Fab-u-Lust

To build the truck the way he wanted it, Tasso figured it was simple. “I would extend the cab by adding in parts of the donor truck. That would keep the fabrication time down and I wouldn’t have to source the tools needed as if I was doing it from scratch.” So, Tasso started his build by splitting the “Kentucky” cab right down the lateral center, since it was the cab in better condition. “I then took 4 inches out of the donor truck from the same location and added it to the doors, floorpans, running boards, and top. After that I added 4 inches from the donor truck’s frame to the Kentucky truck. That completed the lengthening of the cab and chassis.”

Next, Tasso pancaked the hood 2 inches for the look he was after. He also added 2 inches to the back end of the cab top and rounded the door edges for a smooth look. Once that was completed, he stepped back and gave it the once-over. Happy with the way it turned out he then turned his attention to the powerplant that would propel this F-100 down his local roadways.

“I was always a big Mustang fan when I was younger, so I decided to combine my two favorite Fords to get the best of both worlds. I sourced a Gen 1 Coyote engine with just 35,000 miles, as well as its matching six-speed trans. Only hitch was that it was in North Carolina.” So as Willie Nelson says, it was back “On the Road Again” for Tasso. It all worked out, and he had the powertrain to back up his modernized F-100 build.

Once he had the power, he then needed to upgrade the “control and stopping power” of his bedded hot rod. “As a proud Blue Oval guy, I wanted to use Ford parts. So, when I came across an ’04 Mustang SVT independent rear suspension, I figured it would be a great fit for this restomod. Up front I didn’t want to use the run-of-the-mill Crown Vic frontend, so I went with a Heidts Mustang II IFS with 11-inch discs and installed 6-inch Brembos for stopping power. For me that was the easiest part of the build.”

Once most of the mechanicals were finished off, the toughest part of the build was ahead. “What color do I paint it? What about the interior?” At first Tasso wrestled with the idea of painting it black with a custom distressed brown leather interior. “That didn’t excite me much. I just couldn’t make a decision.”

Color My World

Then it happened. “One night I took my wife out. Let’s face it, fabricating a truck is expensive and keeping your wife happy so she doesn’t complain about the cost is also expensive. So, I took her to an amazing restaurant with a beautiful view. She was wearing a stunning metallic gray dress and her new Louboutins. As she leaned against the bar, the color of the dress against the color of the red bottom shoes looked fantastic as she posed for a picture. That was it, I had my inspiration!”

The only thing left was to color match the paint to the wardrobe and design the interior. “As far as exterior color, I used a gray metallic/pearl that turns black as the sun sets. When it came to the interior I needed seats, and since I am always comfortable in my ’12 F-150, I decided to use the same ones.” Tasso then had 3 inches taken out of the height of the seats so they would be the same height as the big back window. He then hired Fish Brothers Upholstery in Hillburn, New York, to build the custom console, door panels, and finish off the interior upholstery. “That was a great choice. They used red leather (Scarface) with matching perforated leather accents in the seats and door panels. The stitching was done to perfection and great care was taken to ensure every cut and detail was spot-on.”

To finish off the look he was after, Tasso chose 20-inch Shelby Mustang rims at the corners, shod in BFGoodrich 27/40-20 rubber to get the look he was after. Out back, exotic Zebra wood was used for the bed and stained red to match the amazing interior on this ride. Classic Instruments supplied the modern six-gauge electronic gauge pack, and Vintage Air supplies the HVAC for some heavy cruising. As for the finished product, Tasso couldn’t be happier. “I don’t go lightly on this truck. I drive it like I stole it!”