I think I speak for everyone involved with this project when I say, "Whew!" The finale of our project '56 F-100 buildup couldn't have come sooner...well, it could have, but nonetheless, it feels great to finally say it's done! Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the project was comparable to having a tooth pulled or anything, but remember, we're magazine folk, not full-time car builders, so hopefully you can understand the added pressure something of this magnitude would have on us.
Actually, the person who's probably most relieved that the Sacramento Vintage Ford Mail-Order F-100 is a wrap is the man responsible for the majority of the truck's assembly, and that tip of the hat would go to none other than Mr. Tech Center himself, Jason Scudellari, a.k.a. Installation Jason. Sure, Jason didn't have a monthly publication to turn out while he was laboring away on the '56, but he did have to deal with impatient editors-like me-equally impatient publishers, and all the other editor types who were trying to get their magazine projects scheduled in the Primedia Tech Center (we made them wait for us!), all on top of having to photograph a large portion of the tasks he was performing. Yes, I believe Jason deserves an extra "atta-boy" for his effort, but there are others who deserve recognition, as well.
Upon his recent arrival to the CLASSIC TRUCKS family, Eagle Scout Grant Peterson was thrown right into the project headfirst with little to no warning. While others would have quickly scurried away, tail firmly clenched between their legs, Grant took on the project with all the fervor and commitment he could muster up. Along with Jason, the two were able to stick to a game plan, working with the various companies involved, and got 'er done.
And done she is, as you can plainly see thanks to the artistic photography of Randy Lorentzen, who came in during the top of the ninth inning, making room in his schedule where there was none, to get the F-100 shot in the studio.
Obviously, there are many others who must be thanked for helping us complete our huge task of building a '56 Ford pickup from 100 percent new parts. First off, despite our "novice" efforts of wanting to modify his handiwork, Todd Walton put his personal agenda aside long enough to provide us with the foundation of the truck's BeBop's Big-Window cab and fenders, Fairlane Company hood, and the Pro's Pick bed. The chassis will ultimately prove to be one of the high points of the truck, what with its modern IFS with power rack-and-pinion, leaf-sprung Currie 9-inch rearend, and disc brakes at each corner. Filling the void between the front half of the chassis is the Smeding Performance small-block Ford powerplant and AOD-E four-speed overdrive tranny from TCI, keeping things as True Blue as possible.