Blue Thunder: A '72 F-100 Brought Back to Life
Randy Pierson is a custom Ford enthusiast who has been building and modifying cars and trucks since he was a child and can’t leave well enough alone. In 2014, he purchased a 1972 Ford F-100 pickup truck with the intention of turning it into a shop truck. However, after getting the truck home, he realized that it was in much worse condition than he had thought. The body was rusted, the interior was worn, and the engine was tired.
Underpinnings
Fortunately, the factory frame wasn't overly cut or hacked up. Moving on from there, he cleaned it up and upgraded it with a DJM I-beam front suspension and a installed a QA1 rear four-link setup as well as coil-overs at all four corners. Furthermore, larger Baer brake kits, along with an electric power brake master cylinder from Speedway Motors, allows the Ford to stop as great as it rides now.
The Thunder
Giving this project truck a taste of modern go power, Randy selected a 2010 Ford Racing 521ci big block crate engine that has been equipped with Ford Super Cobra Jet cylinder heads, and an MSD billet distributor with wires. Letting it breath is a Billet Specialties air cleaner, while L&L Products headers and a three-inch Magnaflow exhaust system with a custom X-pipe lets it expel spent gasses efficiently. To turn rotational force into moving power, a Ford C6 transmission was assembled by Rebs Specialties in Reseda, CA, and then installed on the truck.
New Hue
Once the truck was functioning better, it was taken to Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita, CA to have the body and paintwork handled. While there, the Ford's true condition was ultimately discovered. Unfortunately, the truck was actually in worse condition than originally anticipated. The bottoms of the doors were rotted and there were numerous little holes that needed to be filled.
With the body straightened out, Randy ran with are a PPG 2006 Ford GT Midnight Blue metallic that splits a special shade of white on the roof and back cab wall and underneath the trim molding. Carlos at Xtreme Autosports expertly laid down the two-tone paint scheme and glossy clear coat to lock in the clean looks of this classic pickup. The icing on the cake here is the custom LED taillights, Fat Fender Garage billet door handles and a number of original parts that were sent out for fresh chrome.
Streamin’ and Gleamin’
Adding even more style is the American Racing VN-474 Gasser wheels, which are the perfect fit for this Ford F-100's new chassis system. Measuring 20x9 in the front and 20x11 in the rear, the wheels provide a clean and classic look that is perfect for this truck. The wheels feature a classic five-spoke design with a polished finish that give the truck a timeless appearance.
The Nitto NT555 G2 rubber that was wrapped around the wheels is equally impressive. The tires measure at 265/35ZR20 and 315/30ZR20, which give the truck a wide and aggressive stance. The tires were also designed with a high-performance tread pattern that provides excellent grip and handling for both cruising the streets and tearing up the track. This combination of classic style and modern performance was the perfect match for the truck's new look and feel.
Inner Beauty
Despite the extensive effort invested in achieving its stunning exterior appearance, Randy yearned for a subtly customized interior inside the truck's cab. The cockpit showcases TMI Products leather seats, door panels, center console, and even a dash pad for an upgraded feel. Filling the rest of the space is the Dakota Digital gauges, Vintage Air climate control, LMC Truck carpeting, steering wheel, and interior mirror.
The Second Life
The finished product is a stunning custom F-100 that is both beautiful and powerful. Randy is proud of his work, and he enjoys driving his truck whenever he gets the chance. He says that the F-100 is a reminder of his passion for cars and trucks, and he plans to keep it for many years to come.
