I figure my first post should be used to introduce myself so here it goes.

My name is Leslie, and I live in Northern Alberta. I'm the proud owner of a 56 F-100. Although it's not on the road yet it runs and I hope to get it roadworthy next summer sometime. Heres a picture of it 11 years ago when I got it.



Yeah it was in rough shape. The front fenders were toast and the rears weren't much better. The cab was in pretty good shape except for the passenger door, which had been forced to far, causing damage to the cab and door. And the hood had been forced open a couple times too damaging it where it met the cab as well. I paid a fair price for the truck for the condition it was in. I was 12 at the time. It was supposed to be a Father/Son project for me and my dad. But things came up and after moving twice, and being 200km away from the truck little work has been done. That doesn't mean I haven't been stockpiling parts when I see them. I've got 2 extra sets of doors, one set came with the new cab I purchased, and a new hood and rear fenders. Right now I'm saving up to buy new front fenders but I'm not sure where to get them from. Now that I'm 22 and out of school and working, I've decided that I have enough time to get the truck rolling, with or without my dad. I ain't waiting for him. Here's how it looks today.



I know lots of projects get sidetracked and off schedule (is there really any such thing). So I'm gonna work my butt off trying to get it road worthy for next summer, than even if I miss that target I should be able to get it done by 2006. The plan is to drive the wheels off of it across Canada, and the US visiting family and hitting a few big truck/car shows. I've never been to one and they look like a great time in the magazines.

I plan on modifiying or replacing the front end to accept a reliable 351W I have out of an older Crown Vic. I don't have any serious engine mods planned as of now, but with the engine on a stand in the garage it would be the right time to do them.

I look forward to discussing my passion for vintage trucks with all the members of the message board, and from what I've seen so far that shouldn't be a problem. I may come to the board with a question or for advice now and then, and once I have some expertise of my own to share I will.

Well that about wraps it up... Hi Everyone!

 

Hi yourself, Leslie! Welcome to the FTE Forum!
As I guess you can tell, we love to chat. Most of the advise is pretty good and there's only a few grouches. There's a few true Gurus too. Some of the expertise here is downright mind-boggling.
You are right about the engine work. It never will be easier to do than when it's on the stand.
The most important thing you can do now is make a comprehensive plan for the end product. Seems like you want to travel in it a lot, so I'd be thinking reliable, comfortable and economical. i.e.: maybe a stock 351W with an AOD; 9-inch rear, Mustang II IFS, etc. As to the body mods, will you go resto or custom? Shaved doors, or stock handles and badging? Etc.
Whatever the choice, plan it now. Accomplishing it within a schedule is then far more likely. The worst thing for a schedule like yours is to start one way, then change your mind. Next summer will be here way too soon and some guys have been working on their trucks for MANY years. Of course, for some, that's really the fun anyway.
I have a 56 also. It was a dream of mine since High School to have a hot rod. Now that I've done my career, parenting, fledging (and aging), I am building mine as a rolling resto and daily driver. I feel your enthusiasm.
Go for it, Dude! And post pictures in your gallery so we all can stay up with you on the project.

 

Welcome Oildrop-

Have a good time with your truck and share your experiences. Lots of good folks and knowledge on this site. 56FUN

 

Hi Oildrop! Looks like a keeper! Never pass up on stockpiling parts for it, especially original parts in good shape. Plenty of great help here on FTE site that can locate or fix just about anything! Well almost anything....except 20 below zero weather in Alberta, er the mosquitoes in summertime up there! Well you get my point. Should be good parts out there for those.

 

Leslie,

Welcome aboard!

It's always good to see another Canadian in here. We only need about 6 more and there'll be enough of us to take over....

One word of caution - we're a little more civilized here than most boards - that is, we try hard not to offend anyone (at least intensionally). We like to help each other and we like to have fun doing it.

Get yourself a plan and work out a budget (then triple it). With a good plan you won't waste money or time doing things twice (no offense Cuzin).

One last thing - two actually - where exactly in northern Alberta and create a gallery for pics of your truck as it progresses.

Later,

 

Welcome to F. T. E. please keep us posted nice looking truck mine was worst than that but after 3 years I thank I am done I hope but are they ever done.

 

Hi there, Leslie ...fairly new here myself and feel right at home...and you will, too.

Now you know, you and I have the best looking Ford truck ever made ...no brag, just fact. And the parts available are just incredible. Jump right into it and when you stumble we'll pick you up and steer you straight. It will be a lot of fun loaded with triumphs and headaches...and eveyone worth it.
Norb

 

Leslie;

Welcome aboard, I'm in Cochrane, AB I started rebuilding 1950 F47, since Sept this year. down to bare frame and started axle swaps.

I'll be in touch, Stay with it, enjoy the journey.

Tom

 

Welcom Leslie,
Another youngin into old trucks ! Thats great !! (Not that I'm that old), but it is nice to see yong people interested in these old trucks.
And love you Canadians, makes me feel like I got more money.
Actually have close relitives up there, Love visiting.
Good Luck
Mike

 

Leslie,

Welcome! It's good to see another 56 being "exhumed" and brought back to life.

Vern

 

Welcsome to the forum Leslie. Looks like the 56 has lots of potential. I would start with some catalogs. Look in the back of your Classic Truck mags and search the net for the many vendors. There are many. The other Canadians on the board can tell you which gouge the least on Canadian shipping charges. They also sell parts right here in the Parts Shop on this FTE website. I don't think they carry sheetmetal though.

 

I've been getting my parts from the Old Car Centre in BC. It has free shipping on orders above $45 (which is nice as I'm in Saskatchewan) and I've had great service from them. Great to see another Canadian. Shouldn't that be unitensionally Furgy?

 

Nathan,

Do they ship to the USA? Same shipping deal?

Vern

 

Thanks for all the kind words guys..

51dueller: I've heard about the Old Car Center, even had one of there catalogs awhile back, but I can't seem to find it now. They've got a nice website and online pricelists, it's good to hear someone recommend them.

 

I don't know but if they do you probally wouldn't get free shipping. Vern I don't know if you would get parts cheaper. For the aftermarket parts that they don't stock, they order directly from the manufacturer and when they get in they ship it to you. The main feature I like is that they ship C.O.D. because I don't have a credit card. It only costs $3 more than a money order and it saves 3 days off shipping. I just walk in my local post office hand them the parcel card and my money and I just walk out with my package.