1956 Ford F-100 - Sub Par

Sub par is good, right? It is in golf at least, one of the only sports were the less points you rack up the better. Above par in this case would mean that you really weren't that good which is definitely not the case with this '56 F-100 owned by Jeff Mann. Jeff knows about such things as his day job revolves around building golf courses.

Jeff has always had an interest in classic Ford pickups but never really had the time to pursue any projects. His job takes him all across the United States and he's always on the lookout for classic tin. It wasn't until he was in Southern California working on a course that fate happened to take over. It seems that the engine in one of the service trucks he was working with gave out, so Jeff picked up a truck classified magazine looking for a replacement engine when he spied a '56 F-100 for sale. With some time on his hands he went to look at it and ended up making a deal.

Jeff knew that he wasn't going to have time to rebuild the old Ford himself, so he started investigating builders. Hacks are common in the game of golf, but Jeff wanted a pro and found one once he contacted the Bobco crew.

In typical Bobco fashion, the Effie was blasted apart completely to analyze exactly what they were starting with. Bobco found a fairly sound body and a frame that had already been equipped with a Volare front suspension but the install was deemed less than perfect ,so it was eventually cut away to make room for a Camaro clip. The rest of the frame was cleaned up and painted black because Jeff intends to drive the truck so he wasn't interested in a color-matched and smooth chassis.

A GM Performance Parts Ram Jet made its way under the hood to provide reliable and powerful motivation. Bobco swears by these engines, stating that the ease of installation and driveability are hard to beat. The rest of the drivetrain consists of tried and true components. A Turbo 350 handles shifting duties while a Ford 9-inch puts the power to the ground.

Bobco decided that this truck should rely on its looks to get by. Looking at the finished product it is hard to imagine that it could pull in anywhere and not be noticed. No question it's sub par, or above par, depending how you want to look at it.

The GM Performance Parts Ram...        read full caption The GM Performance Parts Ram Jet fuel injection unit was smoothed and polished for a custom touch. Billet valve covers further dress up the engine and chromed accessory brackets from Bill's Hot Rod Company keeps the polished alternator and A/C compressor running true.

You'd be hard pressed to find...        read full caption You'd be hard pressed to find anybody that finishes off bed wood better than Bobco. The oak planks are as smooth as the body's retina-burning Yellow.

An Intro steering wheel tops...        read full caption An Intro steering wheel tops the ididit tilt column. Bobco built a custom gauge panel and filled it with Dakota Digital gauges.

Bobco and Mangus worked together...        read full caption Bobco and Mangus worked together to come up with the lower dash panels to house the vents for the Vintage Air A/C unit and to provide proper placement for the stereo's front tweeters and mid-bass speakers. Mercedes wool carpet covers the floor.

Ron Mangus at Custom Auto...        read full caption Ron Mangus at Custom Auto Interiors in Bloomington, California, was entrusted to turn the cabin into a plush place where Jeff could really enjoy his time behind the wheel.

The modified mid-'90s Cadillac...        read full caption The modified mid-'90s Cadillac split bench seat is the center piece of the fawn leather interior.

Bobco likes to build trucks...        read full caption Bobco likes to build trucks that are practical and doesn't like hiding items like the gas filler. The No Limit aluminum tank is filled through a smooth door in the right rear fender. Notice the stainless tube that conceals the taillight wiring.