Replacing departed favorite ride isn't easy. But for one Ford truck enthusiast, this replacement F-100 might be even better than the first!
1. Gone, but Not Forgotten
Many of us have been there. You buy a truck you truly love, pour your blood, sweat, tears (and cash) into it. You drive it, you wash it, you maintain it. And then, for whatever reason, you get rid of it one day. And more often than not, you regret that decision...for a long time. Such is the story of Larry Stewart, the man behind this 1953 Ford F-100. After owning a 1956 F-100 for many years, he finally gave in and sold it when someone offered him an incredible sum of money for the truck. Problem is, despite the hefty profit from the sale, its departure left a void in his heart. And his garage.
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2. The Perfect Candidate
As Stewart explained to Hot Rod, he immediately began searching for a replacement truck to fill that void. And that's when he came across this '53 at a swap meet in Moultrie, Georgia just a couple of years ago. The truck had some work done to it but was far from a finished product. The previous owner had already boxed the frame and installed a Crown Victoria front end, making this a great base, to begin with. Stewart simply enhanced what was already in place by adding a set of lowering springs and an 8.8-inch rear end.
>>Join the conversation about this 1953 F-100 Restomod right here in Ford-trucks.com.
3. Enhanced Power
The '53 also came with a nice, late model 302 already installed, but it was crying out for some enhancements as well. So Stewart, despite his admitted lack of mechanical prowess, gave it just that. An Edelbrock aluminum intake and 600 cfm carb help feed the V8 fuel and air while block hugger headers and Flowmaster exhaust dispense of the spent gases. Behind the engine sits a C6 automatic transmission for easy cruising.
>>Join the conversation about this 1953 F-100 Restomod right here in Ford-trucks.com.
4. Inside Out
On a '50s custom, the interior presentation is as critical as the exterior. And Stewart's new ride certainly makes the cut in that regard. Mustang buckets make room for a custom center console that holds an Alpine stereo. Dakota Digital gauges fill the dash, while the driver gets to grab a nice looking CCP steering wheel. The whole thing, from door panels to seats to headliner - was then covered in burgundy and gray vinyl for the finishing touch.
>>Join the conversation about this 1953 F-100 Restomod right here in Ford-trucks.com.
5. Make It Your Own
On the outside, the pattern of enhancing existing mods while adding personal touches continues. A custom pan, tilt-forward hood, body color grille, and bumper delete clean up the front and give it a custom look. Out back, fresh stained oak fills the bed. New fenders, measuring in at 2 inches wider than stock, make room for the beefy American Racing 20-inch wheels and BFGoodrich tires. And the whole thing is covered in red and silver, with yellow and carbon accents to break it up and add visual appeal. One thing's for sure - it's more than enough to fill the void from one regretful decision, that's for sure!
>>Join the conversation about this 1953 F-100 Restomod right here in Ford-trucks.com.
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