Daily Slideshow: This "green machine" might pack plenty of power and a show truck appearance, but it's also surprisingly eco-friendly.
The Green Machine
Take a glance at this 1956 Ford F-100, and you immediately appreciate the work that went into it. And unsurprisingly, the pickup is known as "Natural Disaster" was, in fact, a project on History Channel’s “American Restoration” series. It's also made appearances in numerous publications, including Truck Trend. But the wild custom, currently up for sale at Max Motive, is much more than just another show truck build.
Eco-Friendly
The world of hot rodding has rarely cared much about things like environmental impact. We've been ripping out smog equipment and restrictive parts in favor of go-fast goodies since day one, but Natural Disaster was built under a much more eco-friendly premise.
>>Join the conversation about this classic propane powered F-100 right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Fast but Responsible
Steve Hale, owner of Steve's Restorations & Hot Rods, in Marcy, New York built this truck specifically as proof that custom trucks can be both fast and environmentally responsible, in fact. And suffice to say, he certainly pulled it off.
>>Join the conversation about this classic propane powered F-100 right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Big Motor, Little Emissions
It all starts with what lies under the hood - a heavily massaged Ford 460. The big engine has been treated to aluminum heads, a tunnel ram intake, dual carbs, a Competition cam, and shorty headers. All of which is good enough for an impressive output of 550 hp. So what, you ask, is so eco-friendly about this? Well, the big motor runs on 100% liquid propane, which means it also produces nearly zero emissions.
>>Join the conversation about this classic propane powered F-100 right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Sitting Right
Of course, building a show truck requires a certain stance as well. Thus, this '56 sits on partially boxed and C-notched frame rails, drop spindles, a rear four-link, and an Airbagit air ride setup that allows it to sit on the ground when it needs to.
>>Join the conversation about this classic propane powered F-100 right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Bed Art
The bed itself, like the rest of the truck, is a work of art. It's set up with a hydraulic dump action and top hinged dump-style tailgate. The inside is lined with stunning copper inner panels, which frame a 28.5-gallon Manchester propane tank.
>>Join the conversation about this classic propane powered F-100 right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Chameleon Paint
The rest of the body on this F-100 has received an incredible amount of attention. There are exactly 212 function louvers on the hood, suicide doors, shaved door handles and recessed taillights, and a roll pan. It's all topped off with a stunning paint job that features a Vibrance Envirobase basecoat with PPG copper flip-flop metal flake to give it a different look from every angle.
>>Join the conversation about this classic propane powered F-100 right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Test of Time
And of course, you can't build an eco-friendly ride without some eco-friendly tires. Thus, the F-100's Nokian P205/50R17 rubber is made from canola oil and other natural oils, which produces less pollution during manufacturing. And it all ties together into one amazing custom truck that looks every bit as awesome today as it did when it was built!
>>Join the conversation about this classic propane powered F-100 right here in Ford-trucks.com.
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