Words & photos: Gary Rosier
First generation F series Ford trucks were introduced in 1948 to replace the car-like earlier trucks. They were sold in eight different weight ratings. Second generation trucks (1953-1956) had increased overall dimensions, improved engines (312 Y blocks were the biggest) and an updated chassis. Also, the half-ton F1 now became the F100 (partially influenced by the F100 Super Sabre Jet, per Wikipedia.org). The '56 was a one-year only body style in that the windshield posts were vertical with a wrap around windshield as one of the most noticeable changes.
Jim Thurmond now carries on the family tradition and memory of his late grandfather's cool pick-up truck - not just any truck, but THE truck that Jim so fondly remembers running around in with his grandpa, Vaun (Vaundance Verell Sattley).
Jim's own father wasn't actually thrilled with Jim learning how to drive - he was very strict. Since Jim and his grandpa were so close, buddies even, it was only natural that once outside the city, he would let Jim take the wheel. There, he learned to drive that old "Three on the Tree" on road trips to their country cabin!
Jim's grandpa passed away and his only daughter was the recipient of the title to this grand old truck. Old it was, too, even though Vaun had purchased it almost new. It was his "driver" most of the time. St Louis winters certainly took their toll. He just loved that old truck, to the point that it got the modest two car garage instead of the new (every three years) Buick!
Jim had the truck for over 30 years. He had driven it a little bit from '84-87 after his grandpa's passing. Life - his job, and living day to day - meant it got put into storage for about 30 years. Jim was NEVER going to part ways with it, however!
Nearing retirement, Jim had the means and the time to start a full re-build. He tackled the project full speed ahead. Jim was responsible for the total rebuild and disassembly at the shop of the sawmill he owned. He credits some very good friends for their help in this project, as well as his wife Paula for her unwavering support and enthusiasm in getting it done! She picked the colors as well as the interior (it's painted a BMW Dark Blue). The interior is a grey tweed as well as the headliner; the seat backs havie a nice FORD Logo stitched in.
The truck was disassembled completely, down to the bare frame. Friends Fred Blake (welding), Clint Dubes (bodywork) and Dustin Friedli (wiring) were all there to assist with whatever was needed.
It still has the original 272 Y-Block and three speed with drum brakes all around. Everything was rebuilt/refurbished with NOS parts wherever possible. Seat-belts, electric wipers and an upgrade in tires all were added for safety.
The rear bed was refinished using an aftermarket kit; three coats of varnish were added to protect the wood and give it that added gloss. Headlights, tail-lights and turn signals all were restored or replaced with new (reproduction) or NOS parts. Jim loved the classic Cragar wheels and mounted a set of Cooper Radials (255/70R15's) again to give it that added reliability. Grandpa's custom dual exhaust "smokestacks" were kept, just like in its heyday! You can see these in the older pics below. Jim added headers to give it a true dual exhaust, as his grandpa had a single exhaust and one of the "smokestacks" was a dummy.
Jim worked as an aircraft mechanic for over 20 years, then purchased a sawmill and owned that for another 20, so you know he had the skill set to tackle this project. Thanks to friends and the strong memories he had with his grandpa, he was driven to get this truck restored to a better-than-new state. He wanted to keep those key elements to the truck that his grandpa had been so fond of. The exhaust just had to stay, but the steelie wheels with hubcaps were something he was sure Grandpa would approve of being swapped out for the shiny rims!
Now Jim has his own grandson, Lucas, riding around with him. If Jim takes the truck out, you're sure to find Lucas running to go too!
Memories of good times, memories to be made yet and grand-dads to grandpas to grandsons - there's still so much more to be written! It's a great journey... Stay tuned, says Jim with a smile!
