1981 F-100 Stepside called ‘Bad Bob’ is Yellow But Not Mellow

Restored square-bodied auction truck is running on a high-performance Ford 460 ci engine.

We came across this blazing yellow 1981 Ford F-100 and we needed to see more. The truck, which is currently for sale on Classic Cars for Sale, has undergone a frame-off restoration, It is a top banana of square body excellence. Sorry, we couldn’t resist.

The truck, also named “Bad Bob,” comes with a great story of two truck loving buddies.

The seller writes that “A friend of mine started to build a hot rod. He had the motor, transmission and rear end professionally built, then put it all in a Datsun Pickup. Then he passed away…so I bought this 1981 Ford to put the running gear in. I wanted to see my friends engine and components put to good use.”

The seller acquired the rust-free 1981 F-100 and did a total frame off restoration. He updated the brakes and suspension; then added power steering, power brakes, tilt steering wheel, new upholstery, carpet, door panels, windshield, and rear window glass.

A dash of modern tech is incorporated with the inclusion of a 2006 F-150 console, including the shifter, and AM/FM radio with CD player. Next, he added Summit wheels and Mickey Thompson tires.

The 460 motor pairs to a 6-speed automatic transmission. He included a Ford posi trac in the rear end.

The truck was stripped down to the bare metal and repainted in Screamin’ Yellow with a black hood. Great choice. The redone truck bed got new cedar woodwork. Perfection. All the chrome is either new or freshly polished.

The end result makes us green with envy. It’s a badass restoration, and has less that 300 miles on the odometer. We love the vintage details that make this really stand out, and the care put into building a truck in his friend’s honor.

Photos: Classic Cars for Sale

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.