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InTheGarageMedia.com
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Fat Fender Garage’s RAW 56: Pushing the Limits of Automotive Artistry
by Fuelish Media
A

nyone who is familiar with these old trucks knows that finding one in original, pristine condition is pretty much an impossible task. What’s more is showcasing one in naked form, as it is a daunting undertaking that only few are brave enough to attempt. When looking for the perfect way to celebrate the truck of his high school days, Steve Horn commissioned Jason Noel and his talented team at Fat Fender Garage (FFG) in Gilbert, Arizona, to build this raw and outrageous ’56 Ford F-100.

More than just a truck, this is a one-of-a-kind kinetic sculpture born from Steve’s deep affection for these vehicles and his mastery of custom design, perfected through a lifetime of customizing Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Every inch of its bare metal body is protected by a coating in clear Cerakote, with the chassis gleaming under a clear powdercoat, revealing the inherent beauty and aged patina of steel, nickel, and aluminum. This build subtly nods to steampunk theming, boldly embracing a different path that pays homage to industrial artistry and the rugged spirit of classic American engineering.

A three-quarter front view of a custom 1956 Ford F-100 classic pickup truck parked on a dirt road in a desert landscape.
A three-quarter rear view of a custom 1956 Ford F-100 classic pickup truck parked on a dirt road in a desert landscape at sunset.
This build also transcends mere fabrication with a cavalcade of artistry. Each original body panel was meticulously brought to bare-metal perfection—no paint, no filler, no compromises. Every imperfection was corrected in the metal itself, a stunning display of expert shaping and surfacing. Small, thoughtful touches, like bronze TIG welds and copper rivets, provide striking contrast, and custom clearcoats ensure the natural patina continues to develop its unique character. In the rear, a cantilever kit allows the bed floor to rise, revealing the meticulously crafted Porterbuilt frame. This truck is the first in FFG’s Designer Series, establishing a new benchmark for what can be achieved when vision, budget, and unparalleled craftsmanship unite.

Steve specifically wanted to highlight Porterbuilt’s meticulous welds, choosing not to sandblast or grind them smooth. This Level 1 coilover chassis not only lowers the truck a few inches but also dramatically improved driveability with its independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. For stability, the rear features a four-link with a Watts link setup. Bringing the 20×8 and 20×10 Detroit Steel wheels (wrapped in Michelin tires) to a stop are 12-inch Wilwood disc brakes on all four corners.

When thinking of what to put underhood, Steve had something specific in mind and had this to say: “That motor was inspired by a good friend of mine, John Nolan. He put this exact motor in a ’66 Mustang with a fastback. And I said, ‘I want that motor for this truck.’ He got one and I bought it from him and the Borla injection to go along with it. I wanted it exactly like his and that’s what we have. But he did say it was a trick to tune!”

A close-up of a custom, highly polished V8 engine installed in a classic pickup truck.
A straight-on front view of a custom 1956 Ford F-100 classic pickup truck parked on a dirt road in a desert landscape at sunset.
Thankfully, with help from a trusted tuner, the FFG crew was able to utilize a Holley Terminator X Max EFI system to fire up this Gen II Coyote V-8 with Borla Induction stacked individual throttle body system. This setup also features billet valve covers, a Road Runner serpentine kit, and a Wizard Cooling radiator with dual brushless fans to keep engine temps down. Furthermore, a Boyd Welding tank with GT fuel pump and Vaporworx PWM feeds this beast, while a custom-made exhaust with MagnaFlow mufflers increases flow of spent gases and provides all the feels as it sings at high rpm. Playing the role of the supporting act here is a 6R80 transmission, driveshaft by Arizona Driveshaft, and a Currie 9-inch rearend with 3.70:1 gearing and 35-spline axles.
With the high-function pieces sorted out, the inside of the cab was configured to further push boundaries, with other materials like saddle and saloon-colored Italian Apex Leather, billet trim, and exotic walnut wood paneling to match the bed floor. Up front a set of Classic Instruments gauges, Restomod Air climate control, Lokar pedals and floor shifter, Flaming River steering column, and a Sparc Industries steering wheel handle all critical portions. As far as tickling all the senses, the truck was fitted with a hidden stereo with Focal speakers to provide a soundtrack for the highway. Finishing off the subtle steampunk vibes is the custom FFG door panels and Snowden bolstered bench seat, all of which features CNC-stitched Apex Leather.
A close-up of a custom, highly polished V8 engine installed in a classic pickup truck.
A close-up vertical shot of the front-right section of a custom, highly polished engine bay in a classic pickup truck.
A close-up of the interior of a custom classic pickup truck. The image focuses on a three-spoke steering wheel with a brown leather-wrapped rim and a polished metal hub and spokes.
A close-up of the dashboard of a custom classic pickup truck. The image focuses on a highly detailed, vintage-style speedometer and gauge cluster with a chrome bezel.
A close-up of the interior of a custom classic pickup truck. The image shows a custom bench seat with a brown leather and tan suede, diamond-stitched pattern.
A wide-angle shot of the custom interior of a classic pickup truck. The interior has a brushed metal dashboard, brown leather and diamond-stitched suede seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
A close-up of the custom truck bed of a classic pickup truck. The bed has a dark wood floor with polished metal strips.
A close-up of the custom truck bed of a classic pickup truck. The bed has a dark wood floor with polished metal strips. The side panels and fender wells are made of brushed metal.
This custom ’56 Ford F-100 stands out with its all-original, bare-metal finish, a daring choice that highlights its unique character. Far from being a cookie-cutter build, the truck embraces its “perfectly flawed” aesthetic, intentionally displaying minor blemishes in the meticulously reworked steel. The shimmering brushed metal body is beautifully contrasted by nickel-plated exterior details, creating a visually stunning effect that commands attention. The monumental effort required to revitalize this old dog was well worth it, as the final result is a true inspiration for automotive purists.
A low-angle, straight-on rear view of a custom 1956 Ford F-100 classic pickup truck. The truck is parked on a dirt road in a desert landscape at sunset, with several large saguaro cactuses visible in the background.
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