This brings us to one of the most common reverse upgrades done to customize a '56 Ford F-100 since the trucks first hit the showroom floors. There were two ways that a V-8 powered '56 could end up with the cleaner appearing six-cylinder grille. In the early days when the trucks were new, or near new, typically the owner bought a base model six-cylinder truck, and then swapped-in a Cadillac, Oldsmobile, or Buick engine. In the case of a '56 that left the factory equipped with a 272, the trick was to round up a six-cylinder grille and stuff it in. Of course the proper terminology is to install it, and that's what we're going to do here on my Y-block powered '56 Big-Window.
The front end on my Raven...
The front end on my Raven Black '56 Big-Window is exactly as it came from the factory. I prefer the cleaner look of the six-cylinder Custom Cab grille, so this V8 emblem is history. A standard '56 F-100 grille came painted off-white.
The first step to swap a '53-56...
The first step to swap a '53-56 grille is to remove the turn-signal lens and bezels held with two Philips screws.
Next, the headlight rings...
Next, the headlight rings were removed by removing the Phillips screws at 12 and 6 o'clock.
With the headlight rings pulled...
With the headlight rings pulled forward and removed, access was gained to remove the headlight buckets.
Disconnecting the original...
Disconnecting the original headlight wires caused the insulation to disintegrate, and expose bare wire.
Once the headlight wires were...
Once the headlight wires were marked so they could be properly reinstalled the headlight buckets were removed.
The grille is held in place...
The grille is held in place with three 1/4-28-inch bolts. Two of them are seen here at 7 and 3 o'clock.
This is the third 1/4-28-inch...
This is the third 1/4-28-inch bolt located at 11 o-clock. Before unbolting, all of the 1/4-28s were soaked with Royal Purple Maxfilm penetrating spray.
Access to the three bolts...
Access to the three bolts is gained from inside the fenderwell. Notice how the Maxfilm has soaked through to the other side, proving this stuff really penetrates!