HOMETOWN HEROES
AFTER ALMOST FIVE YEARS OF WEEKENDS SPENT IN A TWOCAR GARAGE, AND WITH HUNDREDS OF WORK HOURS INVESTED, TIMOTHY ROPER’S ’67 FORD F-100 MORE THAN REFLECTS HIS INVESTMENT.
Under the hood, a compound turbo intercooled 4BT Cummins diesel engine has been made right at home recessed 4 inches into the firewall. The frame of the F series has been fully boxed and dimpled with a rear notch, and owner-fabricated motor mounts illustrate the personal effort Tim put into his build. The Ford houses a GM 4L80E diesel-specialized transmission by Phoenix Transmission matched with Lokar shifter and Compushift II system. The front suspension features tubular Mustang II arms, SPC uppers, QA1 coil-overs, 700-lb-in springs and K719 ball joints; while the rear features stock leaf springs, axle and hanger flip and new ’bags for a smooth ride.
The battery and air compressor have been mounted in compartments to the front of the rear wheels. The front brakes have been swapped for GM calipers with 2003-09 Dodge Ram 1500 drilled and slotted rotors, and the rear brakes were exchanged for GM calipers with 1980 Ford F-150 drilled and slotted rotors. The brakes work in conjunction with a GM Hydro-boost system with disc master cylinder, Wilwood proportioning valve and Nicopp lines. The rearend brags a 9-inch narrowed housing as well as 3.25 gears, Moser ends and Strange 31 spline axles. The bed floor has been raised 4 inches with custom wheel wells that house 20x8 Detroit Steel Wheels that will soon be endowed with paint and dish caps, wearing 235/55R20 front and 285/50R20 rear tires.
On the interior, One Piece power windows and vent window delete bring the ’67 up to date. The dash face has been moved forward, and an F-600 gauge face with Speed Hut gauges was added, complete with Cummins emblems in the gauges.
Old Air Products AC with PARR Automotive cool the interior. The steering column base has been molded into the dash and topped with a 1970 Econoline steering wheel. The seat frame has been reworked to remove the springs and add a sheet metal base and backing. The seat itself was exchanged for a foam base covered in tan leather, with a result that’s 2 inches shorter and shallower than stock. Custom kick panels grace the interior, and an 8-inch subwoofer hides underneath the seat, recessed into the cab floor. On the exterior, the Ford script has been brought out flush with the taillights and smoothed on the interior. The tailgate handle was moved to the inside of the door, and a custom handle and pan were manufactured. Inner fenders were handmade, the engine cowl has been smoothed, the seals were removed, and a custom rain gutter was fabricated.
With almost the entirety of this build carried out by Tom’s own hands, and the list of additions disturbingly thorough, this ’67 F-100 build is a model for classics made custom.