There's nothing we'd rather drive cross country in than a classic Ford truck, and this F-100 isn't just easy on the eyes.
Apple of My Eye
Hot Rod's Power Tour is an epic, long-running event that many associate with high-power muscle cars and street rods. But there are plenty of cool old trucks that participate as well, including this awesome 1961 Ford F-100 that caught the legendary mag's eye on this year's tour.
Photos: Hot Rod
True Standout
Hot Rod spotted Brad and Jill Eales' F-100 while the tour was taking a pit stop at Martinsville Speedway. So what made it stand out? Turns out, a few cool features that separated the pickup from the rest of the pack.
Photos: Hot Rod
>>Join the conversation about this restomod F-100 right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Positive Attributes
"It sat lower than the cars around it," Hot Rod noted. "It had what looked to be original paint. The interior was spotless and the wheel-and-tire combo looked great with the color and profile of the body. Easy to spot, really."
Photos: Hot Rod
>>Join the conversation about this restomod F-100 right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Less Stress, More Fun
The Eales are fans of high-end builds like this one, which feature an updated suspension and drivetrain yet a less-than-perfect body. "Those cars are comfortable," Eale said. "You can lean on them, there is less stress, and more fun."
Photos: Hot Rod
>>Join the conversation about this restomod F-100 right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
New Where It Counts
For this particular build, Eale teamed up with Dalbey’s Hot Rod Shop. They retained the truck's original patina, but notched the frame to get it down low. Then, they fitted the pickup with a front suspension and differential from No Limit Engineering.
Photos: Hot Rod
>>Join the conversation about this restomod F-100 right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
No Air
Unlike many similar builds, there is no air suspension to get it this low. The whole trick was accomplished through suspension and frame mods. And that's pretty impressive all by itself.
Photos: Hot Rod
>>Join the conversation about this restomod F-100 right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Familiar Route
Eale chose to go the GM route in terms of drivetrain, stabbing an LS3 and 4L70E in the old truck. But he did modify the coilovers with what looks to be an old Thunderbird design, though he's not fooling us.
Photos: Hot Rod
>>Join the conversation about this restomod F-100 right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Fancy Insides
What this F-100 lacks in fanciness on the outside it more than makes up for inside. There you'll find a beautifully stitched red interior with a newly covered seat, carpet, and matching steering wheel.
Photos: Hot Rod
>>Join the conversation about this restomod F-100 right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Staggered Set
The truck sits on a set of attractive, old school 18×8 and 18×10 E.T. wheels wrapped in staggered 295 rubber out back, with 245s taking up space up front.
Photos: Hot Rod
>>Join the conversation about this restomod F-100 right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Long Hauler
Despite Eale's reaction to Hot Rod's interest, it's really no surprise to us that they fell in love with his pickup. Heck, we did too. Perhaps nitpicking, but if only he had stuck a Coyote under the hood instead of an LS3, we'd say that it's the perfect long hauler!
Photos: Hot Rod
>>Join the conversation about this restomod F-100 right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
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