All-Ford build is over-the-top and magazine feature worthy.
Jacked Showcase
Not one to mince words, Varnbilt Motorsports' Instagram byline simply states, “We build cool sh*t.” Proof of that claim is this over-the-top 1951 F-1, dubbed 'Goldrush.' Run by Christopher Varner, the Manahawkin, New Jersey-based outfit is a regular at SEMA, building jacked rigs to showcase the latest from TIS Wheels. With a motor to match its stature, Goldrush is a wild rush.
Photos courtesy of Varnbilt
Pending Season
With many recent events postponed due to pandemic concerns, Varner took advantage of the time to complete Goldrush in late 2021. He explained, “We’ve typically done one to two vehicles a year for shows, but we don’t have anything pending for future shows as some of the ones we have been planning have been canceled for the 2022 season.”
Attractive Variant
The F-1's pristine cab and box is from a first-generation F-Series. Produced from 1948 to 1952, the model line is otherwise known as 'Bonus-Built' trucks. A complete departure from pre-war designs, the new trucks were offered in the half-ton pickup variant, all the way up to the heavy-duty F-7 and F-8 'Big Job' units, and the uniquely attractive C-6 COE.
Rolling Travel
Goldrush's elaborate chassis is a work of mechanical art. Layered with prismatic Golden Sands powdercoat the suspension setup was custom-built by Varnbilt Motorsports, using King Custom 3.0 coilovers with finned reservoirs for a whopping fourteen inches of travel. The rolling stock is a set of 30'' x 16'' TIS Forged Monoblock wheels, wrapped in 42'' Fury tires.
Ballistic Duties
A couple of beefy axles were selected to connect the custom chassis with the meaty tires. A Dana 60 with hydraulic steering was fitted to the front, while at the back, a Sterling 10.5'' rear end with Ballistic Fab covers was used. Stopping duties are handled by a full set of Wilwood six-piston brakes that clamp onto 14'' inch rotors.
Mill Mods
A tall truck needs an equally big motor. Keeping everything in the Ford family, Varner opted for the unusual choice of a Stage 2, 6.0-liter V8 Power Stroke, fitted with a Non-VGT S363 turbocharger from BorgWarner. Pictured in this social media build image, the monster mill is packed with other performance mods that include a Kill Devil Diesel camshaft, AFE stainless manifolds, and custom-made valve covers.
Aftermarket Billet
With all that power on hand, a stout transmission was imperative. Rolling around on a set of universal bolt pattern shop wheels by Guniwheel, Goldrush revived a 5R110 transmission with an aftermarket 2200 stall converter and billet input shaft. Power is transferred through an SCS billet 12.66 transfer case with cut gears and driveshafts from Drivelines Plus Offroad.
Crazy Builds
The interior was treated to a TIS Wheels custom-machined steering wheel, a Baremetal Bombers Cowhide Bomber seat, and black carpeting. In reflection, Varner posted on his Instagram feed, “If you would have told me when I was a young kid I’d have multiple high-end builds in magazines that I grew up reading, I’d probably tell ya' you're crazy!” Now that really is a wild rush!
>>Join the conversation about this wild Ford F-1 creation right here in the forum.
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