1953 - 1956 F-100 Pickup Trucks

1955 Ford F-100 Custom Cab Pickup — 1955 Ford F-100.
Sicnag/CC BY 2.0/Flickr

By

Updated on 03/17/19

The F-100 Pickup Trucks Show was born as a 1953-56 F-100 event but has grown to include all years of Ford trucks and even a section for Ford performance cars. This '53-'56 gallery illustrates that a pickup truck can be whatever you want it to be, from a pure restoration to a radical custom. You can spend thousands of dollars on professional work or you can perform DIY work on the truck in your own garage.

A recent trend in street rods is the rat rod—vehicles that (at first glance) look like they'd been parked in a barn or field for decades. Take a closer look and you'll see that the weathered appearance isn't an accident. In fact, getting the rat rod "look" can be just as expensive as any customization.

01

of 11

Heavily Customized 1956 Ford F-100 Pickup Truck

This '56 F-100 truck has loads of custom features, like a forward-tilting hood, a dump-style bed, lowered suspension, and a modern powertrain. Chrome and polished aluminum are used throughout, and a mirror under the bed reveals that the frame and suspension are as detailed as the rest of the truck.

02

of 11

Lowered & Customized 1956 Ford F-100 Pickup Truck

2009 Ford F-100 Supernationals, Knoxville, TN.

Dale Wickell

Door handles and vent windows were eliminated when this 1956 F-100 pickup truck was customized. Additional modifications include lowering, 4-wheel disc brakes and a custom, 2-tone paint job.

03

of 11

Heavily Modified Ford F-100 Pickup Truck

2009 Ford F-100 Supernationals, Knoxville, TN.

Dale Wickell

04

of 11

1956 Ford F-100 Pickup Truck

2009 Ford F-100 Supernationals, Knoxville, TN.

Dale Wickell

This nicely restored 1956 Ford F-100 pickup truck attracted lots of lookers.

05

of 11

1953 Ford F-100 Pickup Truck Converted to 4WD

2009 Ford F-100 Supernationals, Knoxville, TN.

Dale Wickell

Many of the pickup trucks at the Knoxville event were lowered. This owner took the opposite approach, raising his F-100 and adding a late-model 4WD system.

06

of 11

1956 Ford F-100 Rat Rod

2009 Ford F-100 Supernationals, Knoxville, TN.

Dale Wickell

07

of 11

1956 Ford F-100 Rat Rod with Dodge Viper V-10 Engine

2009 Ford F-100 Supernationals, Knoxville, TN.

Dale Wickell

Don't let the truck's exterior fool you—there's a Dodge Viper V-10 Engine hiding under its hood.

08

of 11

1956 Ford F-100 Pickup Truck

2009 Ford F-100 Supernationals, Knoxville, TN.

Dale Wickell

Satin paint looks good on this lowered '56 F-100.

09

of 11

1956 Ford F-350 Pickup Truck

2009 Ford F-100 Supernationals, Knoxville, TN.

Dale Wickell

This 1956 Ford truck is an F-350, but it could be a heavier duty model.

10

of 11

1956 Ford F-100 Panel Truck

2009 Ford F-100 Supernationals, Knoxville, TN.

Dale Wickell

Ford's panel trucks were used mostly by businesses that needed to carry cargo or equipment in a dry environment.

11

of 11

1955 Ford F-100 Pickup Truck

2009 Ford F-100 Supernationals, Knoxville, TN.

Dale Wickell

The reflections visible on this truck give you an idea just how glossy its paint job is. Wide whitewall tires with trim rings and small wheel caps offset and accent the bright red paint.