Ford F-100 Truck History 1953-1956
The first restyling of Ford's popular F-series truck included an expanded cab, stylish new grille, and longer hood that flowed into the front fenders. A new cargo bed, measuring 6 1/2 feet by 20 inches, would be used all the way up into the Eighties.
For both restorers and hot-rodders alike, the 1953 to 1956 series have traditionally been one of the most sought-after classic truck models.
Changes from the first F-series Pickup to the second generation went beyond a face lift. Ford expanded the truck's wheelbase, with longer front and rear leaf springs fitted to improve ride quality while still maintaining hauling ability. The front suspension was set back to allow a tighter turning radius.
Cab improvements included a wider, more comfortable seat, sound deadener in the doors, and a large, one-piece curved windshield. The truck's rear glass was also enlarged. Ford redesigned the instrument cluster to an easier-to-see single unit. Dash switches were relocated, bringing them within easier reach.
1953 Ford F100
Starting in 1953, F-series trucks added "00" to the designations, thus the F-1 became the F-100.
Engine choices were the same as last years: buyers could choose either the OHV 215-cid six-cylinder or the 106-hp 239-cid flathead V-8.
Eight-cylinder trucks were adorned with a chrome V-8 emblem in the center of the grille, while six-cylinder trucks had a chrome three-pointed star.
Although most F100's left the factory with the column-shifted, all-synchromesh three-speed transmission, a three-speed manual with overdrive and a four-speed manual with low first gear were also available. Also offered was the Ford-O-Matic transmission, the first time in history a Ford truck was available with an automatic.
To commemorate Ford's Golden Anniversary, all 1953 models had "50th Anniversary 1903-1953" spelled out in small letters around the circumference of the steering wheel horn button. Sales for the 1953 F100 was 116,437.
1954 Ford F100
Updates for 1954 included a redesigned grille, new exterior paint colors, and minor trim changes. Aside from the standard 215-cid straight six, a higher-compression, 115-horsepower 223-cid six-cylinder was offered at extra-cost. But the biggest news was the availability of Ford's overhead valve V-8.
After 22 years in production, Ford's venerable flathead V-8 was gone. In its place was Ford's OHV V-8, already in use in Ford passenger cars for two years. The Y-Block displaced the same 239 cubic inches as the flathead by way of its 3.50" bore by 3.10" stroke. Power output was 130-horsepower, an increase of 15% over the Flatty's 106-bhp.
Although superior to the flathead in all areas, the early Ford Y-block's weak spot was lack of oil to the rocker shafts. This was due to the path the engine oil traveled: from the pump it went to the crankshaft bearings first, then to the camshaft bearings, then to the rocker shafts. By installing a remote copper line from the oil pressure port on the outside of the engine up to the rocker shafts, the situation was remedied.
Production total for the second-year, second-generation F-series pickup was 101,202.
1955 Ford F100
Highlights for Ford Motor Company this year included a redesigned car line and the introduction of their new personal-luxury car, the Thunderbird.
As for trucks, changes were minor, most notably a revised grille and new exterior trim pieces.
Power brakes became optional, as did a new custom cab truck option, featuring chrome "Custom Cab" door emblems.
Engine combinations remained the same as last years.
1955 saw an industry-wide switch to tubeless tires.
Although Ford's truck sales this year were the highest since 1929, they were still second in sales behind rival Chevrolet.
1956 Ford F100
In an effort to match the sales of the new Chevy Task Force Pickups that had debuted last year, Ford's F-Series trucks were revamped for the 1956 model year. Aside from the new grille, the most noticeable change was the new "Full Wrap" windshield, which extended over to the door posts, increasing the field of vision. A Full Wrap window was also available for the rear window, and today is one of the most sought-after options. 6,200 F100's came equipped with the larger rear window.
Other changes for 1956 included a switch from 6 to 12 volt electrical systems. Vacuum-style windshield wipers were discontinued in favor of the more reliable electric-motor wipers. Inside, a restyled dashboard improved driver's visibility. Also new was Ford's "Lifeguard Steering Wheel", whose deep-dish design put a greater distance between the center hub and driver's chest. Other safety items included new door latches and optional seat belts. The 223-cid six-cylinder became the standard engine.
1956 F100 Engine Options
By increasing bore to 3.62" and stroke to 3.30", the Y-Block now displaced 272-cid. Three versions of the enlarged V-8 were offered: a light-duty 2-bbl, a heavy-duty 2-bbl, and a heavy-duty 4-bbl producing 167 horsepower.
Over 137,000 F100s were produced in 1956, the last year of fat-fendered Ford trucks.
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