Collecting and restoring classic automobiles has to be one of the most satisfying of hobbies. Sliding new mechanicals underneath an old truck or bringing an old car back to life is fun, but cruising the boulevard in your freshly restored piece of history is the real treat and often becomes a lifelong highlight. Of course, any enthusiast would be proud to have either one of these two beautiful Ford classics pictured here. The iconic lines of the F-100, especially the distinctive '56 version with its wraparound windshield, have been a Blue Oval favorite for decades. The classic Mustang fastback also has its legions of fans and is credited with beginning the ponycar revolution. Owning either one would be an accomplishment, but having customized versions of both in your garage clearly takes it to the next level. But there's more. Making the dream even sweeter, these two vehicles were completed in one of the best ways we know-as a father and son project.
John Lamar, from Statesboro, Georgia, is a general contractor who makes his living building homes. John is fairly new to the custom truck scene, developing enthusiasm for the sport several years ago at events such as the F-100 Super Nationals. With the hundreds of vehicles on display acting as inspiration, John not only caught the bug, but also began collecting enough ideas to finally begin his own project, assisted at the time by his young son, Hunter, age 7. His first foray into the custom truck scene was a '55 F-100 that he completely restored. Armed with experience and know-how, he began the process again, this time with the model he wanted in the first place, that distinctive '56 F-100. Together, he and Hunter began bringing the classic up to show standards.
The original chassis was scrapped. John, Hunter, and friend Keith Beaucher began with a new TCI chassis, equipped with a Currie 9-inch rear with 3.50 gears and held in place with a polished, stainless steel four-link and Panhard bar. The front end uses Mustang II geometry with chromed tubular A-arms, and all four wheels benefit from 13-inch drilled and slotted Wilwood disc brakes and Carrera coilovers. A 21-gallon aluminum fuel cell from No Limit nestles between the rear framerails, ensuring plenty of fuel for those boulevard cruises. American Racing Torque Thrust II rims, 17x8s in the front and 20x10s in the rear along with Goodyear Eagle rubber, (P235/55R17 and P275/55R20) got the chassis rolling. Once all the pieces were in place, the frame was painted in John's favorite shade, House of Kolor Tangelo Pearl.
Power was next, and John chose Dingler Racing in Atlanta, famous for its Winston Cup engines. They bored out a '78 Ford 460 block, creating an awesome 528, and fitted it with Dove iron heads. John added a Holley 1,080-cfm carb on an Edelbrock Torker II intake, a March pulley system, and a Mallory electronic ignition. Sanderson ceramic-coated headers flow into Magnaflow mufflers and exit through side exhausts cut into the running boards. The 620hp motor uses a custom-built C6 automatic, upgraded by Woody's Transmissions in Statesboro, Georgia. Making the truck easy to handle is the Be Cool power steering pump, while the oversized Be Cool radiator with electric fan keeps the temps in the green.
The original cab and hood were retained, with new smoothed running boards and quad exhausts, 3-inch wider rear fenders, a front tilt hood, new Vintage glass, and a unique third brake light cut into the cab that uses the Ford script. Of course, one of the most eye-catching elements on the truck is the new short bed, purchased from Early Ford and outfitted with linear actuators that tilt the bed upward. The elevated angle and distinctive Lexan floor make it easier to see the detailed Tangelo Pearl chassis below. John and Keith Beaucher sprayed the House of Kolor Tangelo Pearl themselves, along with the realistic flames under the cab, in the inner fender panels, the center console, and accenting the side exhaust.