Classic Hot Rod
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,231
Likes: 1
From: Near Fresno, California
Classic Hot Rod
Friends tell me that the 56 F100 is getting like the 40 Ford coupe - the classic hot rod everyone wants to own. I wonder if this is really true? Is there something special about the 56?
What is the differance between a 54, 55, and 56? Are they all equally desireable? Is it worth doing a lot of rust repair to keep these years, or would a rust free 48/53 or 57/60 be just as popular? Given a choice between extensive rust repairs and these other years, which would you chose?
I am doing a 59 now, but it is a driver and not something for shows. I am looking at my next project.
What is the differance between a 54, 55, and 56? Are they all equally desireable? Is it worth doing a lot of rust repair to keep these years, or would a rust free 48/53 or 57/60 be just as popular? Given a choice between extensive rust repairs and these other years, which would you chose?
I am doing a 59 now, but it is a driver and not something for shows. I am looking at my next project.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: Winchester
I have always liked the 56 better.I am going to get my 54 on the road first.I am just going to get it running(beater/rat rod).I also have a 56 cab that i want to make nice.My favorite car list 40 ford coupe,57 chevy,56 ford truck.
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 307
Likes: 21
From: Carnation, WA
Hi *****,
I can only speak from a personal point of view, but I have always liked the look of the 56 over the 53-55. I think that the wrap around screen and the eyebrow give it that little extra.
When I was looking for my hot rod project truck I saw quite a few, mostly 53-55's one of them was really nice and I was very tempted, but I held off waiting for a 56.
I would say though that over here in the UK at least, of all the shows that I have been to recently there were just as many 53's as 56's that had been Rodded to some degree.
Cheers
Lee
I can only speak from a personal point of view, but I have always liked the look of the 56 over the 53-55. I think that the wrap around screen and the eyebrow give it that little extra.
When I was looking for my hot rod project truck I saw quite a few, mostly 53-55's one of them was really nice and I was very tempted, but I held off waiting for a 56.
I would say though that over here in the UK at least, of all the shows that I have been to recently there were just as many 53's as 56's that had been Rodded to some degree.
Cheers
Lee
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 1
I can't speak for anyone else, but I fell in love with a 56 body when I was 14. I had no idea it was different from the other years until later. 
Really, the cab is the difference. The wrap around windshield and the doors. Its unique is a lot of its appeal to the larger crowd (I think). Everything else is basically the same as the 53-55. The 57+ had the windshield and some had the same step side bed, but the front was more square. The 56 is just unique.
Really, the cab is the difference. The wrap around windshield and the doors. Its unique is a lot of its appeal to the larger crowd (I think). Everything else is basically the same as the 53-55. The 57+ had the windshield and some had the same step side bed, but the front was more square. The 56 is just unique.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,243
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From: Michigan
I like the 56 even thou the 53-55 are not much different. In fact I have wanted a 56 from the first time I seen a new one in 1956. This is my 3rd and last one (it's a keeper).
Some of the difference are Vertical "A" piller, wrap around windshield, a small sunvisor over the windshield (or whatever you want to call it), a one piece grill with chevy style eye brows and the optional big back window.
Chuck
Some of the difference are Vertical "A" piller, wrap around windshield, a small sunvisor over the windshield (or whatever you want to call it), a one piece grill with chevy style eye brows and the optional big back window.
Chuck
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 388
Likes: 5
From: Florida
I'm weird.. I like the 55 the best..
I don't like the 56 doors.. I guess thats really the only thing thats noticably different exterior-wise. Yes the front and back glass, but there are small window 56s.. and now-a-days, big window 53-55s
Interior-wise the 56 is better.. nicer looking gauges, more room, (thanks to the ugly doors hehe) It was the first year with 12v.. They had more to offer in that respect.
The reason I like the 55 the best is because of the grille, I like that one the best out of the 53-55.
Don't get me wrong, I would take a 56, and I would definately drive one.. Maybe one day I'll change my mind..
And I guess the doors arent ugly.. they're just different.
I don't like the 56 doors.. I guess thats really the only thing thats noticably different exterior-wise. Yes the front and back glass, but there are small window 56s.. and now-a-days, big window 53-55s
Interior-wise the 56 is better.. nicer looking gauges, more room, (thanks to the ugly doors hehe) It was the first year with 12v.. They had more to offer in that respect.
The reason I like the 55 the best is because of the grille, I like that one the best out of the 53-55.
Don't get me wrong, I would take a 56, and I would definately drive one.. Maybe one day I'll change my mind..
And I guess the doors arent ugly.. they're just different.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
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From: Riverside, So Cal
***** -
All I wanted was a 56. Nothing else would do. I looked for a long time to find mine. I think of it much like your friends. It is the 40 Ford of pickups.
All I wanted was a 56. Nothing else would do. I looked for a long time to find mine. I think of it much like your friends. It is the 40 Ford of pickups.
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 1
From: Earth
Well, I was initially after a '56, but had told myself that I would settle for any of the '53-'56 pickups, as I would consider it somewhat lucky to find a decent one within an acceptable range of where I lived. I have had my '53 since 1992, and I must say that the '56 has always been the most sought after, so this is no surprise to me.
New User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Its gotta be a 56!
In 1976 I was 16 years old and my first vehicle was a 56 f100. I wanted to go fast like most teenagers and that 292 wouldnt do it. I put a 327 with 202 fuelys, roller rockers, high compression pistons, high rise intake, holley, mallory,turbo 400 with a 2800 stall converter and I was blowing the doors off of camaros and novas. In my early twentys I sold it to raise a family(BIG MISTAKE). Now im 46 years old and recently decided to get back into the truckin scene. I was going to buy a 56 or57 chevy truck, while shopping I came across a 56 f100. how could i not jump on it?
I feel like im 16 all over again. and yes im going to go fast. Two words (PRO STREET)
long live the dark side
bobb
In 1976 I was 16 years old and my first vehicle was a 56 f100. I wanted to go fast like most teenagers and that 292 wouldnt do it. I put a 327 with 202 fuelys, roller rockers, high compression pistons, high rise intake, holley, mallory,turbo 400 with a 2800 stall converter and I was blowing the doors off of camaros and novas. In my early twentys I sold it to raise a family(BIG MISTAKE). Now im 46 years old and recently decided to get back into the truckin scene. I was going to buy a 56 or57 chevy truck, while shopping I came across a 56 f100. how could i not jump on it?
I feel like im 16 all over again. and yes im going to go fast. Two words (PRO STREET)
long live the dark side
bobb
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 97,587
Likes: 2,008
From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
I like them all in the 53-56 years, the first truck I drove was dad`s 53 so am more into this year. Mostly for the dash which I much prefer over the 56 cause I spent so much time in dad`s.
I have a 56 M100 and a bunch of 53`s on the farm.
I also like the 67-72 Ford trucks as dad had a new 67 Ranger with a 352/three on the tree, a cool truck. I have a 69 F100 and a 71 F350.
I have a 56 M100 and a bunch of 53`s on the farm.
I also like the 67-72 Ford trucks as dad had a new 67 Ranger with a 352/three on the tree, a cool truck. I have a 69 F100 and a 71 F350.
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 551
Likes: 63
From: NC
I like all changes on a 56 more than 53-55s . Windshield , doors, dash , grille,I like all of it. If I were to build an earlier model , I like the 54 grille more than 53 or 55 . My current 56 is a keeper . I don't intend to ever sell it .
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Of the years 48-56 I like the 48-50 best. I like the 53-56 trucks too and if I had one of those year trucks it would have to be a 56. The 55 has the best looking grille and the 54 has the ugliest. I also like the toothy 51-52 trucks too, but third best behind the 48-50 and 53-56. I've never liked the 57-60 trucks...too square looking. 
Vern
Vern
