This 1949 Ford F1 has had a complete rotisserie nut and bolt restoration and is one of the nicest driving old pickups we have ever had through our showroom. The restoration which is just over 4 years old has just 2,900 miles on all of the new work and stands as a glimmering example of what talented hands can accomplish using high-quality parts and materials.
Upon removing the body from the frame, the frame was media blasted and fitted with a Heidts Superide Mustang II independent front suspension. Not only does this set up come with tubular control arms and coil over shocks, but it also uses a very precise rack and pinion set up which completely blows the original steering setup out of the water. The handling and ride quality are excellent and the steering box slop is all but gone. The rest of the suspension is new as well and the brakes have been converted to a front disc setup complete with a billet master cylinder and polished booster. The wheels are 17" Billet Specialties and the tires are performance radial that offer greatly improved handling.
The finish work on truck is really special and the paint is a stand out candy job that really pops in all lighting conditions. It has a gorgeous wet sanded finish and a deep shine that is a stand out at car shows. All of the glass and trim is new on the truck as well as all of the rubber. The cab has some serious sound deadening and the doors close with a proper "thud." All of the body hardware is chrome and stainless, so even the door hinges look awesome. The bed is finished in a tinted bed liner material and is both durable and good looking.
The interior is extra clean and very custom. The Ford uses a set of late model power bucket seats which have been custom upholstered to create a unique look and offer up loads of comfort. The door panels are custom molded pieces as are the speaker kick panels in the front of the cab. Chrome accents really set off the interior of the F1. The gauges are new custom electronic units but wear the vintage Ford branding via a shiny chrome bezel. The old speaker grill is chrome as well which really brightens up the center of the dash. The center console is custom and the shifter features an awesome looking "piston" style grip. The headliner rolls into a matching panel behind the seat, creating an interior that exudes comfort. Don’t miss the "V8" steering wheel and the high dollar chromed column. Keeping cruising temperatures perfect is an brand new AC unit with modern control inset into the center console.
The engine is a 351 Cleveland with a Holley Double pumper carb, and an Edelbrock Performer intake. Serving up a big spark is a Mallory coil and Mallory distributor combo. An aluminum radiator keeps engine temps in the 180 range or below and the fuel tank has been relocated to the rear of the truck. Pump the gas twice, turn the key and the motor falls into a nice easy idle every time. It is never cold blooded and is the perfect powerplant for this awesome cruiser. The transmission is a C4 with a mild shift kit and the rear end is a Ford 9" with posi gears.
This Ford is really a wonderful driving truck that can take trophies at shows to boot. It’s hard to find that combination, but this truck has it going on.
