1953 Ford F100

1953 Ford F100 Pickup The first restyling of Fords popular F-series truck included an expanded cab, stylish new grille, and longer hood that flowed into the front fenders. Changes from the first F-series Pickup to the second generation went beyond a face lift. Ford expanded the trucks wheelbase, with longer front and rear leaf springs fitted to improve ride quality while still maintaining hauling ability. The front suspension was set back to allow a tighter turning radius. A new cargo bed, measuring 6 1/2 feet by 20 inches, would be used all the way up into the eighties. Right out of 1953 to potentially your driveway, we have a fully restored and slightly rodded Ford Pickup truck. Bathed in Torch Red, (like a burning flame), shiny Eagle wheels, an engine in 302ci form, and a like new beige interior, this truck is low hanging fruit ripe for the picking out of our beloved Hallowed Halls here at the Classic Auto Mall. Exterior Very nicely done with well minded gaps, this straight steel exterior is bathed in fireliscous Torch Red which is just delightful. The front grille has been retained and is blindingly blingy chrome highlighted by the traditional Ford V8 emblem. Some chromed trimmings kept to a minimum are seen throughout and are beautifully shiny and pit free. This is a step side model so there is a running board attaching the front and rear rounded fenders. The cab has a long rear glass for much better panoramic vision, and on back a new Honey Oak lined bed which is highly lacquered stretched between the cab and the smooth tailgate. Below the back bumper has been shaved and now below we see chromed tipped round exhaust. Nice flush mount rectangle taillights are grafted into the custom rear roll pan, and those snappy Eagle 3 spokes with slicing scimitar blades are nicely polished and wrapped in blackwall BF Goodrich Radial TAs. Interior A press of the remote and the handleless doors open and we are greeted with some beige leather covered panels with stitched in flames for highlighting. Satin finish billet actuators and a billet bezel for the power window switches and beige covered armrest complete the look. The original seat has been upgraded to a bench covered in beige leather with smooth bolsters and tuck and roll stitched inserts with a beige piping for delineation. In front is a beautiful metal dash bathed in the Torch Red and sporting a billet cluster with Autometer gauges. A custom laser cut flamed billet steering wheel is atop a tilt column and is fronting the dash. As we move across the dash, we see fully smoothed over steel all in body matching red. Reaching for the sky from the tan carpeted floors is a long stem Lokar shifter, and also, we can see the billet style shiny pedals under the steering wheel. Smooth beige leather wraps the roof and rear of the cab thus ending our interior tour. Drivetrain A heave of the large hood which now has been hinged to open forward, and we can bask our eyes on the mechanical jewel of a V8 in 302ci configuration. Ford Racing valve coverings and air cleaner assembly all in chrome have been added for the bling factor along with a mirrored firewall. On back is now a 3-speed automatic C4 tranny which pushes power rearward to Ford 9 rear axle and pumpkin. All looking fab in the mirrored and red engine bay. Undercarriage Up on the lift and we see plenty of steel which has been painted black. This covers the frame, flooring, suspension and body hangers. Only a slight misting of road dirt and a few hints of surface rust but no invasive rust is seen throughout. rockers. Headers feed into a stainless steel exhaust system with unnamed stainless steel mufflers. All of this snakes their way backward, and leaf spring suspension is seen on all 4 corners on its way back. Disc brakes have been added on the front and drum brakes are seen on the rear. Drive-Ability Care needs to be taken as we fired this truck up and it came right to life. Plenty of power but it needs to be used responsibly as with any truck or car with full leaf spring suspension. Acceleration felt limitless, braking was bias free even during our panic stop test and handling was on par for a truck of the era. Thankfully power steering was added for the low speed tight turns and we note neither heat nor A/C has been installed. A very nice presentation all around gotta love the Torch Red with the wonderful complimentary beige leather interior, and snappy Eagle bladelike wheels. A modernized version of a truck from an era when most of its drivers wore uniforms with their name stitched above the breast pocket. Ill take two with a dollop of high-test gas. VIN DECODE F10D3C13890 F10-F100 1/2 Ton D-215ci Inline 6 Cylinder 3-1953 C-Chester, PA Assy Plant 13890-Sequential Unit Number