OVERNIGHT SENSATION
A 27-Year Race to the Finish!
A 27-Year Race to the Finish!
Larry Womack from Nashville, North Carolina, is familiar with both approaches. He and his father have owned trucks since 1957, and he estimates about 14 have graced their garages over the years. Most of them were personalized. While some were built with the speed of light, others, like this beautiful example here, enjoyed their creation at a considerably more leisurely pace. In fact, Larry purchased the ’56 Ford Big Window cab 27 years ago and the motor more than 20 years ago! They were pieces of a puzzle, waiting for just the right moment to be assembled.
Larry spent 31 years in the insurance business, and when he retired, the timing was finally right to create the newest addition to the garage. With the dozen-plus vehicles in the past to learn from, this latest adventure would embody all the subtleties learned over time. Most folks would not see the changes until they were pointed out (we’ll tell you about them in a moment). Serious work began on the truck about eight years ago,
MOST OF US ARE FAMILIAR with the furious weekend wrench-a-thons where speed is critical and deadlines are short. Whether it’s hurrying to fix the details before the next big show or rushing to complete a build before SEMA, the frenzied pace of the automotive time crunch seems to be an integral part of the hobby. The pressure is always on to meet the deadline. Then again, the opposite approach says there is no need to rush. Great art takes whatever time it takes. Savor the process.
While some were built with the speed of light, others, like this beautiful example here, enjoyed their creation at a considerably more leisurely pace.
starting with the frame.
The original Ford rails were boxed for strength, and with the help of his friend, Kenny Frey, the suspension was modernized with a 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis front end and 8.8 rear, complete with power steering and four-wheel disc brakes. An oversize Chevy van gas tank was adapted to provide long range capability. Tire choice is important from both a styling and performance standpoint. Larry chose Boss 18x8 and 20x10 rims fitted with US General rubber to get the chassis rolling.
Power was the next item on the list, and hot trucks need way cool motors. Fortunately, in the back corner of the garage was a 1971 Thunderbird 429ci, 4-valve V-8 that Larry had acquired about 20 years prior. When he got it, the engine had about 50,000 miles on it but when he took it apart, he was pleased to find that everything internally was in amazing condition. The block, crank and pistons were retained, but the engine was converted to a roller motor and upgraded with a new set of free breathing Dove heads. A 650 cfm Edelbrock carb and intake provide the fuel/air mix, fired by Pertronics ignition. Jet Hot coated exhaust manifolds
dump into a pair of Flowmaster mufflers giving the truck a muted NASCAR rumble. Larry fitted the motor with a serpentine belt and 100-amp Mustang alternator along with an F-250 Ford four-core radiator and twin electric fans to keep the big V-8 cool. A chrome air cleaner and matching valve covers added highlights to the engine room. Multiplying the power, a ’71 Ford C-6 transmission sends approximately 390 hp to the 3.73 rear.
With the completed chassis rolled temporarily off to one side, work began on the cab. The iconic ’56 is a favorite with a wraparound windshield and classic lines that are recognized by everyone in the hobby, but Larry saw some areas where even this legendary shape could be improved. He contacted Dan Carpenter and ordered a new bed with some subtle changes. The new one arrived 2 inches wider to allow the rear fenders to evenly align with the front. All four fender openings have subtle changes as well with the rear portion of the front fender closed in 2 inches and the rear fender opening reduced by 1.5 inches, a subtle technique to center and showcase the wheels. The red oak boards in the bed are traditional, but Larry’s were enhanced with a touch of red stain in
the clear. Custom touches to the cab include all seams and the hood vent welded shut as well as the corners of the doors rounded. One piece side glass eliminated the vintage vents. Subtle changes were accomplished in the engine room as well with a smooth firewall and custom inner fender panels.
Moving inside, the theme continued with the dash smoothed, the ashtray welded shut, and a separate lower panel fabricated for the airconditioning vents. White faced Omega Kustom Instruments keep track of vital functions while the driver enjoys a good grip, thanks to the GM wheel and column. Both driver and passenger enjoy the comfort of the red and black leather bench seat along with the matching door panels and headliner equipped with an overhead console. The Kenwood stereo entertains with a pair of speakers in the kick panels and
The red oak boards in the bed are traditional, but Larry’s were enhanced with a touch of red stain in the clear.
another behind the seat, energized by 100-watt Pioneer amplifier. Jerry Hobgood from Spring Hope, North Carolina, did the interior.
Looking back, Larry credits his wife Judy for the completion of the truck.
“I worked eight hours a day, five days a week for three years, cutting and welding on this truck,” Larry says. “One evening, Judy and I were having a conversation about the truck and she said, ‘You’re not going to live long enough to complete it!’”
That was a wake-up call, and shortly after, Larry contacted
Don Jacks who finished the body work and did the first paint job in 2011. After showing the truck for several years, Larry decided it needed freshening up and in 2019, took it to Timmy Leonard from New London, North Carolina, who sprayed the current shade of Salsa Red. We photographed the truck at the F-100 Supernationals where this long-term, quick-finish build captured Truck of the Year.