56 big back window PU value
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Seattle WA.
Depends on how you plan to use it ??. I updated my front discs on my 51 because the drums were oversize and to replace them would have cost me as much as the rotors and calipers. In my case if the drums been usable I would have just done a brake job and run it. But that's the way my we put them back on the roads 30 years ago when the funds were limited. We just went through them and did what was necessary, and had fun driving them.
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New User
Joined: Oct 2004
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It will definately be a long term affair, and I like a bit of performance and handling and comfort is important. I'm thinking of keeping it basically stock in the motor and trans department, and don't want to ruin its value by radically changing it if this truck is rare. Would it be more valuable stone stock or modified done right?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 5
From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
What is the value difference between the big bw and the small bw? I have, and perfer the small, and wonder if I paid too much? I have a 56 with a 302, C4, 99%rust free body, new paint, glass, seat is new (stock) and interior is clean, most redone, has power assisted drum brakes, about 112K orig miles, as far as I can tell. No mods to frame or body or dash. good rubber, modern wheels (changing that when I have $) Duel exhaust system. Bed wood is pretty new but needs refinishing. Whats it worth?
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Waynesboro, Virginia
I agree the big back window is overrated; usually forgotten is the fact that a "rare" option is rare because nobody wanted to buy it new. Many times this is a wanted, but expensive option. Some times, it's just an ugly option. That's what the big window is. Don't get me wrong; I would buy one up too if I found one, for the value.
We are so close to the trucks, it might be desirable to step way back and view them as an average person. If you do that, you might agree that the big back window looks akward compared to the small back window. Remember that back in those days a common customizing option was to make the large back window of a vehicle small, appearing somewhat like a limosuine look.
Whereas many of the last minute styling gimmicks Ford put on the '56 to compete with the then new style C**vys were a real plus, like the windshield, not all are a hit with the buyers.
Think about this for a while: If the '54 grill was an option on the '56 it probably wouldn't have sold well for obvious reasons, but many now would be bolting them on their '56 because it was a rare option; they would be super expensive, but still wouldn't look as good as the stock grill.
I guess the question can be sometimes is whether you want a truck with rare parts or a better looking, but more common one. Just my 2 cents.
We are so close to the trucks, it might be desirable to step way back and view them as an average person. If you do that, you might agree that the big back window looks akward compared to the small back window. Remember that back in those days a common customizing option was to make the large back window of a vehicle small, appearing somewhat like a limosuine look.
Whereas many of the last minute styling gimmicks Ford put on the '56 to compete with the then new style C**vys were a real plus, like the windshield, not all are a hit with the buyers.
Think about this for a while: If the '54 grill was an option on the '56 it probably wouldn't have sold well for obvious reasons, but many now would be bolting them on their '56 because it was a rare option; they would be super expensive, but still wouldn't look as good as the stock grill.
I guess the question can be sometimes is whether you want a truck with rare parts or a better looking, but more common one. Just my 2 cents.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
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From: Valley Center, CA
I like the creature comforts too. PB, PS, tilt, AT, AC, stereo and even a power vent opener. But I want the outside appearance to stay stock. So I left the trim and the handles stock. I'm proud that it says FORD all over it. 
John
John
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Seattle WA.
I can remember the biggest complaint with the pickup back windows was having the sun on your back. My dad complained a lot about that especially living in the high desert of California. They didn't tint windows back then like we do today. Even now days dark tint on the rear window is high on my list of things to get done on any pickup I purchase.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,150
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From: Waynesboro, Virginia
Right. Having a tinted back window is nearly required now days. My current 4wd Dakota and probably most others come with the tinted back glass.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
I bought a tinted rear window from Sac Vintage Ford. It helps with the sunlight glare, but not much with the heat from the sunlight. So I am thinking of installing tinting on a tinted window! The tinting has UV blockers. John
John
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
"For me, the big back window is over rated. I like the way they look, but I have heard that they are very hot to drive with the sun beating down on your back."
I agree, finding an original and straight 56 Big Window for cheap would be really awful. Stop it, you guys are killing me.
I agree, finding an original and straight 56 Big Window for cheap would be really awful. Stop it, you guys are killing me.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
Now Dewayne, nobody said anything about "for cheap." 
Any effie for cheap is great! 
I am only mouthing off because the question was asked and several responses were seeming to be on the high side to me. If the initial question would not have been about a big window, would figures in the $7000 range have been raised? I think not. IMHO the big window has a certain level of celebrity attached to it. Do I like them? Yes, I do. But I am not going to go gaga over one. I love this place, we can all chime in and let one another pick and choose advise as we want. 
What are you doing typing anyway? Aren't you supposed to be out there painting before the arctic winter starts? 
John in sunny Sacramento. 
Any effie for cheap is great! I am only mouthing off because the question was asked and several responses were seeming to be on the high side to me. If the initial question would not have been about a big window, would figures in the $7000 range have been raised? I think not. IMHO the big window has a certain level of celebrity attached to it. Do I like them? Yes, I do. But I am not going to go gaga over one. I love this place, we can all chime in and let one another pick and choose advise as we want. What are you doing typing anyway? Aren't you supposed to be out there painting before the arctic winter starts? John in sunny Sacramento.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
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From: Iowa
"What are you doing typing anyway? Aren't you supposed to be out there painting before the arctic winter starts? John in sunny Sacramento."
John,
I am busy, but I've always got time to log in at work and protect those less fortunate than us. Not all can drive a little winder slant cab.
If the BW 56 is as straight as described, it's gonna be cashy. They're worth whatever somebody will pay of course. I think you'd be extremely fortunate to buy it in the 5K range if it was well advertised at all.
John,
I am busy, but I've always got time to log in at work and protect those less fortunate than us. Not all can drive a little winder slant cab.
If the BW 56 is as straight as described, it's gonna be cashy. They're worth whatever somebody will pay of course. I think you'd be extremely fortunate to buy it in the 5K range if it was well advertised at all.
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