Feature
PHOTOGRAPHY BY John Jacksonnce a utilitarian workhorse now a stunning feature truck churned out by BBT Fabrications, Kerry Wienke’s F-100 is truly a work of functional art. Here to tell the family tale in his own words, Kerry fills us in on the history and evolution of his now family heirloom ’56 Ford:
“Pickups were a big part of growing up on a family farm. Everyday life involved the ‘work truck’ and there was a connection beyond its utilitarian function. We had several trucks over the years, but one stands out more than the rest: My older brother’s ’53 Ford F-100. When he brought it home (and despite it being clad in primer) it was love at first sight. The truck has been on my shortlist of favorite vehicles since that day. It was the second generation of the Ford F-series but first with the F-100 designation. It featured an entirely new chassis, more powerful engine, better towing capacity, and larger cab, but for me it was as much about styling with its big, rounded fenders and hood.
“I have been in pursuit of an Effie for several years. My goal was a ’56 (last year of the body style) with its one-year-only features, including wraparound windshield, vertical windshield pillars, restyled grille with recessed headlights, 12V electrics, and ‘high dial’ instrument cluster that sits above the dash. The hunt ended with an eight-hour trek for an estate auction featuring two ’56 F-100s. Bidding on the first truck went above my budget. I was successful on the second, with my high bid being the exact dollar amount of my limit. It was meant to be.
“This particular truck was manufactured in Norfolk, Virginia. It left the factory with a ‘Power King’ 272 Y-block V-8 but few other options. The last owner was a farm equipment dealer who traveled the south regularly. His family said he had a habit of bringing home cars, trucks, and tractors from his many trips. He repurposed an old sewing machine factory in Steeleville, Illinois, to house his extensive collection. Family members had few details about the F-100’s history but a note included with paperwork indicated the truck had previously been located in Birmingham, Alabama.
“While probably considered old school, the carbureted big-block Ford FE increased horsepower 318 percent from the factory engine (rated at 167 hp). Mating an overdrive transmission to a block that predates AODs was accomplished through Wilcap’s adaptor plate and flywheel setup. Paying homage and keeping with the overall theme (low-frills/sleeper), the engine was painted yellow like the original, the oil-bath air cleaner was abandoned for one with similar dimensions, and the high-flow radiator maintained the ’50s-era-style large domed upper tank.
“The truck was built to drive. The F-100 maintains its classic look and feel while touting performance upgrades. I couldn’t be happier with the final results and the opportunity to work with so many talented individuals during the process.”
The weathered old exterior was brought back to life by BBT, while Relic Restomods in Richmond, Illinois, handled the PPG Envirobase Blue Jeans Blue metallic finish. Lastly, after an array of modern amenities were added (Classic Instruments gauges, ididit column with ’40 Ford 15-inch wheel, and Snowden bench seat), Bohde’s Custom Auto Interiors in Ligonier, Illinois, finished off the interior in classic black faux leather.
