View source for Engineering:Ford F-Series (second generation)

{{Short description|Second generation of the Ford F-Series pickup trucks}}
{{main|Ford F-Series}}{{Infobox automobile
| name = Second generation
| manufacturer = [[Company:Ford Motor Company|Ford]]
| layout = FR layout
| class = Full-size pickup truck
| production = 1952–1956<ref>{{Cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wIBefcdnaG0C&q=ford+f-series+1947&pg=PA13 | title=Classic Ford F-Series Pickup Trucks, 1948-1956| isbn=9781610608800| last1=Bunn| first1=Don}}</ref><br>1957–1962 (Brazil)
| image = 1956 Ford F-100 in Bright Red.jpg
| body_style = 2-door [[Engineering:Pickup truck|pickup]]<br />4-door [[Engineering:Panel truck|panel truck]]
| assembly = Chester, Pennsylvania, USA<br />Chicago, Illinois, USA<br />Dallas, Texas, USA<br />Dearborn, Michigan, USA<br />Edison, New Jersey, USA<br />Hapeville, Georgia, USA<br />Highland Park, Michigan, USA<br />Kansas City, Missouri, USA<br />Long Beach, California, USA<br />Louisville, Kentucky, USA<br />Norfolk, Virginia, USA<br />St. Louis, Missouri, USA<br />St. Paul, Minnesota, USA<br />San Jose, California, USA<br />São Paulo, {{wipe|Brazil}} (Ford Brazil)
| engine = {{ubl
  | 215 CID (3.5 L) [[Engineering:Straight-six engine|I6]]
  | 223 CID (3.7 L) ''Mileage Maker'' I6
  | 239 CID (3.9 L) ''Flathead'' V8
  | 239 CID (3.9 L) ''Y-block'' V8
  | 256 CID (4.2 L) ''Y-block'' V8
  | 279 CID (4.6 L) ''Lincoln Y-block'' V8
  | 317 CID (5.2 L) ''Lincoln Y-block'' V8
  | 368 CID (6.0 L) ''Lincoln Y-block'' V8
  }}
| transmission = 3-speed [[Engineering:Manual transmission|manual]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/FMC%20Trucks-Vans/1955_Trucks_and_Vans/1955_Ford_F-100_Truck_Brochure/1955%20Ford%20F-100-12.html |title=Directory Index: FMC Trucks-Vans/1955_Trucks_and_Vans/1955_Ford_F-100_Truck_Brochure |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |date= |accessdate=2012-03-03}}</ref><ref name="Gunnell"/>
<br>4-speed manual<br>3-speed ''Ford-O-Matic'' automatic<ref name="Gunnell">{{cite book|last=Gunnell|first=John A.|title=Standard Catalog of American Light-Duty Trucks|year=1993|publisher=krause Publications|isbn=0-87341-238-9}}</ref><br>
| wheelbase = {{Convert|110.0|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (F-100) <br/> {{convert|118.0|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (F-250)<ref name="Gunnell"/> <br/> {{convert|130.0|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (F-350)
| length = {{Convert|189.1|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (F-100)<ref name="Gunnell"/>
| aka = [[Engineering:Mercury M-Series|Mercury M-Series]] (Canada)
| predecessor = Ford F-Series (first generation) (1948–1952)
| successor = [[Engineering:Ford F-Series (third generation)|Ford F-Series (third generation)]] (1957–1960)
| caption = 1956 Ford F-100
| model_years = 1953–1956
}}

The '''second generation of the Ford F-Series''' is a series of trucks that was produced by Ford from the 1953 to 1956 model years. Marketed as the "Triple Economy" series, the second-generation F-Series again encompassed a comprehensive range of vehicles, ranging from light-duty pickup trucks to heavy-duty commercial vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1954 Ford Trucks Full Line Brochure |url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/FMC%20Trucks-Vans/1954%20Trucks/1954%20Ford%20Trucks%20Full%20Line%20Brochure/image3.html |access-date=2020-07-17 |website=www.oldcarbrochures.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1954 Ford Trucks Full Line Brochure |url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/FMC%20Trucks-Vans/1954%20Trucks/1954%20Ford%20Trucks%20Full%20Line%20Brochure/image2.html |access-date=2020-07-17 |website=www.oldcarbrochures.com}}</ref>

This generation saw a revision to the F-Series model nomenclature, shifting from a one-digit model number to a three-digit number; F-100 to F-350. This system has remained in use on all Ford F-Series trucks to the present day. Alongside the naming change, this generation marked several firsts for the F-Series, including an adjustable seat (wide enough for three people),<ref>{{Cite web|title=1954 Ford Trucks Full Line Brochure|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/FMC%20Trucks-Vans/1954%20Trucks/1954%20Ford%20Trucks%20Full%20Line%20Brochure/image7.html|access-date=2020-07-17|website=www.oldcarbrochures.com}}</ref> power brakes,<ref>{{Cite web|title=1954 Ford F100 Truck Brochure|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/FMC%20Trucks-Vans/1954%20Trucks/1954%20Ford%20F100%20Truck%20Brochure/image6.html|access-date=2020-07-17|website=www.oldcarbrochures.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=1954 Ford Trucks Full Line Brochure|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/FMC%20Trucks-Vans/1954%20Trucks/1954%20Ford%20Trucks%20Full%20Line%20Brochure/image15.html|access-date=2020-07-17|website=www.oldcarbrochures.com}}</ref> and the introduction of the [[Engineering:Cruise-O-Matic#Cruise-O-Matic|Ford-O-Matic]] [[Engineering:Automatic transmission|automatic transmission]] as an option. In line with Ford cars, seat belts were introduced as an option for 1956.<ref name="Gunnell" />

The second-generation F-Series was produced by Ford at eleven facilities across the United States; Ford Canada marketed the model line under both the F-Series and the [[Engineering:Mercury M series|Mercury M-Series]] nameplates. Ford of Brazil inaugurated local production with the model line, producing it from 1957 to 1962.

== Model overview ==
In its redesign of the Ford F-Series, Ford set out to upgrade the capability of the vehicle line. Along with increasing payload capacity, designers redesigned the suspension to improve steering control.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Trotta |first=Mark |title=1953-1956 Ford Pickup Trucks |url=https://www.restore-an-old-car.com/1953-1956-ford-pickup-trucks.html |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=www.restore-an-old-car.com |language=en}}</ref> The cab was widened, bringing a larger windshield and rear window.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=LUNGER |first=SOLOMON |date=2019-01-17 |title=Complete History of the Ford F-Series Pickup |url=https://www.streettrucksmag.com/complete-history-of-the-ford-f-series-pickup/ |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=Street Trucks |language=en-US}}</ref> Shortened to a 110-inch wheelbase (from 114 inches), the front axle was moved rearward to further improve turning radius and lower the hoodline.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1953 Ford Trucks - F100 F250 F350 |url=https://www.blueovaltech.com/history/1953-ford-trucks.php |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=BlueOvalTech.com |language=en}}</ref>  A 20-inch-deep cargo bed was introduced; though the width would change, the depth remained the same through the [[Engineering:Ford F-Series (seventh generation)|seventh-generation F-Series]] of 1980.<ref name=":0" />

=== 1953 ===
Distinguished by a two-bar grille, the 1953 F-Series internally denoted the 50th anniversary of Ford Motor Company with a commemorative emblem on the steering wheel horn button.<ref name=":0" />  Alongside a completely redesigned chassis and body, the engine line was in transition, carrying over the 101&nbsp;hp inline-6 as the standard engine and the optional 100&nbsp;hp Flathead V8.

In a one-year-only combination, the Flathead V8 was offered with the newly optional Ford-O-Matic transmission.

=== 1954 ===
For 1954, the grille was revised, introducing a single slanted design between the headlamps.<ref name=":1" /> The powertrain lineup saw further change; along with a newly enlarged 223 cubic-inch inline-6 base engine (increased to 115&nbsp;hp),<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=1954 Ford F100 Trucks |url=https://www.blueovaltech.com/history/1954-ford-trucks.php |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=BlueOvalTech.com |language=en}}</ref> the Flathead V8 (which made its debut in the 1939 Mercury) was discontinued. Again using a 239 cubic-inch displacement, the overhead-valve 130&nbsp;hp Y-Block V8 brought a significant increase in power output.<ref name=":0" /> The availability of Ford-O-Matic was expanded from the F-100 to F-250 and F-350 trucks.<ref name=":2" />

=== 1955 ===
For 1955, a double-bar grille returned, distinguished with a center notch (for the V8 emblem) and revised hood emblems. Tubeless tires were introduced as an option.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=1955 Ford Trucks: F100 F250 |url=https://www.blueovaltech.com/history/1955-ford-trucks.php |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=BlueOvalTech.com |language=en}}</ref> The Custom Cab was introduced, grouping multiple upgraded interior options in a single option package.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" />

=== 1956 update ===
For its final year of production, the second-generation F-Series received a redesign of the cab, adopting a vertical A-pillar and wraparound windshield; a rarely-seen option included a wraparound rear window.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kunz |first=Bruce |title=Second generation Ford F-Series (1953–1956) |url=https://www.stltoday.com/brandavestudios/second-generation-ford-f-series-1953-1956/article_52fc66ca-3946-11ea-a88b-8f5b251456ed.html |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=STLtoday.com |language=en}}</ref>  While the cab saw significant change, the front bodywork remained largely unchanged, with only minor changes to the grille.

Several functional changes were introduced for 1956, with the F-Series adopting electric (instead of vacuum-powered) [[Engineering:Windscreen wiper|windshield wipers]], tubeless tires (on models above the F-100), and a 12-volt electric system.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=1956 Ford F-Series F100 F250 F350 Pickups |url=https://www.blueovaltech.com/history/1956-ford-trucks.php |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=BlueOvalTech.com |language=en}}</ref> A deep-dish "Lifeguard" steering wheel was standard, while seatbelts were offered as an option.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" />

After an initial increase to 256 cubic inches for 1955, the Y-block was enlarged to 272 cubic inches for 1956; three versions were offered, producing up to 167&nbsp;hp.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" />

===Powertrain details===
The 1954 F-100 was the last year for the [[Engineering:Flathead engine|flathead engine]] in the U.S. Models in {{wipe|Canada}}, including the [[Engineering:Mercury M-Series|Mercury M-Series]], continued to use the flathead. 1954–55 saw the introduction of the new 239&nbsp;CID overhead valve Y-block V8, dubbed "Power King." The [[Engineering:Straight-six engine|six-cylinder engine's]] displacement was also increased from 215 to 223 CID and power steering was introduced as an option. In the succeeding years, the 239 Y-block was replaced with the 256, 272, and 312.

With pickup trucks, the standard transmission was a 3-speed column-shifted synchronized manual; optional transmissions included a 3-speed manual with overdrive and a 4-speed manual (with low first gear). A Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission was also optional.    
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Engine
! Years
! Power
|-
|{{cvt|215|cuin}} Straight-6|| 1953 ||{{convert|101|hp|kW|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{cvt|239|cuin}} Flathead V8|| 1953 ||{{convert|100|hp|kW|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{cvt|223|cuin}} Mileage Maker I6 || 1954–55 ||{{convert|115|hp|kW|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{cvt|239|cuin}} Y-block V8 || 1954–55 ||{{convert|130|hp|kW|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{cvt|223|cuin}} Mileage Maker I6 || 1956 ||{{convert|137|hp|kW|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{cvt|256|cuin}} Y-block V8 || 1955 ||{{convert|140|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{cvt|272|cuin}} Truck 2V Y-block V8 || 1956 ||{{convert|172|hp|kW|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{cvt|279|cuin}} Lincoln Y-block V8 || 1954–56 ||{{convert|152|hp|kW|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{cvt|317|cuin}} Lincoln Y-block V8 || 1954–56 ||{{convert|170|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{cvt|368|cuin}} Lincoln Y-block V8 || 1956 ||{{convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}
|}

==Models==
As part of the model change from the first generation, the model nomenclature for the F-Series was changed from a single number denoting each model series to a three-digit model number. As of current production, Ford still uses this nomenclature on its F-Series trucks today, with minor revisions (the F-100 was replaced entirely by the F-150 and medium-duty trucks now use the F-x50 designation). This nomenclature is also currently used by the Ford E-Series and (in North America) by its Ford Transit successor.

Among F-Series pickup truck lines, the {{Fraction|1|2}}-ton F-1 became the '''F-100''', the F-2 and F-3 were consolidated into the {{Fraction|3|4}}-ton '''F-250''', with the F-4 becoming the 1-ton '''F-350'''. The medium-duty F-5 ({{Fraction|1|1|2}}-ton) and F-6 (2-ton) became the '''F-500''' and '''F-600''', respectively. The heavy-duty F-7, F-8, and F-9 "Big Job" trucks became the '''F-700''', '''F-750''', '''F-800''', and '''F-900''' series.

For 1956, lower-GVWR versions of the F-100 and the F-250 were introduced (under the F-110 and F-260 model codes).<ref name="Gunnell" />

=== Variants ===
Alongside the medium-duty and Big Job F-Series conventional-cab trucks, Ford sold the C-Series COE, configured with a raised cab and shortened hood. This would be the final generation of the C-Series based on the F-Series trucks, as Ford introduced the tilt-cab Ford C-Series for 1957; the model line was produced in a single generation until 1990.

The B-Series was a cowled chassis derived from the F-500 through F-750; though typically used for school buses, the platform was also used to underpin other conventional-type buses as well.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1954 Ford Trucks Full Line Brochure |url=http://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/FMC%20Trucks-Vans/1954%20Trucks/1954%20Ford%20Trucks%20Full%20Line%20Brochure/image43.html |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=oldcarbrochures.com}}</ref>

Alongside its pickup truck body, the F-100 was also produced as a panel truck (a precursor to the E-Series van) and as a chassis-cab truck.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1954 Ford Trucks Full Line Brochure |url=http://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/FMC%20Trucks-Vans/1954%20Trucks/1954%20Ford%20Trucks%20Full%20Line%20Brochure/image11.html |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=oldcarbrochures.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1954 Ford Trucks Full Line Brochure |url=http://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/FMC%20Trucks-Vans/1954%20Trucks/1954%20Ford%20Trucks%20Full%20Line%20Brochure/image10.html |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=oldcarbrochures.com}}</ref>

== Gallery ==
{{gallery
|File:1953 Mercury M-100.jpg|1953 Mercury M-100, a Canada-only rebadged F-100
|File:1953 Ford F100 (13886213634).jpg|1953 Ford F-100
|File:1955 Ford F100 pic2.JPG|1954 Ford F-100
|File:Ford F-100 01 by-dpc.jpg|1954 Ford F-100 panel truck
|File:1956 Ford F-100 (5934329617).jpg|1956 Ford F-100
|File:1956 Ford F-100, Rear Right, 05-30-2021.jpg|1956 Ford F-100, rear view}}

==References==
{{reflist}}{{Early Ford trucks}}{{Ford F-Series}}{{Ford vehicles}}

[[Category:Pickup trucks]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:All-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Vans]]

{{Sourceattribution|Ford F-Series (second generation)}}