Teddy Dixon is a man of many interests. After retiring from a career in law enforcement, he enjoyed his 50-acre farm in Virginia, where he raised llamas, goats, and sheep. Now living in Florida, Teddy continues the diversity, dividing his time between his sign-making business and investing in his lifelong passion, automobiles. Owning a total of 119 vehicles in the last 30 years, Teddy says his current Ford pickup ranks in the top three. What caught the attention of this avid enthusiast? In addition to his enthusiasm for all things automotive, Teddy has also been building Harley-Davidsons for the last 40 years. When he saw the subtle use of Harley accessories on the '35 Ford truck, like the fishtail exhaust pipes, side mirrors, and front turn signals, he was hooked.
Originally begun by Florida resident Henry Howard in 1992, the truck was sold, almost complete, after 4,000 hours and seven years. John Kelley from Long Island, New York, bought it and added several innovative details, including the flame-licked surfboard. Teddy, now residing in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, one of the top surfing capitals of the country, saw the truck, bought it from Kelley, and is continuing the upgrades.
Much of this truck's charm comes from a combination of pieces expertly blended together. It is a '35 even though the grille, fenders, hood, and side panels, liberated from a '36 roadster, might lead you to think otherwise. The "just right" look of this Ford begins with the '35 cab, which is chopped 4 inches and channeled 3. The '36 passenger car's front end adds a unique touch along with just a little confusion for anyone trying to pinpoint the truck's exact vintage. Although the bed is a stock '35, the fiberglass tonneau cover is one of a kind, featuring a modified board for the surfer look and incorporating a modern, center-mounted brake light for safety.
The truck's lines flow seamlessly together. Front fenders blend smoothly into the running boards that join with the rear fenders. Panels cover gaps between the bed and the running boards, and there are cutouts for the functional Lakes pipes. Both bumpers use sheetmetal pans that visually connect them to the body. Details abound, beginning with the shaved door handles, the Harley fishtail exhaust pipes, Harley turn signal lenses, rare Jordan Playboy headlights, and frenched Caddy taillights. The 15-inch Corvette wheels are painted red to match the body and accented with chrome rings, small hubcaps, and '50s-style bullets. Big and little Coker wide whites complete the exterior, painted a retina-searing Chevy Hugger Orange.