When Dewey O. Richardson was 17 years old, a neighbor bought a new '56 Ford F-100. His father, Dewey F. Richardson, immediately fell in love with the neighbor's new addition. The very next week the two Deweys drove about 20 miles west of their home in Sacramento, California, to a small Ford dealership to make the purchase of a similar truck. To get the desired equipment and accessories the truck had to be ordered. Dewey's father selected all the options including a V-8 engine and Ford-O-Matic transmission, while Dewey got to select the color. The color he preferred was light green, but that was the color of the neighbor's new truck, so Diamond Blue became the choice.
It took nearly two months for the truck to be built and shipped to the dealer. At the time of delivery, when the paperwork was complete and the dealer had completely filled the tank with gas, Dewey's father handed him the keys to make the 20-mile trip home while his father followed closely behind. Both were a little nervous because Dewey had just recently obtained his driver's license.
After 23 years of use, the keys were again handed to Dewey by his 81-year-old father. Dewey drove the truck another 21 years before putting it in storage. In 2004 Dewey's wife suggested the truck, now referred to as "Blue Max," be restored in time for its 50th birthday in 2006. A frame-off restoration was started that summer.
After much help from family and friends, Blue Max was completed for its 50th birthday and in time to participate in the Hot August Nights show in Reno, Nevada. Blue Max was restored to near original condition, including the rebuilding of its 272 Y-block engine. The only alterations are the addition of power steering, a slightly lower stance with wider wheels, and a little added chrome. Dewey still has the original bill of sale; the total price including tax and license was $2,174.92.
If you have a classic cruiser and want to see it here, email at least six high-resolution photos and background info to the email address above, or mail prints to: Classic Trucks, Attn: Grant Peterson, 774 S. Placentia Ave., Placentia, CA 92870.