The absolute best reference for your project would be the Ford Body Builder's Layout Book for one of the model years you are interested in. It contains measurements for everything imaginable, and angles of all curves and joints. There is one member who has posted here that has a copy for that era, but I don't recall his user name. You might do a Google search for FTE discussions about that book. I have the 1957 edition, and would mail you a copy of its panel truck page if it would be of help. There is so much detail, and the print so faint, that a scan of the page wouldn't be real helpful. If you want a mailed copy do me a private message with mailing info. Stu

 

Stu thank you very much for that info! I'm now on a mission to find a Ford body builders layout book. Thanks for the offer of a copy from your book but I'm absolutely set on a '53 to '56 body style. Unless you're copy covers that body style. I'm a hands on type of guy so I still believe for me it would be best to get my hands on a real truck.

 

Track down the one member that has a copy. I really doubt you'll find one of your own, it's an incredibly rare book. That Google search will turn up his user name, then do him a private message. Good luck. Stu

 

here's the thread about the body builders layout book. Now all you have to do is find Mark z and get a copy of his book. 53-55 ford truck body builders layout book? - Page 2 - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

 

Das54 thanks for the link.

 

Here is a pic of my 56 panel, I'm in Akron Ohio , I know I'm not real close to you but you'd be welcome to come over for measurements

 

Hey bigwin56f100 thanks for the offer. If you lived closer I would take you up on the offer. My daily driver is a Mercedes with a V12 that gets 18 miles to the gallon on the highway. Traveling is not cheep in that beast. I don't drive a lot daily so its ok on a daily basis. Btw you have a very nice 56 panel truck. It's my dream to 1 day own a panel truck. Sorry for taking so long to respond to your post. I've been very busy with work and out of town family visits. I will keep bumping this thread from time to time in hopes of someone local to me finally seeing this that's willing to help me out. I must say that there is a bunch of cool guys on this forum. I look forward to spending time on here. Thanks, Ryan.