Back in 1997, after attending my first Goodguy’s Car Show, I decided to get back into Street Rods.  I have always wanted to build a classic Pickup and began a search for my favorite, a 1956 Ford F-100 big window pickup.   After looking for several months, and just about giving up on finding a big window, I located this truck in a barn, near Madera.

The pickup had no engine, transmission, or any other amenities.  It definitely was a project, however, it did have the big rear window and was one of approximately 6,200 of the 1956 half-ton pickups built by Ford with that option.  After bringing the truck home, I started on what was supposed to be a quick driver project.   But for a variety of reasons, one thing lead to another, and it turned into a lengthy 16 year build.

The chassis has been modified to include boxed frame rails, custom cross members, coil over front and rear suspensions, power assisted disc brakes, and a power rack and pinion steering.  The engine is a GM-ZZ$ with a 700R4 transmission and a Ford 9” rear-end.

The truck now has over 30 subtle modifications to the body and bed.  The paint is Lexus Aloe Green, which was Alison’s choice and the interior is a combination of tan leather and vinyl with matching carpet.   We named her “Effie.”

Now that Effie is finally complete, we are looking to putting some miles on her this summer and smashing a few bugs along the way.

...Don  Wenstrand