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I just purchased a 1956 F100 as my first project/restoration. All of the body components are there but none of the mechanical. Does anyone have a checklist or a good systematic way to go about getting started? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Also, what engine/transmission combinations have you found to give you the best bang for your buck. I'm not looking to break the bank but I want to add value to the truck. I'm not planning on restoring it to original form. Thanks for the input. I plan on visiting these forums frequently as I embark on this project.
Welcome to FTE! We love pictures here. Post some up so we can see your new toy.
I'm staying stock on the engine, so I'm not much help there. We have folk with a wide variety of engines in their trucks.
You fab skills might dictate some on the engine choices. Some engines are much easier to transplant than others.
Be sure to take lots of pictures and plenty of notes. You would be surprised how quickly you forget where that part goes.
Welcome to the forum. You can post pics by uploading them to PhotoBucket then click the icon above the text box that had the little mountain on it. Enter the link to the PB page in the pop up box.
Also, if you go to 'User CP' near the top of the window, click on 'Edit your details' and then go down to 'Location' and enter a general location it will show up in every one of your posts. This helps locating local people and parts. Under 'User CP' you can also add an avatar and signature line.
I just purchased a 1956 F100 as my first project/restoration. All of the body components are there but none of the mechanical. Does anyone have a checklist or a good systematic way to go about getting started? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Also, what engine/transmission combinations have you found to give you the best bang for your buck. I'm not looking to break the bank but I want to add value to the truck. I'm not planning on restoring it to original form. Thanks for the input. I plan on visiting these forums frequently as I embark on this project.
Welcome to the forum. So you have no engine or transmission correct? I am biased obviously toward FOMOCO engines and transmissions. If you dont care about originality small block fords make good power and you can combine it with a AOD or C4 transmission. If you found a running ford vehicle you could pull the engine and transmission. Glad to have you and post pictures when you can.
Sky's the limit for engine choices. Mounts are plentiful for almost any thing you want or find. Since you have no drive train it is probably best not to try to go back original. The engine bay has enough room for even Big Blocks but with gas prices I'd stick with a small block then the transmission is a preference thing. I'm old and don't like to shift like I did when I was a kid
Plenty of great options better then Chevy, small ford v8's and C4 trannies are plentiful and wont brake the bank, I got a 351C 2v, C6, and 9inch from a 70 Ranchero donor car for 400 bucks, now the rebuild on the 351C will cost me some cash but look for a donor car on craigslist you will be suprised the deals out there.
Cant imagine what you guys think about an Australian putting a Japanese (Lexus v8) in a American truck........LOL. John
Nothing is as bad as a Chevy in a Ford. It is the only thing that really bothers me, maybe even small dodge motors as well. If your gonna go crazy go Hemi, I saw a beautiful 32 Coupe with a 426 Hemi in it and that was cool, so japaneese well anything is better then Chevy!! LOL
Now you've gone a done it. Started a Ford vs. shimmy war. You might turn out to b the all time longest "intro" thread. SBC is probably the best power for the dollar and easy peasy to bolt up a 700R4. But I'll have to agree that if you need a rear end then buying an older Ford truck or full size car and using the whole drive line would be very economical.
While your deciding what drivetrain your going to use (FORD, LOL) I would sudgest buying a shop repair manule and maybe a parts catalog, specific for your year truck, both can be found on EBAY or from just about any of the vendor catalogs. Another thing I did, was get a copy of classic trucks, custom classic trucks, Blue Oval, or any vintage truck magazine off the newsstand and send away for, or order on line a catalog from each of the Ford parts supplyers that have an add in the Magazine. That way you can see whats available and priceing on the parts that you will eventually be looking for.Welcome to the best, the friendlist, and the most helpful site for folks that love these woderfull old trucks. So enjoy the project, and Ill see ya around.