Not going that far Abe, but I am adding red stain to the wood first, then going with a red oak finish. I'll plane the 1 inch boards down to 3/4 and mill the needed grooves for the bed slants - these boards are rough cut 1x6 Douglas fir so true in the 1x6 dimensions.

Adding some recent photos.

 

Great build thread! so impressive all the work you have done.

Question for you:

what did you use for the heater control valve on the firewall? I can't seem to find one that will work without rerouting the cable and drilling another hole in the firewall.

Thanks!!

 

@8pack , see here for using a later Ford inline "universal" 5/8 hose mounted unit that uses the stock cable & hole:



https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...ml#post5274195

 

I did not find an original, but one that is very close. Its an Everhot H-987 valve. I removed the actual value from this one and mounted in my original bracket.
Universal Everhot Heater Control Valve 5/8" Hose H-987 | eBay

 

Bragging a little… a best of show award!



and a few other recent photos.

 

Your 54 looks great, Brian. Wish I could see it in person.... and then maybe drive it. I've never seen a 53-56 with an automatic trans let alone drive one.

 

You would be more than welcome to jump in behind the wheel Abe!

 

I don't get out to the West Coast too often... matter of fact never!

 

Since retiring, I don’t get the east side anymore. I did a fair amount when traveling for wildfires and hurricanes.

 

That is a beautiful truck.

It is definitely heirloom quality.