Classic trucks aren’t just metal and bolts—they’re family history on four wheels. When a 1956 Ford F-100 rolled into the shop for a six-day refresh, the plan was simple: lean on Auto Metal Direct OE-style replacements to eliminate guesswork, save time, and bring the truck back to life with factory-clean lines.

Full Walkthrough Video

Step-by-Step: 1956 F-100 Body Revival

1. Thirty years after its last restoration, the F-100’s paint and prior repairs showed age. Time to refresh with precision AMD panels.
2. Bed and front fenders were removed to inspect the cab and prepare for new AMD body panels.
3. After a 2,400-mile haul, the team set a tight plan—organization wins projects like this.
4. Cab corners looked OK from 10 feet; close inspection showed they were ready for replacement.
5. Inside the corners, old filler and contamination confirmed the need for fresh steel from AMD.
6. New AMD cab corners (PN 480-4553 L/R) were staged for install.
7. Cutting revealed heavy filler from a time before high-quality re-pops—common on older restorations.
8. Rusty inner corners were removed entirely to make way for new structure.
9. Inner cab supports (PN 481-4548 L/R) test-fit cleanly; stampings helped location and alignment.
10. After mock-up, the new lower corner was welded in, panel gaps verified.
11. Welds were dressed flush to prepare for outer skin work.
12. Weld-through primer was applied where corrosion could start—smart longevity practice.
13. Cut lines were marked precisely to fit the new outer panel.
14. A 1/16" cutoff made just ahead of the line left room for final alignment.
15. The AMD outer cab corner was stitched in carefully to control heat and avoid warpage.
16. Teamwork moved multiple stations in parallel; corners and other patches progressed together.
17. Welds were smoothed in stages—40, 80, then 180 grit—for a seamless transition.
18. Filler and polyester primer set the corners up for final paint prep.
19. Front cab corners were refreshed with AMD cowl repair panels (PN 376-4553-2 L/R); simple flat stock handled localized inner repairs.
20. Results looked factory-clean; solid inner cab mounts kept this efficient.
21. Custom aluminum pressure-relief covers were fabricated for each side—future product idea!
22. New AMD panels arrived straight and damage-free, requiring only scuff-and-shoot prep after mock-ups.
23. The bed assembled with cross sills (PN 716-4553-3), bedsides (PN 721-4553), front panel (PN 715-4551), rear fenders (PN 80-4553), and a fender bolt set (PN 15783). Minor slotting and tweaks dialed in the fit.
24. Rear fenders were lined with protective coating, then sanded for sealer and color.
25. Door bottoms received fresh metal repairs while paint pieces were prepped.
26. Indigo Blue (GM WA9792) was the color of choice—timeless on fat-fender F-series.
27. Because mock-ups were thorough, final bed assembly post-paint went smoothly.
28. AMD stampings looked phenomenal and saved dozens of hours versus reviving crusty originals.
29. Cab and misc parts headed into the booth; careful staging made full coverage possible in one session.
30. Base color laid down evenly; total sprayable volume planned to leave extra for remaining pieces.
31. Clear followed; modern equipment laid it glass-smooth.
32. Any dust nibs were carefully corrected and polished to a deep gloss.
33. Reassembly included fresh AMD weather seals (PN X580-4556-1), new rear glass, and brightwork for a crisp finish.
34. The end result: a revived ’56 F-100 and a family build packed with memories—made simpler with direct-fit AMD panels.