n our current world of social media, we are allowed to glance into the shops of builders from around the world. If you have a teenager in your life you may know how annoying this technology can be, but when harnessed properly it can be used to both motivate and inspire your own personal build. I kept tabs on the build of this ’51 F-1 by Jeff Jones of Monroe Center, Illinois, through social media. I was intrigued during the metal and bodywork phases, but when Jeff laid down the perfect tone of blue on the Ford’s massaged body I knew I had to see it in person. The ’51 made its debut at the Vintage Torque Fest show, one of the Midwest’s premier traditional hot rod events. As soon as I laid eyes on it, my camera trigger finger started twitching and I couldn’t wait for the photoshoot, utilizing downtown Dubuque, Iowa, as the perfect backdrop.
I always find the question of “how did you acquire the project” to be interesting as it results in a variety of answers. In Jeff’s case, it was trade work for a paintjob on a ’66 mustang. The previous owner of the truck received it as a 40th birthday gift from his wife (sounds like a pretty rad lady). The truck was quickly blown apart but then sat disassembled and idle in a barn for the next 10 years. A “project for paint” deal was struck, and Jeff loaded up the F-1.
Once the forgotten relic was in Jeff’s possession, he got busy, starting with the suspension. A proper stance and smooth ride were accomplished by a combination of a Mustang II up front, and a four-bar out back, both assisted by airbags on all four corners. When it came to motivation Jeff did some more trade work, this time paintwork on a ’62 Ford Falcon in exchange for a ’68 Ford 302 and an AOD transmission out of a Crown Vic. The combination makes for smooth and reliable cruising.