Arizona Sunsets | 1956 Ford F-100 pickup

PERFECTION. Everyone has a different definition or perception of the word. For custom and classic truck enthusiasts, perfection is reached when a classic truck build has been so well executed that the finished product is, for all intents and purposes, perfect. Nothing could be added to or subtracted from the custom truck picture to make it any better, and nothing could be changed or altered to make the presentation any cleaner. A rare example of this extreme categorization is Charles Mudd’s 1956 Ford F-100 pickup. It’s simply rolling perfection. Like most die-hard enthusiasts, Charles was obsessed at a young age as he observed anything on the local Tucson, Arizona, streets that sat low and sounded mean.
For Charles, who now lives in Mesa, Arizona, the choice was clear as he had always had a soft spot for the 1956 Ford F-100 pickups. And, of course, it had to be a big window.

Like most builds, the journey began with the chassis. To get the F-100 to sit and handle right, Tri-C engineering prepped, polished and chromed Kugel Komponents IFS and IRS suspensions were integrated into the F-100’S underpinnings. Ridetech shockwaves adjust Effie’s altitude while Wilwood brakes and a Mustang II rack-and-pinion steering system further contribute to the safety and reliability.

To cap off the styled and dialed F-100 bones, 19-inch front and 20-inch rear Intro Rally billet wheels were mounted on BF Goodrich G-Force Comp 2’s measuring P275/40ZR19 front and P275/40ZR20 rear. Once the ultimate underpinnings for the truck were complete, the attention focused on the power plant. This wasn’t going to be your garden variety SBC powered classic Ford pickup, as the mission was definitely to “put a Ford in a Ford.” A 2002 Ford 5.8-L 351 Windsor EFI engine was located and turned over to Joseph Granatelli OF Granatelli Motorsports for machine work and assembly. All the best go-fast goodies from JE, ARP, Comp Cams, Ford Racing and MSD are stuffed into the pavement blistering mill with a BS Industries prepped Ford E4OD transferring to the power to the asphalt playground of choice.

After the chassis, suspension and power plant were fine-tuned, the body and paint were next on the list to achieve a striking envelope that packs a wallop. Quite frankly, the paint and bodywork on this truck is absolutely next level! Shaved drip rails and door handles combined with extended rear fenders and running boards clean up Effie’s mid-section while an LED third brake light below the back window combined with a custom rear roll pan with slotted LED brake lights underlines a custom-built tailgate.

Upfront, a forward-tilting hood kit reveals the detailed and power-packed Ford mill while a clear polycarbonate bed floor shows off the detailed rear chassis and IRS suspension. Following the body modifications and prep work, the panels were brought to custom life with House of Kolor Ultra Orange Pearl basecoat topped with Ultra Orange Pearl and signed with Egyptian Gold Pearl flames. John Rost of CDS Customs in Mesa, Arizona, took on the task of performing the final wet sanding, buffing and ceramic paint sealant.

Last on the list for Tequila Sunrise was a full custom interior to match the deep detail and custom caliber of the balance of the truck. Soft crème Ferrari leather and suede was sewn over Glide Engineering seats and sculpted door panels. Mercedes Benz tan wool carpet covers the floorboards while a Gennie Shifter and leather-wrapped Colorado Custom wheel command the AOD transmission and rack and pinion steering respectively. Vintage Air climate control and a Pioneer APP Radio contribute to the modern cruising comforts. Dino Sweeney expertly performed the aircraft-style wiring under the Glide seat.

Charles Mudd, with the help of some talented automotive craftsman, has completed a stunning ’56 big window radiating off of these pages. The truck echoes perfection from every surface. And while Charles has enjoyed owning and showing the truck, he says it is time for the truck to find a new home so that he can drop the detail rags and enjoy the other automobiles that he can drive hard! The journey continues.

Truck Specs
Owner:
Charles Mudd
Mesa, AZ
1956 Ford F-100 Big Window 

Chassis
Modified Stock Frame
Tri-C Engineering Prepped Kugel Komponents IFS/IRS
Ridetech Shockwaves
Wilwood Brakes
Power Rack and Pinion Steering

Wheels & Tires
Intro Rally 19 x 8 Front
Intro Rally 20x 10 Rear
BF Goodrich G-Force Comp 2 P275/40ZR19 & P275/40ZR20
Engine & Transmission
’02 Ford 351 Windsor
Machining and Assembly by Granatelli Performance
Aluminum Ford Racing cylinder heads
GT-40 intake/Granatelli ford Racing Injection
MSD Pro Billet Distributor
Rewarder Headers
Custom Built Exhaust/Flowmaster Mufflers
Ford EAOD Transmission Prepped by BS Industries
Gennie Shifter

Body & Paint
Custom Cab
Shaved Handles and Drip Rails
Widened Rear Fenders
No Limit Forward Tilting Hood
See Through Bed Floor
Bodywork & Paint by John Rost with Hog Wild Creations
House of Kolor Orange Pearl Basecoat
House of Kolor Egyptian Gold Pearl Flames
Hagan LED Headlights & taillights
Rolled front and rear pans

Interior
Stock Smoothed Dash
Classic Instruments Gauges
Vintage Air A/C System
Pioneer App Radio
Colorado Custom Leather Wrapped steering wheel
Ididit steering column
Glide Engineering Seat
Cream Ferrari leather & suede
Mercedes Tan Wool Carpet
Upholstery Work by Jesse’s Interiors

ST-1909-Effie-01

This Effie’s working days are over as the bed has been fully detailed and fit with a see through glass floor to show off the chromed and polished Kugel IRS.

ST-1909-Effie-02

A detailed Granatelli Performance prepped 351 Windsor sends this work of art down the road.

ST-1909-Effie-03

Cream colored Ferrari Leather and Suede sewn over a Glide Engineering Seat by Jesse’s Interiors fills the classic cab. An Ididit steering column supports a Colorado Custom steering wheel while a Gennie shifter commands the gearbox. A Vintage Air A/C system keeps things cool as Pioneer jams fill the cruising chamber.

ST-1909-Effie-04

Rally style Billet wheels from Intro shod with BF Goodrich G-Force Comp 2 tires set off the stance.

ST-1909-Effie-05

Charles Mudd stands proudly next to his stunning ’56 Big Window F-100.