Hot Rods Support rods from firewall front of fenders on 56F-100

title should have said from firewall TO front of inner fenders.I've seen some guys use these on the 53-56 f 100's and some don't.They attach to the center top of the firewall and the other end bolts to a bracket on the front part on the inner fender.It seems that the inner fender would hold the front sheet metal secure.What do you say. Need them or not.Thanks for sharing your knowledge.Steve

 

need

 

The whole front clip of the F100 is only attached to the cowl at the back of the front fenders and two rubber doughnuts under the core support. And a couple of straps from the front of the fenders to the frame.

The rods help to stabilize the front assembly and also hold it up a little. I’m sure the rods were somewhat of an afterthought from Ford to minimize the front from flopping around while driving on rougher roads.

That being said I own a ‘56 Big Window that my father and I have driven over 150000 miles without the rods and I haven’t seen any damage as a result of them being off.
I have collected the parts for reassembly of the rods to replace them if I see the need but so far I haven’t put them on.

I see lots of F100’s without them and rarely see one with them. I do think they must make an improvement or Ford would not have made them.

 

Thanks for the replies.Everything seems to line up without them but when I get some miles on it I'll see if there's a problem and need them.