Vehicle Description
The Ford F-series is known across the world as a hardworking truck.
That reputation is a big part of why it earned the title of
America's Bestselling Vehicle for 28 consecutive years. Of course,
a lifetime of dedicated service should be rewarded and, for a few
chosen trucks, a leisurely retirement on the show field awaits.
This '53 Ford F-100 is one of those privileged few. Fresh out of an
extensive frame-off restoration, every inch of this truck is ready
for display. Featuring a dressed small block V8, a custom, air
conditioned interior and a mile-long list of body modifications,
this Ford was built for sunny day cruising and trophy collecting.
If you're in the market for a stand out Effie, settle in and take a
closer look at this '53 F-100.
BODYWORK/TRIM
Formerly known as the Ford F-1, 1953 marked the first year of the
"F-100" namesake. It also brought a significant change in styling.
The second generation of F-Series was a sturdier looking truck,
with an imposing front end and a more composed look than previous
Effies. The crew at Pope's Hot Rods in Smyrna, Tennessee took those
classic Ford lines and sculpted them into an ultra-clean show piece
capable of turning heads at the highest levels. The all-steel cab
was chopped three inches before rejoining the steel bed and hood.
Fiberglass fenders were then added before everything was massaged
to perfection and shot with a glossy coat of Viper Red. Walking
around the truck, mirror like reflections can be found from nearly
every angle. The work is beyond reproach and the sticker on the
passenger side of the windshield shows the crew at Goodguys
agreed.
From the reversed hood to the suicide doors, there are a lot of
classic street-rod tricks at play on the '53, but a closer look
shows a host of supporting details that make this truck stand out
in the crowd. Starting at the front, the flat stock bumper is gone,
replaced by a smooth fiberglass piece that's layered in
rock-resistant film. Above that valance, a clean, body-matched
grille features dual-mode headlamps. Naturally, the hood has been
freed of the stock Ford badge and, from the front view, the absence
of windshield wipers emphasizes stylish rearview mirrors. Along the
sides, all badges are gone, the door handles are shaved and the
unattractive stock gas filler neck at the bottom of the cab has
been replaced by a more modern fuel lid. Behind the cab, the bed
has been thoroughly reworked. Every panel has been smoothed and
filled to perfection while, beneath the tailgate, a roll pan
connects the lines between the bottom of the bed and those deep
rear fenders. And while this Ford does feature default LEDs in its
bed rails, the truck also features lights hidden under its roll
pan, emitting a highly visible glow whenever the brake pedal is
tapped.
ENGINE
For 1953, F-100 buyers were given the option between a Flathead V8
or a 215 cubic inch straight-six. Both were trustworthy enough
options but, with the stronger of the two producing 101 horsepower
in stock form, getting anywhere quickly wasn't in the cards. This
'53 addressed that issue by opting for a well-dressed GM 350 crate
motor. The block wears a smooth coat of red paint while nearly
everything else received a healthy dose of chrome. At the top, an
open element air cleaner is covered by a finned chrome cover that
ties in well with the finned chrome valve covers at either side. In
the center, polished Inglese stacks utilize FAST self-tuning
control to deliver a precise mixture of atomized fuel. Up front, a
chrome RAB Performance serpentine drive spins a fresh AC compressor
next to a 120-amp alternator. At the front of those ancillaries, a
PRC cross-flow radiator utilizes two fans and a polished shroud to
keep the set up cool. Around the engine, cleanliness remained a
high priority. The firewall is completely shaved and almost all
wiring is tucked neatly out of sight. Turn the key and the small
block fires to life immediately, exhaling through polished
headers.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Underneath this Effie, show-quality work continues. The floors are
as straight as the body and covered in the same show-quality bright
red paint. Polished hardware and neatly tucked lines reinforce the
attention to detail used throughout the build. In the center, a
reliable TH350 automatic transmission makes easy work of extended
cruising, channeling power back to a chrome-plated Ford 9-inch rear
packed with 3.50 gears. Around the drivetrain, a modernized
suspension starts off with a Fat Man Fabrications Mustang II clip
with a polished crossmember and polished control arms. Steering is
aided by a power-assisted rack-and-pinion. The back end is held in
place by a triangulated 4-link supported by a pair of Alden
coil-overs. Naturally the 4-link is polished, perfectly
complementing the front end set-up as well as a polished fuel tank
and polished dual exhaust. At the corners, 4-wheel disc brakes
bring the truck to a halt with authority. And everything rolls on
polished Billet Specialties wheels, which meet the ground through
Falken Ziex radials in sizes 225/50R17 and 275/45R20,
respectively.
INTERIOR
It's often said that there is elegance in simplicity and the inside
of this Effie definitely makes a case for that idea. Wrapped in
Dynamat and lined in tan leather, there's enough contrast to keep
the cab interesting without breaking the limits of good taste. A
pair of bucket seats offer plenty of support and a touch of luxury
thanks to tan leather with subtle custom inserts. At either side,
custom door panels hang red paint and billet metalwork in front of
power-operated windows. Behind those buckets, the rear cab wall
wears even more leather, making it appear as though the seats are
molded in. An arrow-like design between the seats draws the eye
down towards the low-profile center console which has also been
sprayed Viper Red. From the driver seat, a leather-wrapped 3-spoke
billet steering wheel offers a connection to the front wheels
through a polished tilt-column. Above, a steel, body-matched dash
has seats clean telemetry above Vintage Air conditioning. In the
center, a tall floor shifter extends all the way to dash height,
grounded to the console through a tan leather boot. And, for longer
cruises, an AM/FM/CD head unit mounted in the base of the passenger
seat provides all the necessary entertainment.
With a reliable well-dressed drivetrain, a killer custom interior
and clean lines all around, this Ford is dead-set on turning heads
everywhere it goes. If you'd like to join it in the spotlight,
don't miss your chance to bring this little red Effie home.
Well-built customs don't hang around showrooms for long.
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a professional, frame-off restoration
350 cubic inch GM crate engine / Inglese 8-stack fuel injection
Automatic transmission / TH350
Custom leather interior / Modern audio
Modern Air Conditioning
Ford 9-inch rear axle / 3.50 gears
Fat Man Fabrications Mustang II front suspension / Triangulated
4-link rear suspension
Power rack-and-pinion steering
4-wheel disc brakes
Billet Specialties wheels
