The Other Popular 1/2-ton

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InTheGarageMedia.com

Wilwood’s In-House–Built 1974 F-100

BY CTP Staff

IMAGES BY MARCO OLGUIN

W

hen classic trucks were becoming way more prevalent in the automotive aftermarket as high-end builds about 10 years ago, Wilwood Engineering was looking for a few different trucks that would lend themselves to be great project testbeds and aid with designing new big brake kits. One of these trucks that landed at the Wilwood doorstep was a 1974 Ford F-100. After it was around in the R&D shop for a while when the brake kits were being designed, owner Bill Wood took a liking to it. He then easily decided to take it to a next-level build that would not only showcase Wilwood Disc Brakes but also many of their top engineer’s skills at designing and fabricating parts. Bill asked Wilwood’s chief engineer, Ken Ramey, to help design some of the integral engine and cooling parts that were added to the F-100.

Custom 1974 Ford F-100 in silver with Wilwood brakes and a lowered suspension for a sleek stance

Let’s look under the hood—and beyond—shall we? Upon initial inspection, nestled between the Ridetech coilover–equipped Crown Vic subframe is a supercharged 1998 4.6L modular V-8 that has been outfitted with a host of Wilwood-engineered components: fuel rails, coolant outlets, intercooler system, and various brackets. You’ll also notice a custom-fabricated intake manifold (a Kenne-Bell lower with one-off upper by Steve Hawk) and front serpentine (also by Hawk) along with an array of one-off aluminum goodies that Wilwood whipped up for the Ford’s engine compartment. Out back, the FoMoCo transplant theme continues with a 1997 T-bird IRS, also equipped with Ridetech’s adjustable coilover shocks. Engine management is handled by a Holley Terminator X Max, while a Sanderson/MagnaFlow exhaust (in-house built, of course) takes care of the appropriate noise levels. American Racing’s VF482 in 19-inch variety, wrapped in healthy-profile Toyo Celsius II radials, provide a perfect performance look while not concealing the Wilwood Aero6 14-inch front nor the Dynapro EPB (electric parking brake) equipped rear brakes (all managed by a firewall-mounted/boosted), Compact Tandem master, and proportioning valve kit.

Close-up of a restored 1974 Ford F-100 bench seat with custom upholstery in black and tan

Two-tone black and tan interior of a 1974 Ford F-100 with a vintage steering wheel and bench seat

Inside, the Dentside has been redone with a host of two-tone color-matched LMC Truck interior components, from the dashpad to the door panels and most everything in-between! Instrumentation is Holley’s EFI Pro Dash, power and functions—including an ATOTO touch screen audio system and Nu-Relics power windows—are handled by a Painless harness, and steering is controlled via Ididit tilt column and custom billet wheel. And finally, the PPG Dravit Gray monochrome-themed exterior (with accent-painted side trim and grille) is the handiwork of Bones Fab in Wilwood’s hometown of Camarillo, California.

Supercharged engine under the hood of a 1974 Ford F-100 with clean detailing and modern upgrades

Detailed view of a Ford SVT supercharger in a 1974 Ford F-100 with high-performance upgrades

Black wheels with Toyo tires and Wilwood brakes on a lowered 1974 Ford F-100

Restored 1974 Ford F-100 at sunset, featuring blacked-out wheels and a classic chrome front grille

With Chevy C10 builds becoming so common, this F-100 of the “fewer chosen ones” was bound to be a stand-out and after years of design, fabrication, fine-engineered parts, and expertise putting it all together from so many of the Wilwood staff, it would be safe to say that it would do just that. Not only is this Wilwood F-100 different from the swarm of C10 builds recently, but it would have both form and function coming together to be a safe, clean-looking, reliable, fast ride anyone would be proud to take on a road trip, display at shows, or even their local cars and coffee.

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