1956 F100
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1956 F100
Hello fellow Ford enthusiasts,
I need help on decoding my '56 F100 Vin. Just bought it and can't wait to
get it started. It's all there with the engine and trans being the exception.
It's a small window with the fender mount spare. I have a couple of choices
for power on hand, a 351W with 4-speed or 429CJ with C6. I've had lots of
Fords wish I had back like the Boss 302 I bought new. Hey, any help will
be appreciated. Thanks, Dave C
I need help on decoding my '56 F100 Vin. Just bought it and can't wait to
get it started. It's all there with the engine and trans being the exception.
It's a small window with the fender mount spare. I have a couple of choices
for power on hand, a 351W with 4-speed or 429CJ with C6. I've had lots of
Fords wish I had back like the Boss 302 I bought new. Hey, any help will
be appreciated. Thanks, Dave C
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 1
You can post the VIN and someone will de-code it for you or you can look at earl's website.
I posted mine before I bought it so I would know.
Earl is the moderator of our little home on the web. His site has tons of useful informtion on it. Here is the VIN stuff:
http://www.clubfte.com/users/earl/Re...0VIN%20Decoder
Hope that helps a little.
I posted mine before I bought it so I would know.
Earl is the moderator of our little home on the web. His site has tons of useful informtion on it. Here is the VIN stuff:
http://www.clubfte.com/users/earl/Re...0VIN%20Decoder
Hope that helps a little.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
Welcome to FTE and the obsession! Be sure to set up a gallery of pix of your new ride, we all never get tired of looking at pix!!!
The VIN # won't give you much useful (only curiousity) info for you unless you plan a total restoration.
The plate on the doorpost will tell you what model (F100-F350) and wheelbase (110 or 118") you have, and you already know it's a 56 from the windshield shape.
Both engine/tranny choices are good ones depending on your plans for the truck. If still in the planning stages tho, you might want to consider a tranny with an OD so you can use a rear gear that will be fun for around town but not make you bleed as bad at the pump on longer runs.
The VIN # won't give you much useful (only curiousity) info for you unless you plan a total restoration.
The plate on the doorpost will tell you what model (F100-F350) and wheelbase (110 or 118") you have, and you already know it's a 56 from the windshield shape.
Both engine/tranny choices are good ones depending on your plans for the truck. If still in the planning stages tho, you might want to consider a tranny with an OD so you can use a rear gear that will be fun for around town but not make you bleed as bad at the pump on longer runs.
Last edited by AXracer; May 11, 2006 at 08:48 AM.
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Thanks for the info, any ideas on which trans might be the best choice? I would like
for it to be fairly quick but not hum to high on the highway. It is still in the planning
stage. Again thanks, Dave C
for it to be fairly quick but not hum to high on the highway. It is still in the planning
stage. Again thanks, Dave C
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Livonia Michigan
I have the 460/C6 combo in my 56, it works well. You can juggle the rear end and tire size to help on the highway, I run a 3.25 rear end and it get's me down the road without having to stop at every gas station.
John F.
John F.
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From: Durham NC
I'm not real familiar with which trannys will bolt up to which blocks for sure. I'd probably go for the 351 as a good engine size that reacts well to any mods you might do in the future, aftermarket parts are readily available. For a manual tranny a T5 or T6 with a 3.5-3.7 rear ratio. I have the bowtie version of the SB T6 combo in my truck with a 3.7 that I'll be hauling an enclosed car trailer with. Got 27 MPG at "just slightly" 
above posted limits driving it home cross country (no trailer).
above posted limits driving it home cross country (no trailer).
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Well well well, my '56 turns out to be a '54. I went to Earls site and decoded my vin.
However, really makes no difference since I like it and it is in great shape body wise.
I do think I'll get rid of the bed mount spare. Thanks for the trans info, either one
will work. I thought about a versailles rearend because of the 9 inch and rear discs.
Any ideas? Thanks Dave C
However, really makes no difference since I like it and it is in great shape body wise.
I do think I'll get rid of the bed mount spare. Thanks for the trans info, either one
will work. I thought about a versailles rearend because of the 9 inch and rear discs.
Any ideas? Thanks Dave C
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
The Lincoln rear disks were crap when new and parts are no longer available except at outrageous prices. Rear drums work real well with the light rear weight distribution, any more brake back there and you'll be locking them up all the time. Nothing wrong with a 54! 53-55 have the basically flat windshield, the 56 has the wrap around windshield with the eyebrow above. 53-55 have the VIN plate on the glovebox door, 56 it's on the driver's doorpost. Except for the cab and doors all the rest of the parts interchange. Order yourself a copy of the printed catalog from Mid Fifty, it's a wealth of info as well as a good parts source.
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Mid fifty: http://www.midfifty.com
FTE tech articles (9"): https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...ial_Swaps.html
FTE tech articles (9"): https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...ial_Swaps.html
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Pflugerville, tx
Originally Posted by Dave C
Thanks for info on that rear end, I'll scratch that! Where can I find Mid Fifty? Is it
dot com or what? Do you know of any 9inch that fits or comes close? Thanks for all the help. Dave C
dot com or what? Do you know of any 9inch that fits or comes close? Thanks for all the help. Dave C
Not as 'cool' as a 9in, but just as functional.
Sam
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Durham NC
That's a perfectly servicable rear end as long as you don't go over about 400 HP or drag race regularly. Less expensive, easier to find in useable ratios/good condition. only downfall is the smaller bolt pattern if you stick with the OEM front hubs.
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1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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