DEVAN ENCE
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June 17, 2025
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F100 Builders Guide
Some builds are about horsepower. Others are about heritage. For Matt Dudley, this 1958 Ford F100 is both. It’s a street-driven classic wrapped in bold color, but it started with something more personal. His dad was born in 1958 and always wanted to build a big back window Ford from that year. So, Matt made it happen.
This truck wasn’t a weekend bolt-on project. It took 4.5 years of patience, planning, and working alongside his dad, Jesse Dudley, who played a huge role in the build. The goal was to keep the classic styling intact while updating the chassis, drivetrain, and interior.
Under the hood is a Gen 3 5.0L Coyote from a 2019 Mustang, backed by a 10R80 automatic transmission. The powertrain is supported by a full suite of parts from Power-by-the-Hour—engine mounts, front drive accessories, radiator, remote transmission cooler, and fuel system. A Ford Performance control pack keeps the swap in check, and the transmission stays cool thanks to a front-mounted cooler attached to the front crossmember.
Out back is a Ford 8.8 rear axle from a 2004 Explorer with 31-spline axles, 3.55 gears, and disc brakes. The custom driveshaft was built by Driveshaft Specialties. The frame, originally from 1958, has been heavily modified. Jesse boxed the front frame section and installed an independent front suspension and rear 4-link with a panhard bar from Danny’s Original Customs. Aldan coilovers handle damping on all four corners, and Wilwood’s Blackout master cylinder setup brings the truck to a confident stop.
The stance is low and balanced. US Mags Rambler wheels (18×8 front, 18×9.5 rear) are wrapped in Nitto NT555G2 tires, giving the truck a modern contact patch without losing the vintage appeal.
The body stays true to its roots, but everything’s been refined. The grille, headlights, and bumpers are factory-but the bumpers have been tucked. The fuel filler neck was shaved, the bed stake pockets were deleted, and the tailgate now opens with a hidden latch system.
The color choice—Solar Octane Orange—was easy for Matt & Jesse. The bold tone was sprayed by Jesse Dudley and finished in base/clear for extra depth. One of the standout exterior touches is the raised tailgate lettering, hand-painted in gray by Sandy’s Fine Line Arts.
Inside, the truck keeps the same balance of classic and clean. A custom bench seat is upholstered in black Apollo material by Junior McClelland. Dakota Digital gauges replace the factory cluster. A Retro Radio brings in Bluetooth and modern tunes while staying true to the truck’s look. Custom door panels, kick panels, and a matching headliner give the interior a finished feel without looking overdone.
Matt’s goal was a clean street truck that would stand out while staying drivable. So far, it hasn’t hit the show circuit, but it’s booked for appearances at the Tulsa Starbird show and the Grand National F100 Show in Pigeon Forge.
The biggest challenge was sourcing parts during the supply chain slowdowns of 2020. That meant delays, dead ends, and dozens of phone calls. But Matt kept it moving through what he calls patience and tenacity. There’s nothing he’d change on the truck now, and he’s proud of the result.
His advice for anyone trying to take on a similar project? “Be extremely patient, budget four times more than you think you’ll need, and find a dad who’s super talented.”
This isn’t a flashy build chasing trends. It’s a personal project, a father-and-son effort built with intention and finished with care. Trucks like this don’t just show up—they’re earned.
Owner
Matt Dudley
Brooke Dudley
1958 Ford F100 Solar Octane Orange (base/clear)
Engine & Drivetrain
2019 Ford Gen 3 Coyote 5.0L V8
10R80 10-speed automatic transmission
Power-by-the-Hour mounts, radiator, cooler, accessory drive, and fuel system
Ford Performance control pack
Driveshaft Specialties custom shaft
2004 Ford Explorer 8.8 rear axle, 3.55 gears, disc brakes, 31-spline axles
Chassis & Suspension
1958 Ford frame, boxed front section
Danny’s Original Customs IFS and 4-link with panhard bar
Aldan coilovers (front and rear)
Rack and pinion steering
Wilwood Blackout master cylinder and booster with PPV
Wheels, Tires & Brakes
US Mags Rambler (18×8 front, 18×9.5 rear)
Nitto NT555G2 tires
Exterior Modifications
Factory grille, headlights, and bumpers (bumpers tucked)
Inner Fenders modified for Coyote clearance
Shaved bed stake pockets and fuel filler neck
Hidden latch tailgate
Raised gray tailgate letters by Sandy’s Fine Line Arts
Interior
Custom bolstered bench seat (black Apollo)
Dakota Digital gauge cluster
Retro Radio
Custom door panels, kick panels, and headliner
Events
Scheduled: Tulsa Starbird Show, Grand National F100 Show (Pigeon Forge, TN)
Unique Features
Hand-built with father over 4.5 years
Modern drivetrain with classic styling
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