The all-leather interior was stitched by Francisco of Bill's Auto Upholstery. These people are true artists. It was a pleasure to work with them, as they are both supportive and helpful. We started with a Glide Engineering seat, then had Francisco create all the molding and lumbar support. It took many trips to the shop to decide on just the right color for the leather, carpet, and the suede headliner. A customized Ford oval with the embossed "MILLER" is under the back window - a subtle touch attributed to my wife. In fact, she's the one who decided to go for all leather for the seats. No vinyl in this truck.
In all, my truck took 2-1/2 years to complete. Brandon Smith of Pro Design spent countless hours massaging the truck to its present glory. No one could have given it as much attention and care as this man did. I should have known since his daily driver is an F-100. One of the questions we have been asked is "What would we do differently if we had to do it over again?" Absolutely nothing! We ran into very few snags and were lucky to have joined with the professionals who made this dream come true for us. I never could have done this work in a home garage and ended up with a truck with this degree of detail. Besides, we wanted to finish it and enjoy it. Yes, we drive it to the shows. This truck is no trailer queen. It's been part of our family for 37 years, and I hope we enjoy it for another 37. Our son Jason really has his eye on the old family truck. I know he hopes it stays in the family.
Facts & FiguresRichard & Randi Miller, Yorba Linda, California'56 Ford F-100ChassisFrame: '56 FordModifications: Smoothed and powdercoated, all mods by Pro Design Hot Rods, Santa Ana, CARearend / Ratio: Fab-9 9-inch with 31-spline axles by PDC of Brea, CA / 4.11:1 PosiRear suspension: Total cost involved four-link with coiloversRear brakes: Ford MotorsportsFront suspension: Volar clip, all components powdercoatedFront brakes: Custom Volar by Pro DesignMaster cylinder: ABS kit under cab Front wheel make, size: Intro Emotion, 17x8 inchesRear wheel make, size: Intro Emotion, 20x9.5 inchesFront tire make, size: Goodyear Eagle GT II, P225/55R17Rear tire make, size: Goodyear Eagle GT II, P285/50R20Gas tank: 24-gallon powdercoated aluminum by Pro Design
EngineYear and make: '02 Ford SVO crateDisplacement: 514 ciCamshaft: Ford rollerHeads: Aluminum SVO Cobra JetValve covers: Ford SVOManifold / Induction: Edelbrock Victor Jr. / Holley 920 by C&J EngineeringIgnition / Wires: MSD IgnitionHeaders: Custom by Mesa Muffler, Costa Mesa, CA, coated by MB Performance, Santa Ana, CAExhaust / Mufflers: Handbuilt 3-inch with stainless Mac mufflers Detail work: March serpentine belt kit; H.O.K. paint, polish, or silver powdercoat for every component
TransmissionMake and model: Ford C6Modifications: Custom by Dibb's Transmission, Costa Mesa, CAShifter: On ididit column
BodyBody style / Material: Custom cab, all steelManufacturer: Ford Fenders front/rear: Stock steelModifications: Handbuilt firewall and inner fenders, reworked running boards, channels on back of cab sectioned down 4 inchesHood: Stock steel with tilt kitGrille: Rechromed with emblem removedBed: Bed floor raised 4 inches to clear pumpkin, '70 Suburban wheeltubs sunken into bed wood, shaved stake pockets, smooth tailgate with hidden latchesMetalwork by: Pro DesignBodywork and paint by: Paint N Place, Anaheim, CAPaint type / Color: House of Kolor / custom-mixed Ultra Orange PearlHeadlights / Taillights: Stock/stockOutside mirrors: StockBumpers: Rechromed, raised, tucked
InteriorDashboard: Stock / restoredGauges: Restored by United InstrumentsSteering wheel: Leather-wrapped BudnikSteering column: Polished ididitSeats: Modified Glide Engineering Material / Color: Beige leather / suedeCarpet: Beige Upholstery by: Francisco of Bill's Auto Upholstery, Brea, CAStereo: Functional '56 circular radio in dash