This F-100 is Bound for the Irish Isle

Throughout the years we have come across some great trucks and even greater stories. One of the most unique and downright cool stories is that of Owen Twomey’s ’56 Ford F-100.

This isn’t Owen’s first go-round with classic Ford sheet metal. Ford long had a factory in Ireland that churned out classic models in line with those that have become hot rods in the United States. With a few differences, of course, namely a right-hand-drive steering setup. Owen and his father Gerry have built many classics and hot rods in Ireland from Deuces to Woodys and more and even a few motorcycles. Most of what they built had flatheads and factory right-hand drive.

The story of Owen’s Effie starts with another Ford truck he built years ago. He opened up a magazine with the intention of ordering suspension parts; the only catch was that he needed a right-hand-drive steering setup. Every company said no until he reached Rob MacGregor at No Limit Engineering in San Bernardino, California. From there a friendship and business relationship developed. A couple of years ago Owen came across a right-hand- drive F-100 in Ireland, when he inquired about the truck, the owner’s simple reply of, “Best of luck finding another one, sonny!” motivated Owen to simply build one himself.

Owen made many trips to the States where he visited Rob at No Limit and worked, purchased parts and visited swap meets. On one of these trips, Rob and Owen came across a cab and frame at the Goodguys Scottsdale show. Owen bought it, and with help from Barney, he hauled it back to San Berdoo to begin work. The build took a little more than a year because Owen could only work on it in short spurts during visits to the States.

He started repairing some of the rust on the ’56 cab, replacing an entire corner panel at Double Barrel Customs with help from Jose, aka “Skruff.” Once the repair work was fenders were moved forward 5 inches to accommodate the suspension that had been moved forward 4 inches for better geometry and to center the wheels. The rear fenders were sectioned and widened to fit a larger tire. Lastly, the doors were radiused and a No Limit tilt-front hood kit was installed. Edwin tackled the bodywork, while Ezra at Empire Customs later hit the truck in flat Hot Rod Black.

Owen went all out underneath the classic body. The old frame was cross-braced with tubing for strength and performance. Then it was powder coated by Precision Powdercoat. Up front, a No Limit Wide Ride IFS outfitted with Ride Tech Shockwave airbags were used to get the truck on the ground and allow it to corner nicely. Of course, a right-hand-drive steering rack from Flaming River was added. Out back, a Ford Explorer rearend was rebuilt by Bill Thomas Enterprises and hooked up to a No Limit 4-link setup. The engine is a drop out from a ’94 Ford Mustang, and the transmission saw a Chevrolet S-10 tail housing. A No Limit aluminum fuel cell supplies the necessary petrol. Lastly, a set of 18 x 9-inch Mag wheels wrapped in 235/35 Nexen tires from Performance Plus were added before moving on to the interior.

The interior was next to receive a major overhaul to accommodate the right-hand-drive setup. The dash was shaved smooth and the cluster, outfitted with a No Limit gauge panel and Auto Meter gauges, was moved to the right side of the cab. The custom-made pedals were transplanted as well. Slick one-piece door glass from Mid ’50s F-100 Parts was installed. Lastly, the bench seat was covered in black vinyl at Manny’s Upholstery. The truck catches plenty of eyes around Southern California thanks to its stance, mean finish and the driver shifting on his left. Owen has learned that he needs a passenger when hitting up a drive-thru.

Owen would like to thank Skruff, Rob MacGregor, Brad from Ridetech, Flaming River, Mike, Marcel, Barney, and his mom and dad. Now the truck is on its way home to Ireland where Owen plans to use it as a parts runner for his shop and take it all over Europe. Stay tuned for updates on “Where in the World Is that Effie?” ST

---

OWEN TWOMEY
1956 Ford F-100
Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland

TRUCK SPECS

ENGINE

• 1994 Ford Mustang
• Edelbrock air cleaner

SUSPENSION

• No Limit Wide Ride IFS
• Ride Tech Shockwaves
• 4-link
• Ford Explorer rearend
• Flaming River steering rack

WHEELS

• Front fenders moved 5 inches forward
• Rear fenders widened
• Radiused doors
• No Limit tilt front hood
• Flat black paint

INTERIOR

• Right-hand drive
• No Limit gauge cluster
• Auto Meter gauges
• Mid ’50s F-100 Parts one- piece glass
• Custom No Limit pedals and shifter

---