I'm with the consensus to leave it as-is, even to the point of not lowering it. That wouldn't be consistent with "original" or "restored". It's a Truck, not a sports car.

 

YOU SAID IT ALL !!!!!

 

Leave it as is- Find something else to tear apart. It is a beautiful original survivor benchmark truck!

 

[QUOTE=LEO56F100;15242358]I own a all original 1956 F100 with 26000 miles. It's got its original paint, 272 engine, 4 speed trans, interior, drivetrain etc. No rust, no rot anywhere. Floor boards are solid like new with original paint on them! The frame is straight and solid, engine runs smooth and strong, transmission and clutch shift smooth and quiet! Starts up all the time. When cold just pump the gas twice, choke it and she roars to life. She runs straight down the road, brakes straight with the original 4 wheel drum brakes, rides as smooth as expected with its straight axle. All the lights work, horn works, heater works etc. All the glass is original. There is a small stone bullseye in the right corner windshield. (Adds character) doors shut like new. Windows roll up and down like new. Wing windows open and close like new, cowl vent works flawless.
The only parts I replaced are the original fuel pump because I couldn't find a rebuild kit to rebuild it and it was leaking. (I still have the original fuel pump) front shocks because the originals were leaking, points, condenser, spark plugs, wires, oil, oil filter, fuel filter and fuel tank because the original had old gas that turned to rock hard brownies inside. I also added a 1950/1960 Faria tach.

My only question is should I restore this truck or leave it original? My dad owns a restoration body shop and it's tempting to modify this truck but I cannot bring myself to chop it. But at the same time a part of me wants to restore it and the other part says leave it alone and preserve it.


I think original meadow green 1956 ford trucks are most beautiful of ALL the trucks. VERY NICE.

 

What a sweet old girl! Love it as it is. But it is your truck.

 

Exactly what Ross said.

 

With your work schedule drive this one and restore the COE ! You need something to go get parts in and that would be a great way to have it both ways! Have fun.

 

First of all, a big welcome to FTE from the great frozen North. I'm with the consensus here; it's too nice to mess with. Have you considered featuring your truck in Hemmings Classic Cars (HCM)? I'm talking about the glossy magazine, not the big one withe classified ads. Anyway, they have a feature called 'Driveable Dream' where they feature original cars that are enjoyed and preserved as they are. This month (May 2015) features a 1935 Ford Cabriolet. I think your truck would be perfect for a feature in HCM- like they say , 'they're only original once!'

 

I agree with most - leave it all original and it will be much cooler and valuable in not only the long run, but right now!

I have a very original '65 F100 and the original bed wood was painted green, the same color of the truck. My '56 had pieces of red paint on the original wood, but it's harder to say as it was in much poorer condition.

 

Nice old rig, and its yours to do as you please. That's what its all about making YOU happy not anyone else.

 

Very nice truck there. I always appreciate the all original vehicle and I would never alter one, but than I probably would not buy one for that reason. I have always bought vehicles in different arrays of completeness, that way I don't feel guilty. I think I am considered a darksider. At the end of the day it is your truck, you have to make the call.

 

I never given it any thought about the "Driveable Dream" Idea.

 

Ya need to get your truck in the lime light, Show it off
as is. Call Hemmings and take it to concourse shows.
If you do anything other than maintenance to it than
it will devalue it for sure. I would pull off the tie down
hooks and replace them with body color smooth headed
bolts. Than fix the plug wires and like fuel filter as has
been said. I Would Not sand and stain the bed wood. Only
maybe repaint it body color as was stock. Spend your energy
tearing into the COE and take it all out on that. Please don't
molest this old serviver. (sp)

 

Here are pictures of the floor mat in my '54. I bought t from an FTE member back in 1999. He had an beautiful 55 F-100 that was a stock original and had an extra mat.

 

Here's the bed wood of my truck. I also included the vin tag and a yellow ink stamp under the hood on the right side.