Rods N Mods Resurrects a 1956 Ford F100 into a Modern Hauler
Growing up listening to your father’s stories about his favorite cars (or trucks) stays with you as the years pass. For Travis Milton, those stories involved a certain pickup.
“A big-window 1956 F100 has always been one of my favorite trucks,” Travis says. “I’ve loved them since I was a kid. My father owned one when he was young and he used to tell me stories about it.” When Travis decided to build his own, the only real decision was which ’56 F100 would he select. Once he found the right truck, the next few years were spent envisioning the result.
“Once the build began, the goal was clear: Create a truck that looked like a 1956 Ford, but fully reimagined and modernized,” he says. To reach that goal, Travis turned to the teams at Rods N Mods for the metal work and paint and Ceballos Customs for the modernized interior.
A new foundation came in the form of a Speedtech Performance chassis, which features a modern performance-based independent front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, a coil-over rear suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes. Forgeline 19- and 20-inch wheels with Continental Extreme tires got the chassis up and rolling and ready for the driveline and restored body.
Power comes from a GM Performance 6.2-liter LS3 V8 that produces 525 horsepower. Speedtech headers and stainless pipes guide exhaust gases through Stainless Works mufflers. The accessory drive system and fuel management controls come from Holley. A GM 6L80e transmission controlled by a Lokar sport shifter directs the power to the rearend.
While the body retains its classic appearance, it has been treated to a host of subtle modifications, including a reshaped grille to better match the hood shape, widened rear fenders, custom inner wheel tubs, custom-made stainless bed strips, a custom rolled rear pan, and custom built and tucked front and rear bumpers. The sheet metal was ultimately finished in PPG Ford Fighter Jet Gray paint that was skillfully applied by Rick Sheley and Gage Gonzalex at Rods N Mods.
The crew at Ceballos Customs collaborated on the modern interior that features upgraded creature comforts as well as modern tech. Rods N Mods fabricated the custom console and valance that houses vents for the Vintage Air system. Moore & Giles leather and vintage-style fabric was then used to cover the modified TMI seats, door panels, and other soft parts. Dakota Digital gauges fill the dash, a Sparc wheel tops the Ididit column, and a touchscreen system controls the modern electronics.
“This truck represents years of patience, craftsmanship, and imagination,” Travis says, “and truly reflects what we always envisioned it could become.”
Congratulations to Travis Milton and the team at Rods N Mods for being named a Finalist for Goodguys 2026 LMC Truck of the Year Early with their stunning ’56 Ford F100 pickup!
Photos: John Jackson
