It's no secret that Ford builds the most celebrated trucks on the planet. From the stalwart C-Series to the hardcore Raptor every iteration of 'Built Ford Tough' has transformed a solid clientele of buyers into a devout following of gearheads. Over the past few years we've featured plenty of vintage ground-pounding blue ovals and this sleek '49 resto-mod is just the latest in a series of sweet F-Series head turners. Mixing a tweaked Windsor and tough C6 3-speed with bodywork that'll sit well at any car show this road-ready warrior is worthy of EVERY Ford fan's full attention. If you're shopping for a clean classic that mixes modern detailing with purposeful simplicity take a close look at this slick F1!
A mostly solid work truck that hails from Oregon this super cool pickup recently received a roof-to-rocker makeover that was completed in the fall of 2012. That body-off reboot started with a through sandblasting which lead to repaired floorpans and reworked running boards. With those minor rust issues addressed Tom Phillips Woodworks of Ashland Oregon bolted up some hand-rubbed Hickory sideboards. Then the truck traveled to Carrs Auto Body in Gold Hill Oregon where a clean coat of BMW Bronzit 2-stage was completely color-sanded and carefully buffed. And today that pigment's combination of excellent reflections and Kansas-flat surfaces showcases a subdued and sophisticated classic that's essentially timeless.
Not surprisingly this awesome Ford's first rate detailing highlights both its solid form and smoothed lines. At the front of the truck a vented hood rides above bold "F O R D" lettering a chrome Ford-branded grille and clean halogen headlights. At the sides of that grille a pinstriped profile hangs simple "F1" emblems below twisting door handles and arced mirrors. At the top of that profile tinted glass rides between electronic windshield wipers a custom Center High Mount Stop Lamp and a stainless-trimmed Hickory bed. And at the back of that bed a striped and "Ford" branded tailgate hangs above polished taillights and a small chrome bumper.
Toss the truck's lightweight hood and you'll find a 351 cubic inch Windsor crate motor that creates a stout 325 horsepower. Wholly appropriate since the cast iron Windsor is well known for its rugged durability this hot rod was built to tow AND haul! At the top of the proven mill a polished Edelbrock carburetor rides under a clean K&N X-Stream air filter. Below that carburetor a coated Edelbrock Performer RPM intake anchors a high quality MSD Pro-Billet distributor between polished Ford Racing valve covers and loomed MSD Super Conductor plug wires. And below those wires heat-wrapped shorties funnel spent gases in to a 3-inch exhaust system while a color-keyed Walker radiator cycles water around March pulleys and an electric puller fan. As you can see the thoroughly massaged engine bay wears matching Bronzit skin. All the motor's ancillary components from its MSD coil and Lokar throttle linkage to its braided fluid lines and American Autowire wiring are high quality aftermarket pieces. And if you're a sucker for the details the truck's airbrushed battery box is an enduringly cool touch.
During its youth this classic spent most days living outside and working hard. So when the time came for rebirth the truck was a prime candidate for thorough modernization. Nowhere is that theme more evident than under the skin. The 351's power flows from a kitted C6 3-speed to a sturdy Strange 9-inch that's fitted with a limited-slip differential and beefy 3.73 gears. That familiar drivetrain pushes a professionally boxed and braced chassis on gas shocks and traditional leaf springs. Tracking is provided by a Total Cost Involved front clip which benefits from gas shocks power rack-and-pinion steering and 2-inch drop spindles. Quick stops are a cinch thanks to power-assisted discs at all four corners. At the center of the floor custom 3-inch exhaust which along with the truck's fuel tank was built by Medford's own Allin Specialties Cars & Automotive breathes through a throaty Magnaflow muffler. And at the corners of the chassis Wheel Vintiques steelies twist 255/50R17 Yokohama S/Ts in front of 275/60R17 Yokohama S/Ts.
When you pop this pickup's doors you'll find a stylish and comfortable cockpit that was detailed by Greg's Upholstery in Grants Pass Oregon. Top dead center a clean dash hangs Auto Meter telemetry above well-integrated ducting for modern air conditioning. In front of that dash a cushy Glide seat which features a folding armrest wears a supple ultraleather hide. At the sides of that seat ultraleather door panels anchor traditional chrome handles above tidy pulls. Under those panels clean carpet founds color-keyed floor mats beneath Lokar foot pedals and a familiar Lokar shifter. Opposite that carpet a tweed headliner stretches tight behind a polished mirror and matching sun visors. And in front of the driver a tilting column spins a Carrera banjo-style steering wheel.
The sale of this gentrified workhorse includes an album of restoration photos a 2012 appraisal from Auto Appraisal Network a showboard a vinyl bed floor cover and a complete car cover.
Perpetually cool and visually stunning this awesome Ford is a classic example of the skill and creativity that defines our hobby. With its clean craftsmanship and excellent asking price it presents the rare opportunity to land a well-done trophy winner that doubles as a well-done road warrior. Don't miss your chance to own this sweet resto-mod!