1946 Ford Pickup

Description

Too much, not enough, or just right? This 1946 Ford pickup embodies a lot of tricks, but remains totally streetable and even usable as a pickup now and then. On the other hand, with bright red paint, an aggressive stance, and strong-running small block V8 under the hood, well, it's hardly an introvert. Either way, if you want to get noticed, this is the ideal tool for the job.

The first thing you notice about this truck is how well the paint works on the Ford's curvy bodywork. It seems to highlight all the best-looking aspects of the truck, while simultaneously fooling the viewer into forgetting this was ever a working-class machine. Of course, red has always been a favorite among pickup truck buyers, and few trucks wear it better than this. It hasn't been radically modified externally, retaining all its original trim, but the attention to detail is what sets this truck apart. Finish quality is quite good, and while it does have some time and mileage on it, the traditional look will never go out of style. Of course, as a vintage pickup, the bed was finished with fresh lumber and beautifully stained to show off the grain, and the original tailgate still proudly shows off its Ford script face. There's plenty of chrome, too, from the wonderful waterfall grille and hood ornament to the twin Model A taillights out back that retain an old-fashioned look, and all of it was recently refinished so it looks awesome.

Yet as traditional as the exterior is, the interior is highly modified and wonderfully subdued, offering plenty of creature comforts in a stylish environment. Tan leather is a favorite of rodders because it looks great and wears like iron, looking fresh for years and years without a lot of effort. Twin bucket seats replace the original bench, making this a true 2-seater, and whomever was in charge of the upholstery department when this truck was built did one heck of a job. Note the sculpted door panels, the neatly integrated OEM door handles turned on their ends, and the nicely finished dashboard. That dash features a full array of gauges from Classic Instruments, as well as a Jensen AM/FM/cassette/CD stereo, neatly installed A/C vents, and original garnish moldings at the base of the windshield. Overhead, you'll find not only a neatly finished headliner but a very cool neon dome light that transforms the interior at night. And with power windows, a tilt steering column, and Air Ride, it's a truck you could drive every day.

Simple is always better when you're building a rod you can drive, which explains the 283 cubic inch Chevy under the hood. Despite being a few years old, the engine bay is nicely dressed with polished aluminum on the valve covers and air cleaner. It starts quickly and easily, and thanks to modern accessories, an oversized radiator, and other traditional power-building parts, it should be plenty entertaining on the street with no worries about reliability. A 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission feeds a Ford 9-inch rear, which, along with the rest of the frame, has been painted basic black to look properly heavy-duty. The front clip was replaced with an independent setup with rack-and pinion steering and dual glasspack-style mufflers give it that distinctive sound. Polished aluminum wheels look racy and enhance the overall smooth look, and wear 225/70/15 front and 255/70/15 rear radials.

This fantastic Ford is one of those customs that will keep your attention for a long time after you've taken it home. Call today!