What good is a 56 f100.

As someone who has built two F-100’s (‘55 pickup and ‘53 panel), I can say that the 53 to 56 F-100’s are worth more customized than in original condition. Just go to any truck show or meet, and you will see. In original condition you will have an ill-handling, underpowered, hard-to-steer, hard to stop, truck. Customized, I had excess power, independent suspension, disc brakes, power windows,power steering, a/c, etc,etc,etc. Just don’t plan on making money, as it will be a labor of love.

Not sure why you are asking in an RV forum, but that’s my opinion...??

Nice 56 Belair

A 1956 F100 is a very desirable truck. As someone who has just finished restoring - street rodding a 1956 Chevrolet Belair, I can offer some perspective.

Although, I'm somewhat of a purist, there is nothing cooler than rolling down the road in a classic like this that has a modern drive train and suspension and A/C. There are plenty of resources available like bolt on kits. You can spend lots of money on a project like this, and it can easily go over budget. If this truck has little rust like you describe, I'd jump all over it. I would plan on taking the body off the frame, and then building out the rolling chassis - new suspension components, and a crate engine. You may even be able to locate one in kit form. No need to go fuel injection, unless you want to.

Mine was an ex drag racer. I bought it to drag race, and had the rear end narrowed. When I no longer raced, the engine/rear end ratio made street driving not so fun, so I did a full frame off. I probably went a little overboard, but it sure felt good to waste a Dodge Charger off the line last weekend.

If you have a particular question, feel free to ask.

If you buy and do all the work you mentioned you will have a lot of money in a truck worth less than you have invested. Someone who buys a vehicle like that because they enjoy classic cars, going to car shows, enjoys tinkering or working on them, driving them in parades etc. If you are interested in that truck and want all the things you mentioned like suspension, AC, HP, you are better off shopping around. These trucks are often sold at prices way below what is invested. See previous post links to car sales.

If you are a good mechanic and have the time, money, can do the work yourself, can buy it right, then go for it.

I'm into classic cars myself. Not so much into full restorations but into resto-mods. That is an older vehicle with modern suspension, HP, AC, just like you want to do. My current ride is a 57 Chev. 2 Dr. Sedan Deivery. It has had a frame off restoration, updated suspension, 454 V8 and 700R4 trans, new interior, new body panels etc.etc. I bought it for almost half of what was invested then added my own accessories. I'd post a pic but can't remember how.
Well, I figured out how to add one pic.

Classic Car sales

Hagerty Auto Auctions

LCM parts catalog

I would think that first of all, you have to decide the direction you want to take this project on from.

#1 putting some money in it and having something pretty cool to drive for several years to come

#2 restoring/modifying to keep for a little while and then selling it with the hopes of making some profit.

If you can turn a wrench, have the time to do the project yourself, that would be really cool. Based on what their selling for now, it wouldn't make financial sense to have someone do the work if you only plan on keeping it a few years.

If you can keep the cost of the project, including the truck, to around 30K, you should be OK

I can't help you with the prices. My dad restored a few F 100 trucks and a panel truck many years ago. He kept them stock.

I don't like to see antique vehicles butchered but, each to their own.
It sounds like you will not be altering the body of the truck.

If you want power and a good ride, why not buy a newer truck?
Buy the F 100 and restore it as you have time/money.
There's nothing cooler than an old truck. (except a 58 Chevy Impala) :C

Keep us updated on your progress with the F 100.