Frame Off Built Custom Pickup 347 V8/415 HP 6 Speed

If you're like most of us gearheads, you go to countless car shows and take in hundreds of cool cars with the plan of building one head-turning street rod that you can REALLY be proud of. Naturally, yours will have all the cool tricks you've seen on other cars rolled into one awesome package. And it'll feature the perfect stance, a top notch powerplant, a stylish interior and scorching paint that lets everyone know you've arrived. The problem is: haven't you been saying this very same thing for the past five years… ten years… has it already been twenty years?! It seems like you're a little long on planning and WAY overdue for some octane-fueled fun. At RK Motors Charlotte, we believe classics are built to be enjoyed, not planned to be enjoyed. And this slick '37 Ford Pickup is a complete 'smart buy' that'll fulfill your needs faster, and cheaper, than any custom you've spent years idealizing.

This smooth and solid creation began life as 'Project HRT', a streetable show concept that was assembled as a giveaway prize during the 2008 season of Trucks TV. Meant to be more of a cruiser than a classic, the pickup's body is a prudent mix of both fiberglass and steel components. When that amalgamation was clean and properly aligned, red and black two-stage was detailed with wicked flames and bright pin stripes. And today, this Ford is a banner showpiece that mixes the skill of experienced fabricators with the integrity of Dearborn's highest quality products.

As far as detailing goes, this custom's mission is very simple. It's a new-age build that's meant to invoke the fondest memories of days gone by. At the front of its body, flowing fiberglass fenders center a black grille between modern, chrome-trimmed headlights. Behind that grille, a forward-tilt hood anchors smoked greenhouse glass between small mirrors. Below that glass, electric doors seal solid above smooth fiberglass running boards. Between those boards, a steel bed combines with flush-mount LED taillights to frame contrasting wood planks. And overall, the truck's top notch build integrates the greatest attributes of both old and new into a single, unifying vision that establishes a lasting impression.

Under the aforementioned hood you'll find a bored and stroked Engine Factory 347 that utilizes a cast crank, forged connecting rods, forged pistons and a hydraulic roller cam to churn out roughly 415 horsepower. At the top of that bright blue block, a custom air cleaner funnels wind into a chrome Edelbrock 4-barrel that's cinched to a chrome Edelbrock intake. At the front of that intake, a modern points distributor utilizes a chrome-dressed coil and fresh Accel plug wires to sequentially fire eight massive cylinders. At the sides of those cylinders, polished and finned valve covers cap coated Sanderson headers. And at the front of those headers, a Concept One accessory drive spins a polished Powermaster alternator between an aluminum radiator, an electric puller fan and Vintage Air climate control. Aesthetically, this Ford's thoroughly detailed engine compartment is finished in the same spectacular hue as its smooth exterior panels. And niceties like aftermarket hoses, aluminum brace bars and an electronic Edelbrock fuel pump add to the mill's form and function.

In keeping with its modern theme, the truck's Downs-branded chassis is much nicer than typical factory fodder. The brash small block flows power to a rugged Richmond Super Street 6-speed that's rated for up to 600 lb/ft of torque. That stalwart transmission spins stout 4.30 gears via a Currie 9-inch rear end, 31-spline axles and a proven Trac-Lok differential. At the head of those heavy duty components, an independent front half wraps Flaming River rack and pinion steering in big Baer brakes and adjustable QA-1 coil-overs. At the rear of those heavy duty components, an adjustable ladder bar back half wraps massive tubs in two more Baer brakes and two more QA-1 coil-overs. True-dual, ceramic-coated exhaust funnels a brutal roar through throaty Magnaflow mufflers and big, side-exit pipes. Outside those pipes, polished Mickey Thompson wheels spin beefy 25x8.00R18 Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/Rs in front of massive 33x22.00R20 Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/Rs. During the 2008 build, every non-polished surface under this Ford was finished, painted or undercoated to show-quality standards. And details like a reliable Optima battery, Rick's stainless fuel components and signatures from all the truck's builders add mirror-worthy detail.

Take a look inside this custom and you'll find a spectacular leather interior that, like the rest of the truck's components, was carefully sourced and professionally installed. At the center of the cockpit, plush bucket seats wear road-ready belts. In front of those seats, a chrome-capped dash hangs crisp Auto Meter gauges behind a stylish, leather-trimmed instrument panel. Below that dash, a custom console floats a driver-centric shifter between power accessory buttons, a small cup holder and controls for the Vintage Air climate system. Below that console, clean carpet perfectly accents bright foot pedals and simple door panels. Above those panels, a thick headliner centers delicate stainless trim between mirrored window frames. And in front of the driver, a handsome Grant steering wheel utilizes a Flaming River column to spin flamed spokes around billet accessory stalks.

This super cool Ford is a rolling, roaring example of the classic, old school swagger every builder dreams about. And with its tweaked engine, completely custom suspension and retro-chic interior, it's ready to turn all your classic car dreams into tangible reality. Why prolong enjoyment? Forget about building your own custom; this truck is available NOW, and it's a turn-key piece that's ready to rock and roll!