Truck goes from ho-hum stock to juicy traffic stopper.
Upgraded Show
As the popular social media meme states: “Wow, would you look at that!” Up for consignment sale, aftermarket touches take this 2003 F-150 Flareside from ho-hum stock to head-turning wild. More than just eye-popping good looks, an upgraded motor and drivetrain puts the 'go' into the 'show.' For those wanting a stylish step back in time, this is your truck!
Photos courtesy of Classic Auto Mall
Juicy Deal
Era-appropriate graphics and faux carbon fiber kick the appeal factor into high gear. Pushing that 'buy now' urge over the top is an aggressive, pro-stock-inspired hood scoop, a ground effects kit, body matching bumper with aero-venting, inset fog lights, and a custom black horizontal bar grille. Tying it all together and sealing the deal, is a juicy Hugger Orange paint job.
Sleek Departure
Tenth-generation F-150s sometimes get called a derogatory nickname, but are often more endearingly known as the 'Jellybean.' Built from 1997 to 2003, the model break changed everything about F-series trucks. Departing from the time-honored square-body design, tenth-gens received a sleek, aerodynamic restyle. Underneath, was a totally reengineered chassis with fully independent front suspension—a departure from the old twin-beam setup.
Highlighted Mill
Named after its engine, tenth-generation F-150s are also known as Tritons. The big motor was first introduced into the Ford power architecture in 1997. Directed at full-sized pickups, the powerhouse mill also wound up in the Mustang Cobra and GT500. True-to-form, under this 2003 Flareside's scooped hood sits a 5.4L Triton V8, highlighted with orange dress-up and freehand pinstriping.
Polished Number
Hooking up hard comes courtesy of a 4R70W 4-speed automatic transmission that is coupled to a Dana 60 3.55 limited-slip rear axle. Rolling stock for this tasty number comes in the form of polished aluminum, and 20'' Prime wheels. Now discontinued, the vintage seven-spoke rims are wrapped front and back with Michelin Pilot Super Sport ZR20 rubber.
Tied Together
With a nod to Ford's sports heritage, the taillights are capped with the mid-1990s, Mustang ribbed covers. Another body matching bumper was fitted to the rear. Complementing the orange paint is a liberal dose of black accenting. In the rear, the whole look is visually tied together with a tinted window, large racing stripes, a custom tonneau cover, and the bumper's step pad.
Technology Time
The interior of the Flareside is equally well-appointed. Swing the doors open and one is greeted by black and orange leather seats with tuck-and-roll inserts. The molded plastic interior emulates the aerodynamic exterior, while orange carbon fiber inserts have been added to the control panels. At the height of technology for its time, this ride is equipped with an AM/FM/CD digital radio.
Current Squeeze
Exiting the gray carpeted interior, it is hard to say no to this millennial-age dream machine. Offered at $21,500, with only 80,895 miles, the deal just keeps getting sweeter. Classic Auto Mall in Morgantown, Pennsylvania describes the truck as a “show winner and traffic stopper.” For those feeling the squeeze, here is the current listing.
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