A 1962 Ford F-100 Unibody That’s on Fire

Eddie West is no stranger to custom vehicles. Having built several vehicles in the past and since caught a bad case of boredom, a new project was in order. As with some of his other projects, Eddie’s newly acquired ’62 Ford F-100 unibody started off simply enough. After all, the truck really only needed some seatbelts to be complete in Eddie’s eyes. Well, as you can see, the “snowball effect” is a real phenomenon, and Eddie somehow ended up with a full-blown show truck!

…The snowball effect is a real phenomenon, and Eddie somehow ended up with a full-blown show truck!

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 FRAME GAME

The transformation began by Eddie’s ditching of the old frame in favor of a 1968 Ford F-100 frame, adding Viking coilovers up front and QA1 coilovers at the rear, and modifying the rear for a custom Moser axle setup. A Flaming River column and Mustang II front suspension greatly improved steering, which would make driving the Ford a lot easier. Once the frame was finished, it was stripped and painted red, while the components attached to the frame were either painted red or chromed. A set of Intro Dangerous wheels in 19- and 20-inch diameters perfected the chassis.

The engine is a newer Ford 460 big block that’s been stroked to 501 cubic inches and retrofitted to fit the bumpside frame. A combination of Speed Pro pistons and rings, Eagle steel crank, Competition cam and rollers, Edelbrock aluminum heads, Weiand tunnel ram intake, FiTech fuel injection system, RCP custom exhaust, and GP headers all contribute to the truck’s healthy amount of power and awesome sound.

HOT BODY

No expense was spared on the body, either. The bodywork began with a 2-inch chop top, and was quickly followed up with shaved door handles, one-piece glass in the doors, and an electric reverse-hinged hood. Inside the bed, clear Plexiglas was installed to show off the detailed frame. The last thing added before smoothing everything out for paint was a Pro One tonneau cover. Once the truck was ready, Southern Rod and Classics laid down the Automotive Art Black and Red Torch paint, after which Concept in Design applied the flames.

Next, Schreck’s Upholstery took over and did an incredible job on the interior, creating custom bucket seats that were made especially to fit in the newly chopped cab, covering them in red leather. They also made custom door panels and added power windows to the doors. A custom-made console was wrapped in red leather, and new matching carpet and a fresh headliner were installed. A Dakota Digital gauge assembly was wired up, and a Budnik steering wheel was bolted onto the column before the truck was sent back to Eddie for a final once-over.

 CROWD PLEASER

The ’62 is now a crowd and judge favorite at shows, and of course Eddie cruises it as often as possible. Eddie’s next project is anybody’s guess at this point, but we’re sure whatever it is will be just as amazing!

Eddie would like to thank his wife, Angie, Southern Rod and Classics, Jamie Justice for the paint, Mark Jeffery at Concept in Design for the flames, Hunlon Transmission, Richard Crane Rep, and Schreck’s Upholstery.