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.
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.
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.
