Top Reader’s Ride of the Month
Fully Fleshed Ford F-100
BRIAN MARCONI (ALBERTA, CANADA) IS THE SIXTH OWNER OF THIS ’56 FORD F-100 EXPRESS, AND HE’S SPENT THE LAST EIGHT YEARS MODIFYING IT TO THE HILT. The chassis features the stock 1956 frame, front boxed and rear C-notched. The wheels are Wheel Vintique series 89s with spider caps, 17-inch in front and 18-inch in the rear with 4.5-inch backspace. The Vintiques are wrapped in Diamond Back Classics 2.5-inch white wall tires. The rearend has been replaced with a Currie Hot Rod 9-inch. The ratio is 3.50 with 31-spline axles.
The rear suspension consists of a
TCI 4-link with QA-1 adjustable coilovers, while the rear brakes are TCI 11x2.5 HD drums.
The front suspension is made up of TCI HD IFS and QA-1 adjustable coilovers, with the front brakes TCI 11-inch, two-piston discs. The steering box utilizes a TCI power rack-and-pinion and a custom aluminum under-bed features a 17-gallon gas tank. The engine has been replaced with that of a 1971 Ford 429 4-V Thunderjet outfitted with ported and port-matched 1970 DOVE-C heads and SCJ intake and exhaust valves. Blue Thunder ribbed valve covers and manifold have also been added. Sanderson headers have been modified to a clear the steering linkage. The F-100 now features a 2.5inch custom exhaust and Flowmaster Super 40 muffler. The transmission is a Tremec TKO-600 wide ratio five-speed.
On the body, the door emblems and cab fuel door were shaved and filled, one-piece side glass was added, the door frame joins and hood lace holes were filled, modified aftermarket steel running boards with exhaust cut-outs and toe kick were added to eliminate the cab skirts. A 1930 Model A trunk, third brake light and custom 429 emblems were also added. The grille was rechromed, the bedsides were custom fabricated, the stake pockets were filled, and the original tubs were remounted 5.5 inches forward. Customfabbed stake pockets were installed, and a modified tailgate featuring 52 louvres, hidden bear claw latches and supports replaced the original; in addition, the top roll was capped and the double hinge roll was removed. BSF Glasuirt 22 Line Stage Custom Gray with Hot Rod Black satin clear adorns the exterior.
The interior has also seen its share of changes, starting with So-cal Deco dash knobs in stock bezels inserted into the dashboard. The stock dash cluster was restored, and modern temperature, oil, voltage and fuel gauges were added. Vintage factory air AC was installed, along with a Lecarra
Mark 10 steering wheel and an ididit steering column. The seat was rebuilt and the seat back height was reduced 3 inches. Crossfield Upholstery redid the seating with distressed vinyl in burgundy maroon; the carpet is black aftermarket by Mid-fifty F-100.
No part of this build has gone untouched. With an estimated 1,500 pro shop hours, an equal amount of Brian’s time, and a ton of time spent chasing down new parts, this build demonstrates a true love and enthusiasm for modification well-deserving of the title Readers’ Ride of the Month.