Award-Winning Iron: Our Custom ’56 Ford F100 Takes "Fire Chief’s Choice"

Spring in Southern Utah means car show season is in full swing, and there is no better way to kick it off than bringing home some serious hardware. We recently took our latest heavy-hitter out to the Hurricane Valley Rotary 2026 Easter Car Show, and the response was absolutely incredible.

We are beyond proud to announce that the custom '56 Ford F100 big-window we built and took home the highly coveted "Fire Chief’s Choice" award!

When a build stands out in a field packed with top-tier classic iron, it proves that the thousands of hours of fabrication, sanding, and assembly were worth every single second. As an award-winning truck builder in Utah, we pride ourselves on creating vehicles that don't just turn heads they stop people in their tracks.

Here is a closer look at exactly what caught the Fire Chief's eye and why this '56 is dominating the local and national show circuits.

Flawless Paint & Body Lines

A classic truck needs a paint job that commands attention without screaming for it. We laid down a glass-like coat of PPG Ford Fighter Jet Gray. It is a modern, aggressive color that perfectly complements the vintage, sweeping lines of the 1956 big-window cab.

But that paint only looks as good as the metal underneath it. We made sure the gaps were laser-straight and the body was absolutely flawless before it ever saw the spray booth.

High-End Metal Fabrication

The beauty of this truck is in the details you almost don't notice. We didn't just bolt on aftermarket parts; we completely reimagined the truck's profile with subtle, high-end metalwork.

• The Front End: We meticulously reshaped the classic grille and fabricated a custom tucked front bumper to pull the whole front fascia tighter to the body.

• The Rear End: To accommodate massive rubber, we widened the rear fenders, fabricated custom inner wheel tubs, and finished it off with a custom rolled rear pan and a tucked rear bumper to match the front.

Modern Muscle Under the Hood

While the exterior screams classic hot rod, the mechanics are purely modern performance. This F100 is sitting right on a top-tier SpeedTech Performance chassis, giving it the handling and geometry of a modern sports car.

Under the hood sits a beautifully detailed 6.2-liter GM LS3 pushing 525 horsepower, breathing through SpeedTech headers and a custom Stainless Works exhaust. It is backed by a 6L80e transmission controlled by a Lokar sport shifter. It doesn't just look like a trophy winner; it drives like an absolute monster.

A True Collaborative Masterpiece

A build of this caliber takes a village. We handled the extensive metalwork and paint here at Rods N Mods, but we have to give a massive shoutout to Ceballos Customs for executing a breathtaking modern interior. Between the custom fabricated center console, the modified TMI seats, and the Dakota Digital gauges, the inside of this truck is just as impressive as the outside.

Ready for Your Own Award-Winning Build?

Taking home "Fire Chief's Choice" at the Hurricane Valley Rotary 2026 Easter Car Show is a massive honor, and it is a testament to the level of craftsmanship we bring to every project.

If you are looking for an award-winning truck builder in Utah to turn your dream Restomod into a reality, the team at Rods N Mods is ready to get to work. Stop by the shop in St. George, or contact us today to get your project on the lift!