1954 Ford F100 Restoration Pt1-The Beginning

The story behind my dad's truck and the beginning of the restoration process. Thanks for watching. Please click the like button and subscribe!.. You'll get links to future videos during the restoration process.

[@JasonMichaelKotarski]

My word. What a gem. I must say I was thoroughly touched by the last slide with the generational photos.

[@kenrose9417]

My Dad had a 1955 Ford F100 3/4 ton truck with a four speed on the floor. I learned to drive it on our farm. I could start in “ granny gear” and pop the clutch with ZERO finesse but my buddies and I got hay out of the fields and into the barn. Some great memories in that old truck. I recall the brake and clutch pedals were round. Good luck with your project and your Dad would be very pleased! Ken

[@deo53]

What a great video. That truck is a beauty. A great project to honor your Dad. The Greatest Generation.

[@littlemountainservice4249]

I'm a mechanic i love car especially the old ones your story need to be on the front page of every news letter. Keep up the good work!

[@deanrasmussen3178]

My first vehicle was a '54 F100 and seeing this close up brought back great memories. Little did I know at the time, how beloved these mid-50s Ford pickups were to hot rod enthusiasts; I could have sold it for much more than the $450 I got for it - and that after installing a new short block and getting everything in working order. I can't help agree with many of the other comments here that you should definitely use this as a daily driver in memory of your dad. But a restoration will be satisfying work and honor the truck's heritage, too. I do remember a lot of brake problems, steering wander, poor starting in cold weather, weak heater and other traits of this vintage. Still, a joy to listen to that smooth, short-throw 239 and work through the gear box. Enjoy!

[@dadstruckrestoration8112]

Thanks for your comments ... and yes all those traits I do remember driving this thing. .. and it’ll seem even worse now as we’re used to the modern power and technology in the cars we drive. I remember having to stand on the brake pedal to get it to slow down, 6 volt cranking problems., and yes it would wander all over the road !! We’re going to slightly update some issues in the name of safety cause we do want to enjoy driving it ...

[@frankcovert6196]

Happy to see that you guys realize how much the truck meant to your dad.I'm sure your mom will be very emotional when she sees it for the first time, it's a part of her life too. Can't wait for the next video.

[@MrSuzukiyamaha]

Great video. Great story. Sorry for the loss of your Dad.

[@mobiledeliveryllc9068]

You are very lucky to have your Father's original truck

[@patrickroberts6022]

My Dad had a '56 Ford truck when I was a kid. This brings back memories. Best of luck on the restoration.

[@ShockFusionMedia]

I LOVE old trucks. So thrilled to see you actually care about this treasure. Its a gem. I would keep as original as possible. God Bless!!

[@fredpierce8734]

Sir, I am almost in tears watching this video. I was raised by my grandparents. You video brings back memories of my Grandpa's 54 f100. It is long gone but one of these days... Good luck and enjoy the moment and the memories.

[@dadstruckrestoration8112]

Thanks for your kind comments ... good memories are good to have. Bless you ...

[@michaelmccormack6244]

I agree with a lot of people about keeping it a survivor. That truck is a part of the family. God bless you.

[@AridersLifeYT]

Sorry for your loss, i sure your father would be super pleased to see the Truck alive and still with you.

[@UnavailableHandle650]

Watching the paint shine through all that was the best part. ♥️

[@flatbroke_9246]

Sorry to hear about your Dad my beloved grandpa passed away 2018 Love the story and i hope you guys keep that good Ford for generations to come

[@kennethg5460]

Nice video Brother. God Bless your father for having a solid trade under his belt and serving his country when asked to do so.

[@frankdawe5156]

God bless your dad for his service.

[@danbattista4281]

My 2 cents, I’m a car guy, and love what your going to do. If this was mine, I would return it working order, and drive it as is, it’s magnificent as it sits. That was my 2 cents, now go make yourselves happy and honor your Dad.

[@tleav61]

Dan Battista. Same here. Once the grime was washed off, it looked great. Tune it, put brakes on it, etc......and drive it.

[@dadstruckrestoration8112]

Thanks for your kind words ... the ‘leave it as is’ idea is something we really pondered on., and we kept going back to ‘what would dad do?’ .. in the end, he would have loved to have seen it totally restored, all painted and shiny and running smooth, but he’d Never would have spent that kinda hard earned money on it .. so in a way, it’s kind of our gift to him.

[@goldsilverandiamonds]

I agree professionally detail it, make needed repairs and replacements. But leave it as original as possible. Find another truck in worse condition in need of a full restoration. This truck should remain a survivor since its in such good condition in my opinuon.

[@chadsimmons6347]

@@dadstruckrestoration8112 If it was mine i would change out the mechanical brakes & go with modern, the way people drive on hiways is pathetic, you need to stop fast

[@weets69]

Agree. Keep the old girls charm. Your Dad would luv that.

[@tigerwdz5435]

That is your dad right there as is. A beauty as she sits. Get her running great and you will think dad is sitting right there with you every time you drive her. You said dad liked things original, well a frame off would surely look great but it will never be original again.

[@oilfields1088]

I just came across this and watched the first video. What a story! I cant wait to watch the remaining videos. What a way to honor your Dad.

[@hebguy07]

As I sit here crying,you tell a really great story,thanks.

[@dadstruckrestoration8112]

Thanks for your kind comments .. bless you !

[@williamclark9624]

That was the first Ford truck I had bought, back in 1975. only paid $175.00 for it. Baby blue color. someone painted it with a paint brush Green. Of course the front fender was caved in, but hey, it ran. drove it for 3 years. then garaged it. wife made me sell it in the 90's. Some memories you cant take away from a person.

[@petecentofonti7636]

This is a wonderful way to honor your dad . I'm I'm the process of rebuilding my father's favorite truck a 1990 F350, I lost him 16 years ago do your father proud and build the best truck in his honor

[@gerardfilomio4460]

What a beautiful tribute to your dad. The faces of your family as they worked on this project says it all. Looking forward to seeing each step of the Restoration.

[@dadstruckrestoration8112]

Thank you for the kind comments ... the truck is coming along nicely but slowly. Got to finish next video !!!

[@snydedon9636]

@@dadstruckrestoration8112hello, my name is don and I’m from New Hampshire. This video just showed up to me on KZbin. I love old trucks and cars but I have never had the money to spend on one. First, sorry to hear about your dad passing. I think it’s especially neat that your dad purchased the truck new and it stayed in the family as apposed to just buying something to restore. That’s really a priceless connection to your dad. I have enjoyed restoration videos of cars, trucks tractors and everything in between. It’s the next best thing to having my own project. I’ve subscribed and plan on following the progress. Thanks for putting your project on KZbin for people like me to enjoy. I hope this message finds you and your family doing well. Best wishes, don

[@jeffbyrd7976]

My dad had a 1956 Mercury that he just bragged on and clearly loved. He passed long before we ever got back to that car and now it's probably never to be found. I am glad that you still have his truck and will looking for those updates.

[@noelsoto8106]

Wow, what a great truck and your father was an amazing man.

[@woodshop4678]

From one son of a mechanic to another, thank you for this story. I have subscribed.

[@Batmanderp38]

I saw an f100 and instantly clicked love old trucks like this one

[@quikmerc86]

so sorry for your loss, fantastic job telling the trucks history

[@Cliffepoos]

What a wonderful way to honour your Father. May fortune favour you in this endevour.

[@albertolugo1477]

A great project, proud of you for honoring your Dad.

[@juansolis9409]

restoration? man! I've been looking for something likes this for years just to drive it the way it is, that's where the beauty is.

[@Libslayer]

A "barn-find" with backstory - how great is that?! She's looking mighty fine already.

[@MrBlaser51]

What an outstanding picture throughout the generations. WOW !!

[@pelomalo68]

That for sharing such a nice memory. Your parents did a fine job raising you. Job well done.

[@danielbenyon9402]

been looking for old F100 between 1954 & 1956 ... I am absolutely green with envy ...

[@dougabbott8261]

Very nice truck. I have never seen a radio in the F 100 with that satellite speaker ,must have been an option. You would be the best person to know what your father would like in regards to the restoration of his truck , so do what you think best and we will all support you . F100 and the Mercury M100 are fantastic looking regardless what you do to them.

[@LitoGeorge]

I love the sense of family you are blessed to have. God bless you all.

[@mauricehess537]

Your very lucky to have your Father's original truck,, it's only original once !! I wouldn't restore it , I would clean it up and drive it ☺

[@trufantom21]

What a great way to honor your dad....I'm sure he's somewhere smiling right now.

[@pacas58]

Beautiful old truck, and even better story. My condolences to you sir.

[@ulisesdominguez2309]

THAT TRUCK IS FULL OF LOVE MY FRIEND YOU BETTER KEEP IT FOR EVER AS YOUR DAD'S MEMORIES

[@wansolve2036]

Growing up in the 60's I worked with my uncle who had a 54 F100 like this one. It had a tired small v8 so he installed a Chevy 327 to give it more torque. He upgraded the leaf springs in the rear to 3/4 ton since he used the truck as a wrecker to haul cars and engines around. We would also haul stuff to and from the family ranch in S Texas. Later he taught me how to drive in that truck. Other than a paint job it was pretty much stock and I loved that truck. Good luck on your restoration and remembering your dad in this way.

[@MakerOfMadness2024]

I’m excited to see the process. Keep us all updated, thank you!

[@chevybob9836]

Thank you for the video. My first truck ( 1980) was a 1953 Ford F100 that I tried to "restore" but ended up fixing it up enough to drive it. It had the 6 cyl. " Cost Clipper Six" I sold it for $600 so I could pay off some bills. Wish I still had it.

[@rydoggo]

My grandfather is building one with a small-block, and he's making good progress. I'm happy to see another one.

[@williamowens5542]

I am eager to see your next installment. The first road vehicle I drove as a 9-y/o was Daddy's 1954 F-100. Ours was not deluxe, but it did have a heater and arm rest, and it served us well with its 6-cylinder. Daddy added after-market turn signals. We hauled our tobacco to the market, corn and hay for the horse and cow, rocks, dirt, coal for the furnace and vegetables from the fields, and it took us to church on Sunday. He used it every day until I went away to college in 1967. When I came home for holiday, he had replaced it with a 1967.

[@dadstruckrestoration8112]

That’s awesome story too ... it’s funny how our old trucks have so many memories ...

[@barneyh5757]

Bet your Dads in heaven sitting there with a big smile on his face watching you work on the truck 😁

[@josepenate7367]

What a heart warming vid,,thanks for sharing,love the generation photo.

[@Dave-cv4zt]

My sincere condolences to you and family. My first vehicle was a 56 ford F100. I am currently repainting a 1 /18 scale diecast of the truck. Not the same year but a classic non the less. You are very lucky to have such a supreme truck to restore. I send my very best to you and cant wait to see your project finished. Your Father would be proud.

[@Regis019Beck]

My friend, please, leave the truck in original condition. This is a history!!! A beautiful history!!! My suggestion is replace all brakes components, brake fluid, change all oils, check the radiador condition, new bulbs and put this wonderful truck on ten road again. God bless y’all!

[@wileycoyoteevilgenius1172]

The picture of your father holding a picture of his son and grandson and great grandson, moving. Oh and nice truck I can’t wait to see what you have in store for it.

[@trentryan27]

If only everyone took care of their vehicles like this guy did, so many classics could have survived

[@R3dN3cK]

This is awesome! I have a '54 F-100 that my Dad bought when he was 18 (1972) and gave it to me when I was 18 (1999) for my birthday. At one point it was used to take cattle to market! It too has the same y-block. I've found it very hard to find parts for the 239 because Ford only made it for the '54 model year. '53 was the last year of the flathead and '55 was the first year of the 292 makes the 239 very hard to work on. Good luck, I can't wait to see your progress. And, I'm going to watch this with my Dad!

[@dadstruckrestoration8112]

Thanks for your comments .. !

[@EdStyer]

OMG! It cleaned up nicely! Looking forward to seeing your updates!

[@jimhendry4485]

Thank you for that wonderful history of this beloved truck. I was stopped at your story at the mention of 1954 the year of my birth. It's a beautiful truck just with a power wash can't wait to see it complete. Take care be safe and hopefully we'll all be around to look at and appreciate these rolling works of art again.

[@Random12231]

What a gorgeous old truck. Amazing to see one survive in such a well preserved original state.

[@MonsterHobbiesModelCarGarage]

Cool story about your Dad and his truck. My dad had a 1948 Packard. Good that you could keep it...my Dad sold his before I could get it.

[@coolmoodee]

What a great tribute to you're father on restoring that great looking truck. I restored a 56 Chevy truck back in the day .

[@davidm4160]

What a GREAT story! Its interesting to me how cars and trucks can bring a family together.

[@paulpiatt5610]

Beautiful story., and beautiful truck. Thank you for sharing.

[@johnnysmith660]

Thank you for saving this old truck. And what a story. I look forward to seeing more videos.

[@michaelschumacher1903]

Beautiful old truck I am sure you will make your Dads truck look amazing

[@gregswartz8924]

My apologies for just stumbling on this! You have a beautiful truck there, with the history that would drive anyone (well, anyone I'd like to know, anyway) to keep her as original as possible and keep her in use, as she should be. I have a '56. And while it has been 'rodded a bit, (460 and upgraded suspension/brakes. And I did get the gas tank out of the cab...) I still like to keep what I can original. And I do use it to pick up stuff that wont fit in the car! It has made its way to Home Depot and Costco a few times now! :-) I will follow this and watch with a smile on my face.

[@dadstruckrestoration8112]

Thank you for the kind comments ... the truck is coming along nicely but slowly. Got to finish next video soon!!!

[@timt9510]

Keep it original and in the family. Nothing like driving dads or grandpas old truck around. The smells and memories remind you of the good old days.

[@mbriggs4627]

We are working on my Father in laws 1954 F100 that he parked in the shed in 87, of course we had to move the snapper mowers as well and put good wheels and tires on it, we had a wrecker haul it to our place after having a new garage built just for it, it's the 6 cylinder 223, the valves were frozen so we pulled the head and had it rebuilt and put it back on, it also needed new radiator and hoses, it will start and run with primer but the carb leaks, we rebuilt the carb but it still leaks, I will buy a new 1904 asap, we also needed to replace the gas tank, the list goes on, Pop is 93 WW2 Vet and we would really like for him to be able to drive it again at least here on the farm, he bought this truck after UT Austin traded it in in 62, we rode in it to cut a Christmas tree around 1980, thanks for sharing your story.

[@alexolivares1972]

I much enjoyed your presentation, thumbs up!

[@chadreece4231]

Really takes you back in time

[@Leelee-nw2ej]

Loved hearing your dads story! So cool.

[@williamarrowsmiith8380]

Your story telling skills are top notch and the video made my day. That is a timeless classic truck and it is beautiful. I hope you drive it another 300,000 miles more. God Bless

[@gabrielf-1008]

My pops restored one the same year!! Beautiful trucks to own

[@markpascoe7845]

Keep it as is, what wonderful patina. Great story. It looks like your dads truck right now

[@4speedskaters]

My 18 year old son and I unburied my dad's 69 chevy c-10 stepside out of his garage after sitting unmoved for 35 years when I last drove it after college. Survivor like yours. Last month he drove it from NJ to college in Florida as a survivor. (his brother followed him in his mustang so I don't think I was a bad father!) It gives me joy to see him drive and enjoy it and like one of your of the people hear commented... he didn' t restore off all thethree generations of character and memories. He gets more admirers than if he was driving a lambo. . God bless and like others said do what you want. Its yours. My son may one day restore it but he appreciates the specialness of a survivor which is great since everyone like things shiny and new

[@wilmiranda7956]

First the history of your dad and memories with this truck are so fascinating. Your dad will probably spank you or pull your wars if you paint it and do all those fancy things. Once you power washed it I notice the paint is not bad at all. I would send sand a fender and see how it comes up. If it brings the shine out I would leave that alone. Fix the brakes and other issues it may have. Drive it and enjoy it. It’s a beautiful truck.

[@lasovejasdejehova]

very beautiful story thank you for the military service of your dad God bless you amen. Nice f100

[@roccol5360]

What a great story, sorry for your loss, all the best to you, what a beautiful truck.

[@SladeM.]

Love this,I am restoring my grandfathers 1960 F100 currently.

[@Tonyconner74]

What a nice story back in time and back to the future with your "54" F-100!...

[@billkaline1487]

I had a '56 big window f-100 which I sold in 1975 and I still miss it today. These were simple trucks that could easily be worked on and maintained by their owners and was Ford's most popular truck series for decades. As many things do, they've become very popular as a classic that isn't made like that anymore. Please cherish the gift from your father as I did mine and keep those memories always alive. Very good luck to you and your family.

[@brucebyrnes5996]

Very nice truck. Great story too! Like it the way it is.

[@edgarvivar87]

With just a good cleaning the truck looks beautiful, I can't believe it!!! the Dream of my life it's to get one of these and give it as a gift to my dad whos still alive. You really are going to make your grandpa and your father proud, whenever they are i'm sure they're smiling seeing what You are doing! Best whishes and keep that truck as original as You can! Blessings from Uruguay 🇺🇾

[@dadstruckrestoration8112]

Thanks for the kind comments ...I know I’m due for the next video !! I need to update you guys !!

[@lanashill7949]

throughout all the "from the grave" videos this one hits home. I'm almost 60 and seeing a great piece of Americana being resurrected from pure love, and the wonderful backstory and provenance, this is one of the best videos I've seen. Well produced, bereft of flashy editing. Great, clean style, worthy of the memory of the Greatest Generation. I'm excited to see where the family goes with this.

[@lazyguy9486]

Very sorry for your loss. What a fitting tribute. Good luck with it.

[@stephenberry3012]

Beautiful truck and a great story! Thanks for sharing , can't wait to see it finished

[@billlane9251]

I was born in 1954 so I am looking forward to the finished product.

[@charliesybert2683]

What one of the few Titans. I have a 1948 Ford f1

[@1607rosie]

I've always loved that body style. It's the most beautiful truck ever built in my mind.

[@BaldwinBay]

Thank you for sharing your family story. 🕊️🇺🇸⚓

[@jeffscott8323]

If that old truck could talk. Humm sounds like the makings of a good country song love to see that

[@williamlott7612]

Wonderful sentiments; great way to honor your dad. Darlington, SC

[@gorillius]

How great your dad was in his character and methods of caring for his truck . You will do a marvelous job with it as you hear your dads very words as you work on it . That is what I hear as I work in my dads garage . My dad left his 56' Ford F-100 and other cars since his departure in 2013. It will be up to me to get it running again . He was going to coach me on a 351 rebuild but fell to illness before we could start .

[@vfrowner]

WOW What a fantastic story. My congrass for this family and the oportunity to restore a part of your life. Also so lucky to have a lot of pics and memories for this amazinf Ford F100 !! Rest in peace your father.

[@williamvigil2951]

You sir are blessed. Dont ever take that for granted

[@karltite128]

Nice, real nice. I think this gem is in good hands. You will learn how to do it, because you know why you are doing it. Original all the way!

[@guskelman3058]

That thing is in beautiful shape

[@cletusspucklerstablejeaniu1059]

You are fortunate to have such a project. It will be interesting to follow along.

[@cletusspucklerstablejeaniu1059]

Episode 1 (2 years ago) .. Eh, maybe not.

[@TheRossillini]

Sucks to see good men die and old trucks rot away. Thanks for sharing what you did here to honor your dad.

[@paulechols]

What a great story. Thank you for letting me hear it!

[@brod100]

Greetings from Australia. Ive nothing useful to add, except good luck with the restoration and God bless. Your Dad would be proud.

[@willtat2]

You lucky duck! I would be in heaven to have a truck like that.