That's a nice looking truck!

 

I sure wish mine was that far along. I like your truck! You do very clean work.