1962 Ford F-100 Transformed into Ultimate Unibody

When Great Ideas Fail

Ford trucks have always been at the forefront of innovation. But like any other product, progress often comes with failures. One such idea that didn't quite pan out was Ford's "unibody" line of F-100 pickups, which the automaker rolled out in 1961. With an "integrated" cab and body, these pickups sported a traditional frame-style chassis, which also makes the term "unibody" a bit of a misnomer. The result, however, was a rather handsome looking pickup. 

One Little Problem

The unibody F-100 was also cheaper and less complicated to produce and even sported a larger cargo area. So it's no wonder that Ford was quite confident that these daring new pickups would succeed. Unfortunately, there was just one problem. The unibody couldn't flex and twist like a traditional pickup. And when loaded with heavy cargo, they tended to bend the body to the point where it would become damaged.

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Alone at the Top

Thus, the unibody F-100 was gone by the 1964 model year, never to be seen again. But even though they weren't commercially successful, these stylish old pickups make quite the cool cruisers. And this gorgeous '62 F-100, which is up for grabs over at Hemmings, is certainly at the top of its class.

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Fully Custom

As if the unibody design isn't attractive enough on its own, this one also sports the optional and massive panoramic rear window. But aside from that, not much else here is untouched or original. Starting with the frame, which was C-notched and boxed. 

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The Things You Can't See

To get this unibody on the ground, the builder fabricated tubular cross members and installed a TCI Mustang II front end. Out back, you'll find a traditional four-link setup. The whole thing was painted body color, making this a truck you'll want to crawl under and admire. If you can. 

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Up and Down

Rounding out the rolling chassis is a set of massive Wilwood disc brakes and 20-inch Foose Nitrous II wheels. With the flip of a switch, this truck's air bag setup can instantly fill the wheel wells with those large hoops. Or give this unibody enough ground clearance to clear potholes and speed bumps. 

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Comfort and Style

The interior of this stunning unibody is equally clean and custom. Tasteful white threads cover the bench seat, door panels, and steering wheel. There's an aftermarket tilt column, gauge cluster, and various other modern amenities that ensure you're riding in comfort as well as style.  

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Modded yet Tasteful

Far too often, builders of vintage pickups take things a little too far. But in the case of this stunning F-100, they were obviously careful not to get too crazy. This pickup might lay out on the ground and attract a crowd, but you won't find any over the top or tacky mods.  

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Light 'Em Up

Well, unless you take a peek under the hood, that is. Restraint went out the window as the owner of this rig chose not to take the obvious route with some mild crate motor. Instead, you'll find a fire-breathing, 396 cubic inch, stroked-out Ford mill more than capable of lighting up those large rear meats. 

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Eye Pleaser

Using a set of free-breathing Kaase heads and various other racy components, this Blue Oval mill pumps out an impressive 475 hp, even on cheap gas. In the end, a full 2,000 hours went into this impressive build. And since its completion, this unibody has gone on to win a host of first place trophies, including Best in Show at the Calgary World of Wheels. All of which proves that even though a unibody F-100 isn't the best hauler on earth, it sure is pretty to look at! 

>>Join the conversation about this classic Unibody F-100 right here in Ford-trucks.com.

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