Features

A TRIP TO THE FORD STORE | F-100 Upgrades and Add-Ons

By John Mata Jr.

June 17, 2020

WE’VE SEEN THE aftermarket come to the aid of a decaying breed of special vehicles that stands at the very foundation of this country, the vintage American pickup truck. These classic workhorses can be found everywhere, still parked in garages or working on farms and ranches. Luckily, there aren’t too many rust buckets out there that are complete and total lost causes, even if they have been parked and left to rot.

From replacement panels to drop-in performance engines and full on chassis systems and suspension components designed specifically for F-100 trucks—they’re all out there waiting to be ordered. There are deals to be had in the vintage pickup marketplace. Even if you have to go through some hassle in order to drive (or haul) an old truck back to your garage, just know that parts for them are readily available with many more options and custom add-ons being released constantly.

To get a better idea of just what you can expect to find, feast your eyes on the products on the following pages. Most have been tailored to work specifically with your exact year and model truck, while others have been designed to fit the overall aesthetic of your truck’s classic styling. Whatever it is you’re looking for, these goods will help get your truck where you want it to be.

WHEELS – VF509 WHEEL

 DEEP DISH WHITEWALL RIM

HEAVY ARTILLERY U606 WHEEL

BLVD93 WHEEL

COMMOTION WHEEL

ACCESSORIES & RESTYLING

The number of parts that fall under these categories is nearly impossible to count, but the group that we have gathered here are at the top of the heap. Accessories aren’t just those bright and shiny impulse buys at the checkout line, they are actually designed to make your truck much more fun and easy to drive (think creature comforts with a purpose). But there’s nothing wrong with bolting on a premium part just for fun. There is no denying that we are products of our modern environment, and these add-ons do their part to help our classic vehicles adapt better to today’s demanding driving climate.

DRILLED I-BEAM DOOR HANDLES

GEN IV SUREFIT AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

1953-55 F-100 PICKUP HDX INSTRUMENTS

TILT STEERING COLUMN

ALTMAN EASY HOOD LATCHES

1969-72 F-100 HOOD HINGES  (FOR ’BAGGED APPLICATIONS)

VAPIR III COMPACT AC SYSTEM

 RETROSOUND LONG BEACH RADIO

 AMERICAN MUSCLE GAUGE KIT

 PRO SERIES SPORT XR/SPORT  VXR CENTER CONSOLE

 LIL’ DADDY ROTH COLOR KRAFT

 1951-72 FLARE-SIDE TAILGATE

 RETRO MANUFACTURING RETROMAT

 REPLACEMENT DASH PADS

BRAKES

You really don’t want to rely on hills and fences to take on the responsibility to stop your truck. Attending to your truck’s old braking system will definitely help, but making some noticeable upgrades would be even better. Today’s market is filled with braking products that will keep you— and your truck—safe.

CLASSIC SERIES FRONT DISC BRAKE KIT

EBC SPORT ROTORS

STREET BEAST HYDRAULIC  BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM

FRONT POWER DISC  BIG BRAKE CONVERSION

SUSPENSION

You can expect to replace a few suspension components on that old barn-find truck of yours. Even if you didn’t find it in a barnyard, chances are that previous owners might have dealt badly with the truck’s blown-out shocks and lopsided coil springs to save money. You owe it to your truck to increase it’s handling and ride quality because that’s what truly makes a vehicle fun to drive. If you’re thinking of lowering your F-100, this category is a must-read.

 1965-79 F-100 3/4 DROP KIT

SPEC SERIES CHASSIS

1957-64 F-100 POWER STEERING RACK-AND-PINION KIT

1965-68 F-100 AXLE RELOCATOR FLIP KIT

STREET PERFORMANCE NITRO DROP SHOCKS

ENERGY SUSPENSION BUSHING KIT

MUSTANG II IFS PERFORMANCE SYSTEM

FRONT LOWERING SPRINGS

400 SERIES POWER STEERING CONVERSION

PERFORMANCE 

Aside from handling performance, getting your old truck in top running condition is usually also high on most builders’ list of priorities. Even if a full engine swap is planned, building a more reliable power plant is key to overall enjoyment. Let’s face it: Being left stranded on the side of the road is a surefire way to associate frustration and anger with getting behind the wheel of your truck.

UNIVERSAL SCAVENGER X CROSSOVER

VINTAGE CAR MOTOR OIL

5.0L COYOTE POWER MODULE (FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)

351W SIDE DRAFT EFI FUEL INJECTION INTAKE MANIFOLD

FORD FE FRONT SERPENTINE DRIVE SYSTEM