1956 Ford Trucks

In most people’s opinion, the F100 reached its finest design in 1956 making it the favorite of the 53-56 Ford trucks. Many changes were implemented that make this truck the best of the 53-56 Ford pickups.  The easiest and quickest way to recognize a 56 over the 53-55 F100 models is by the cab. The slant front windshield pillars from 53-55 F100 are gone in favor of a more refined wrap around windshield on the 56 F100. A lot of people call the 53-55 trucks “slant cabs” because of the windshield and front cab pillars that slant up to the roof. This 56 cab design change leads to many additional changes. 53-55 slant cab trucks had a triangle shaped vent window to match the slant. 1956 F100 models have a more rectangular shaped vent window. Of course the door windows and division bars are different from slant cab models also. One of the most sought after options on the 56 F100 is the big back window truck. There were fewer of these made and they literally had a huge back window. The front grille & parking light assemblies are unique to 56 models. Because the headlights sink into the buckets on the grille, 56 F100 air deflectors have a dished out area for the headlight bucket to have room.

Inside, the dash gauge area was arched. 1956 also saw a new 12 volt electrical system. Vacuum wipers were gone in favor of an electric wiper system. Rear tail lights were the shield type.

The engine line-up for the 56 F100 consisted of a 223 straight 6 cylinder as well as a 272 V8, though there were 3 versions of the 272 available in 56. There was a 2V carburetor light duty 272 engine and a 2V carburetor heavy duty 272. The third variation of the 272 was a 4V carburetor heavy duty engine.

1956 Ford F100 Truck Parts