When Ford introduced the F-1 pickups for the 1948 model year, they were the company’s first new postwar vehicles. Called “Bonus-Built” by Ford, these half-tons were noticeably different from their predecessors. The sheetmetal was redesigned, the cab was bigger and there was now a one-piece flat windshield. But despite the changes, Chevrolet pickups still outsold Ford by a considerable margin.
To paraphrase a famous saying, beauty truly is in the eye of the trucker and when Ford’s F-1 series from ’48 to ’52 was focused on the general consensus, it always seemed to be an ugly duckling. There’s no question that F-1s have never been as popular with rodders and restorers as the F-100 series but when we see an F-1 like the ’48 owned by C.G. Mouch of Brusly, Louisiana, we start to wonder why.
C.G. Mouch is the proud owner...
C.G. Mouch is the proud owner of this 1948 Ford F-1. After making the body straight as an arrow, Paul Cammack laid on PPG Orange and Metallic Silver basecoat/clearcoat. The hot rod rake comes in part from Billet Specialties wheels, 18s in the front and 20s in the rear, wrapped with 235/45 and 255/55 Kumho rubber.
Under the hood is an ’04 Chevy...
Under the hood is an ’04 Chevy Vortec crate motor. Stock internally, the 350 has been equipped with an Edelbrock Endurashine manifold and carburetor along with an MSD distributor.
Bucket seats from an ’89 Chevrolet...
Bucket seats from an ’89 Chevrolet Impala make the interior as comfortable as it is great looking. C.G. wanted a tachometer but didn’t want to clutter the dash, so the rev counter is hidden in the bottom of the rear cupholder.
Originally built over the course of three years by Paul Cammack, owner of Gaines Body Shop in Overton, Kentucky, on its first outing to the NSRA Street Rod Nationals, there was an offer to buy it that he couldn’t refuse. The truck changed hands and ended up in a collection where it was driven a mere 50 miles in 2½ years. C.G. spotted the truck and in his words “fell in love.” It took persistence in the form of phone calls every two months, not to mention selling his C4 suspended, big-window ’56 F-100 to make it happen, but C.G. finally got the F-1 he wanted.
A member of Ramblin Oldies of Denham Springs, since bringing the ’48 home C.G. has hauled in a number of trophies, racked up 5,400 trouble-free miles, and we’ll bet this beauty has made lots of truckers take another look at F-1s. CCT
The center console mounts...
The center console mounts a B&M shifter, power window buttons and the controls for the Vintage Air heat and cool system. In the dash is the control for the Secret Audio sound system; the glovebox lid now holds an Auto Meter clock.
The foundation for the F-1...
The foundation for the F-1 is a stock frame that has been boxed and fitted with Fat Man IFS and Ride Tech four-link in the rear with Ride Tech airbags at all four corners. Stopping power is generated by four-wheel disc brakes, S-10 up front and ’78 Ford Explorer out back. Inside the bed are mini-tubs for the fat rear tires, new oak planks and stainless rub strips. The two-tone treatment is carried through inside the box.
Ed Thralls of interiors by...
Ed Thralls of interiors by Ed in Mitchell, Indiana, stitched the stunning orange leather upholstery. The steering wheel is from Billet Specialties; Instruments are Auto Meter in a billet insert.
Concealed behind the hinged...
Concealed behind the hinged stock radio speaker grille are the controls for Ride Tech air suspension system, the ignition, headlight and wiper switches.
Inside the bed are mini-tubs...
Inside the bed are mini-tubs for the fat rear tires, new oak planks and stainless rub strips. The two-tone treatment is carried through inside the box.