Project F-1, the '50 Ford F-1 that Altered Engineering built in seven swift months, finally is gracing the pages of CCT in its finished form! We've run so many tech stories, from the brand-new, first-ever Total Cost Involved Engineering (TCI) F-1 chassis, to the Smeding Performance 347ci stroker engine. You've had the opportunity to follow many steps of the F-1's careful construction while the craftsmen worked on the hot rod hauler.
Since a test drive of the F-1 for all of CCT's readers would be impossible, especially with escalating premium fuel prices, we decided that a full photo-studio feature would be the next best thing. Please feel free to use your imagination, and believe us when we say that the truck drives even better than it looks.
Many will remember that the F-1 project began as a basket case. Altered Engineering determined that the original chassis was too rusted and road-weary to be salvaged. CCT approached TCI about the prospect of creating a prototype F-1 chassis. TCI already had Tri-Five Chevy and F-100 Ford trucks covered. In an example of perfect timing, we learned TCI was planning to produce F-1 chassis next. The rusty, original F-1 chassis served as a framework for TCI, and Project F-1 was off and running.
Rather than retell the tale of the F-1's construction, we're sure you'd prefer to see the truck in big, full-color photos. Thanks again to all of the companies and craftsmen who collaborated on CUSTOM CLASSIC TRUCKS Project F-1. All the collaborators are listed once again. Enjoy!
 |  The Hopster steering wheel,...  The Hopster steering wheel, from American Racing Wheels, perches atop an ididit steering column. Utilizing a Painless Performance Products wiring harness, Altered Engineering wired the F-1, as well as the Dolphin Gauges that fill the dashboard. |  Ol' Parts Mining supplied...  Ol' Parts Mining supplied the hard-to-find Dummy Hood Latch. Smeding Performance built a 347ci stroker engine from a brand-new 302ci Ford small-block that produces 400 horsepower. Comprised of Sanderson headers, Patriot stainless exhaust pipes and Flowmaster mufflers, Altered Engineering fabricated the Ford's exhaust system. |
 Project F-1 started with a...  Project F-1 started with a prototype F-1 chassis from Total Cost Involved Engineering. It was then powdercoated by Specialized Coatings. Inland Empire Driveline supplied the aluminum driveshaft that turns the shown Ford 9-inch differential. |  The F-1 required a fair bit...  The F-1 required a fair bit of bodywork to bring it back to new. The extensive fabrication included shaving the door handles and filling the cowl vent, which Altered Engineering performed. Fairlane supplied the fiberglass fenders, hood, grille surround, and running boards. |  With pinstriping by Doug Dorr,...  With pinstriping by Doug Dorr, Mark Clements at Altered Engineering painted the F-1 R-M Diamont Brilliant Blue and Silver. Nitto radials cover the Amercian Racing Wheels Hopster rolling stock. The wheels are 18x8-inch and 20x10-inch, front to rear respectively, and have a 5-inch offset. |