Most of the news from Ford Motor Company in 1955 centered on the redesigned passenger car line and the introduction of the sporty new Thunderbird. Truck changes were kept to a minimum, with little beyond revised grille and exterior trim pieces to distinguish the 1955 models from the 1954s. The vertical grille guards were replaced by a V-shaped dip in the upper bar, which continued to carry an indicator showing whether the truck was equipped with a six-cylinder or V8 engine.
Less obvious but equally important were the switch to tubeless tires on F-100 models and the addition of optional power brakes. The F-100 with its six-and-a-half-foot bed remained Ford's most popular truck for 1955, outselling every other model in the lineup. Despite all the emphasis placed on exterior styling over the years, truck interiors had gained little in the way of character or refinement by that time.
For 1956, Ford gave its trucks wraparound windshields and larger engines aimed at maintaining a competitive edge. The F-Series was evolving from a purely utilitarian workhorse into something that could also serve as comfortable daily transportation. The bigger models were growing too; the F-800 Big Job dump truck with its tandem-axle setup, introduced in 1954, was becoming increasingly popular with commercial operators.
These 1950s Ford trucks are hugely popular with collectors and builders today, whether kept original or turned into restomod cruisers. Keeping them cool is essential, especially with modern engine swaps. Griffin Thermal Products builds exact-fit aluminum radiators for 1950s Ford trucks, delivering the cooling performance these classic haulers deserve.
Available Radiators
12 products available for Ford Trucks of the 1950s
ExactFit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 22.5" x 26.0" downflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 900 HP.
ExactFit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 24.31" x 28.5" downflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 850 HP.
ExactFit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 24.31" x 28.5" downflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 850 HP.
ExactFit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 22.5" x 26.0" downflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 900 HP.
ExactFit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 24.31" x 28.5" downflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 850 HP.
ExactFit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 24.31" x 28.5" downflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 850 HP.
ExactFit ComboUnit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 22.5" x 26.0" downflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 900 HP.
ExactFit ComboUnit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 24.31" x 28.5" downflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 850 HP.
ExactFit ComboUnit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 24.31" x 28.5" downflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 850 HP.
ExactFit ComboUnit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 22.5" x 26.0" downflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 900 HP.
ExactFit ComboUnit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 24.31" x 28.5" downflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 850 HP.
ExactFit ComboUnit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 24.31" x 28.5" downflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 850 HP.