Share this
Twitter
Myspace
Digg
Del.icio.us
Yahoo
Technorati
Googlize this
Facebook
Print
E-mail
Vote (0)
Tags
Index
Since this particular Ford truck was made before any of the staff here was even born, we were somewhat amazed by what we were looking at. Anything pre-1970s and we are lost for words when asked about the history of vehicles like this. When confronted with an unknown platform, it is time to ask around and Google-whack it until we have an idea about the historical significance.
The complete frame-off restoration of his junkyard find took over 10 years to complete.
In this scenario, this truck was one of the legends that put Ford on the map. It is an F-Series truck, more specifically the first generation of F-Series. The popular F-Series is the best selling truck of all time and its reputation was forged by this platform. Powered by an overhead cam flathead V8, the 1949 F-Series produced 100hp, which was well above the standard for the day. Owner, Andy Martin of Miami, FL knows all about the history of his vehicle but wanted the dated technology to be, well, history.
The complete frame-off restoration of his junkyard find took over 10 years to complete. The grand total of the project took in the neighborhood of $110K although were sure he stopped counting a while ago.
“Cars have always been my hobby and my passion,” said Martin. “I wanted to challenge myself and bought this 
rotted out 1949 F-1 from a farmer’s field in 1994. I chose this truck because the media only really covered old Chevys and I wanted to put a Ford in the spotlight by being radical and different.”
After disassembling everything, Martin started out by doing all the body and framework himself. At his sprawling estate in South Florida, he has all of the toys in his garage to make the magic happen. He fabricated the tilt front end, smoothed the running boards and shaved almost everything for that neo-classic look. After the bodywork was done, the project was hauled to Auto Color & Collision in Miami to undergo a transformation. It went from a rough primer vision of what could be to sparkling masterpiece that bagged awards after several coats of paint. Martin spec’ed out a unique color too, one that would reflect his taste in audio gear, JBL Corporate Orange.
The engine builds started with a 1993 5.0L out of a Mustang that was completely rebuilt and fitted with the latest technology. With upgraded fueling, air intake, cams and ignition, the truck was ready to pump out four times what it did back in the day. At 420hp with 390lb-ft, Martin’s Ford is more than just a showpiece but can run with the pack. The engine was matter to a T-5 Tremec 5-speed with upgraded Moser axles and a Ford Racing LSD.
With the framework established, it was time to gut the cab and do the impossible. The dash was shaved and smoother and fitted with a custom billet instrument panel. The custom fiberglass center console is color-matched as are the door panels in anticipation of hand-picked speakers. A suede headliner was fitted and several panels were redone in leather including the door inserts, kick panels and the seats done by Teas Design. From there, some off-the-shelf items like the Rat Fink shift knob, Budnik steering wheel and VDO gauges complete the look.
 |
 |
 |
Read on for Full Specs
Then it was time to complete the audio and multimedia install. Martin contacted Jeremy Brenner of Harman Consumer, the parent company of JBL Car Audio, to pick the right gear. The install started with a Clarion flip-screen LCD unit and it’s all JBL from there on in. The lows head to a JBL Kappa1 1600.1 mono amp where the signals are amp’ed up to the subwoofers. The JBL GTO 10-inch subwoofers fire outwards to create quite a disturbance inside the cabin, being mounted right in the center console. The mids and highs come amplified courtesy of a JBL Kappa 1 125.1 4-channel to drive the JBL GTI 6.5-inch components in the doors. With an innovative install and top grade components, the sounds can only be described as stunning.
THE ESSENTIALS
Owner: Andy Martin
Location: Miami, FL
Vehicle: 1949 Ford F1
ENGINE
Ford 302ci 5.0L Mustang
ENGINE MODIFICATIONS
Trickflow valvetrain
BBK throttlebody
Ford Racing F-303 cams
MSD ignition
MSD wires
ENGINE MANAGEMENT
Mustang Cobra ECU
DRIVELINE
Tremec T-54 5-speed
Moser axles
Ford Racgin LSD
WHEELS, TIRES, BRAKES
Budnik Ozone wheels 20x9 & 20x11
Pirelli PZero 245/40R20 front and 295/30R22 rear
Wilwood 4-piston / 330mm
INTERIOR
Custom bash
Custom billet cluster
VDO gauges
Custom center console
Suede headliner
Leather seats by Teas Design
AUDIO / MULTIMEDIA
Clarion flip-screen LCD
JBL Kappa1 1600.1 mono amp
JBL GTO 10-inch subwoofers
JBL Kappa 1 125.1 4-channel amp
JBL GTI 6.5-inch components x4