Texas Tribute

Rhonda Young's Fabulous '52 Ford F-1

By Rich Boyd

Photography by Rich Boyd, D. Brian Smith

How many vintage Ford, Chevy, and Dodge trucks were parked and then stored for decades by owners who were either unable or unwilling to sell or salvage a worn-out work truck? We hear many stories about pickups past the point of dependable work being replaced by newer, more powerful trucks with greater carrying capacity. But for some reason a good number of these tired old trucks have, by the end of their useful life, become a valued member of the family. Here is a heartfelt story we never tire of hearing.

Rhonda Young of Sulphur Springs, Texas, inherited her dad's old Ford pickups when he succumbed to cancer in 1989. A '79 Ford truck was still in running condition, but the old '52 Ford F-1 was in such terrible shape it sat almost forgotten in a storage barn. More than a decade passed as Rhonda earned the position of president of J-B Weld, the family business started by her dad and mom in 1968. She also became more involved with growing J-B Weld into an internationally distributed company, as well as other community projects--as a result, she was too busy to think much about the old Fords.

Finally, several years ago Rhonda found the time to consider what to do with her dad's old trucks. She made some minor repairs to the '79. As for the '52 F-1, Rhonda asked a local friend to just "fix it up" for the occasional parade or local Sulphur Springs vintage car event. Unfortunately, the friend was too busy--and it sat collecting dust for two more years. At this point the busy friend recommended a capable fabrication shop nearby, Hot Rods by JSK, owned by Jeff Kinsey of Cumby, Texas.

Rhonda was at once eager to see some progress, but again, she had to wait until Jeff could schedule time for the complete rebuild in his busy shop. Another year and a half passed before she received the call that would finally see the beginning of the remarkable restoration and transformation.

As a professional shop often does, Hot Rods by JSK began by fabricating new framerails. The strong chassis was created from 1x2-inch rectangular box tubing with ladder-style tubular crossmembers. A bagged Heidt's SupeRide IFS was added to the front and four QA-1 air bags were plumbed to an air-tank reservoir to adjust the truck's all-around ride height. Up front, large 12-inch ventilated disc brakes were drilled and slotted, as were 13-inch discs in the rear. All four disc brakes mount Wilwood calipers for dependable stopping power.

Next, Hot Rods by JSK secured a '00 Corvette LS1 and modified the top of the engine with a custom air box and valve covers. It was hooked to a '00 4L60E AOD transmission. Street & Performance block hugger headers lead to stainless steel exhaust tubes and Flowmaster Hushpower mufflers. More modifications followed as Hot Rods by JSK transformed the '52 F-1 into an industrial work of art.

The fabulous PPG Hot Hues SSR Red F-1 made its debut at the Lone Star Nationals this past September--15 months after the project began. As many owners new to the world of vintage vehicle restoration do, Rhonda learned how extensive a complete ground-up rebuild and restoration of a sadly worn-out Ford pickup could be. But, with hope in her heart and more than a little confidence in Jeff and his talented crew, she allowed his shop to set a course for a distant goal, one that would eventually create an extra special tribute to Sam Bonham.

We're quite sure if Sam could drop in for even a short visit, he would be amazed and proud of his daughter and what she has accomplished--both with J-B Weld and his old '52 Ford F-1. The results speak for themselves--and CCT is pleased to record the successful completion of another poignant chapter in the history of one Texas family's love of a vintage truck. May it remind them of the happy times shared in days gone by and also serve as a vehicle for new treasured memories.