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1955 Ford Truck
Hayesville, NC

This article is about Robert and Ann Wright and their 1955 Ford F-100 Custom Cab pickup. Robert Wright is a master craftsman in the canvas business. While working in his canvas shop out on Compass Creek, Robert always finds time to turn a wrench or two on his 1955 Ford F-100.

Robert and Ann were street rodders for many years in Florida before moving to Hayesville several years ago. Robert and Ann, Ed Ashe and a couple of others got together about 8 years ago at Hardees in Hiawassee, and started a car club. That meeting spawned the birth of the current club known as “Classic Wheels Car Club”.

The Wrights purchased their ’55 Ford F-100 about 8 years ago, and it is a true Custom Cab from the factory. I say “true Custom Cab” because some people would get a regular cab and add goodies to make it look like a Custom Cab truck. The chassis and drivetrain on the Wrights truck is stock. Robert rebuilt the 272ci, V-8 motor about 5 years ago and kept it stock. The trannie is a standard column shift 3-speed. The trucks original mileage is 158,000 miles but looks like it has less than 10,000 on it. Robert over hauled the whole truck with new brakes, new wiring harness, new windows, and a new exhaust.

As Robert is in the canvas business, he decided to do the upholstery himself. The original bench seat was retained but now has a first class, rolled and pleated, black skin on it. All the dash gauges are stock and the aftermarket radio was removed to put the dash back to its stock condition. The paint is Rangoon Red and was painted by Byers Auto Paint on Carter Cove Road in Hayesville.

Robert and Ann had a beautiful 1930 Ford Model A Sedan that was all tricked out that they would bring to the cruise-ins, but unfortunately in December on his way into town the fuel pump malfunctioned and the car caught fire and burned to the ground. Fortunately no one was injured.
The Wright s have won trophies in 3 of the last 4 Ford F-100 shows in Knoxville, TN in the original stock category. The Wrights new project will be their umpteenth and their current choices are an early model Ford Truck, a 1957 Chevy and a 60’s Mustang. Which ever they pick, I’m sure it will be a beauty.