1948 Ford F-1

Description

This is the right way to build a vintage pickup. A 1948 Ford F1 is one of the more desirable models, so you don't want to change the looks too much, but with a bit more horsepower and lots of comfort and convenience upgrades, it makes for one heck of a hauler that will always be the center of attention.

The paint is Cherry Red from the 1996 GMC truck color palette, augmented with traditional black fenders that give it a great working-class look. None of the factory-issued body panels have been modified, preserving the famous good looks that have been inspiring truck lovers for generations. However, that doesn't mean it isn't trick because the workmanship is outstanding from stem to stern: the paint shines, the chrome looks new, and the gorgeous wood-lined bed is far too nice to be hauling anything home from the shop. The stock grille with its built-in parking lights, the single peep mirror on the driver's side, and two original-style taillights add authenticity that are a big part of this truck's charm. And just dig that wrap-around rear bumper that fools you into thinking it's original, a great finishing touch for an extremely nice truck.

The original interior has been softened with the addition of handsome gray fabric upholstery on the factory bench seat and door panels, as well as matching carpets on the floor. Don't worry, it still looks and feels like a truck, but the comfort level is much higher and it feels more like a polished highway cruiser than a blunt instrument. The original gauges are still in their wonderfully asymmetrical instrument panel, with a big round speedometer and smaller rectangular auxiliary gauges directly in front of the driver. The steering wheel is a 17-inch competition piece from Speedway Motors that looks appropriately vintage, and the A/C has been integrated using a custom housing under the dash. An AM/FM/cassette stereo and modern auxiliary gauges are cleverly stashed in the glove box, disrupting the flow of the factory dash as little as possible.

The engine is a 350 cubic inch Chevy V8 with 4-bolt mains taken from a second-generation Camaro Z/28. It was given an .030 overbore, a set of 1971 LT-1 heads, and a custom cam to make for entertaining performance without sacrificing reliability. Mallory ignition components and an Edelbrock carb help guarantee that it'll be on the road for a long time, and it's neatly dressed with a few chrome bits and a very OEM look that I admire. A 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission and 3.08 gears in the color-matched 10-bolt rear end mean that this truck just loafs along at 80 MPH with the A/C blasting. Power disc brakes and rack-and-pinion steering come from a custom front suspension upgrade and the dual exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers and new chrome tips sounds spectacular. Most of this truck's awesome look comes from the rake, which is just right, and the rolling stock, which consists of color-matched steelies with trim rings and original hubcaps inside of 235/75/15 blackwall radials.

A well-built truck that sits right and cruises beautifully thanks to careful engineering and craftsmanship. The fact that it's also great-looking is simply icing on the cake. Call today!