Fantasy Junction

Description

1935 Ford Pickup Truck Hot Rod

VIN – 18-1241148
Exterior Color – Sage Green and Black
Interior Color – Black
Engine –Ford Boss 302 V8 Built to 331 cu. in.
Transmission – 4-speed manual wide ratio Top-Loader
Current Miles – 859 miles since build was completed

General Overview

Ford revolutionized the automobile industry with a wide range of cars and trucks. The earliest pick-up trucks played a significant role in building the private and public workforce of America. Available in numerous models, the distinctive design and practicality of these good-looking Model 50 trucks endeared them to American youth who shaped the Hot Rod genre beyond the venerable 32 deuce.

Unlike the original Ford trucks of the 1930s, many newly built Hot Rod trucks utilize fiberglass bodies and mixed aftermarket components from a wide range of manufacturers. The best builds utilize original factory steel bodies - “Henry Steel”, properly constructed with a consistent build theme and careful selection for all features, correct stance, and refined finishes. Older-build all-steel hot rods have become highly sought after in the hot-rodding community as fresh builds of current construction are becoming prohibitively expensive.

History and Build Details

Prior to current ownership this 1935 Ford truck had been a running truck fitted with a 350 Chevy engine and automatic transmission, reportedly fitted in the 1960s. By 1973 it was put into storage where it remained for over 40 years before it was discovered by the owner who appreciated the original steel body which remained in pristine condition. The 350 Chevy and transmission were removed, and the bare metal build commenced at Dave Crouse's Custom Auto Inc, Loveland, CO. in 2014. The design theme focused on maintaining a traditional look combining hot rod components while retaining as much of the original character and vintage traits as possible. The frame was boxed with a front cross member brace and new rear leaf spring brackets added. The all-steel body was media blasted to bare metal, a new steel tailgate was sourced, all metal was primed, metal fenders were adjusted to fit the new stance, and the various parts were treated to two-tone Sage Green paint for the body, bed, dashboard, and steering wheel while the fenders were finished in gleaming black. Amazingly, the optional steel bed retained the original Ford wood underlayment. The bed was sprayed with a textured black bed liner for durability and ease of use by seven grandchildren.

In addition to the exceptional workmanship performed on the all-steel body, legendary Ford performance engine builder Dave Dralle built the powerful Weber carbureted 331 V8, which had formerly been installed in an original 289 Cobra, CSX2387. Having been built fresh from a new Ford Boss 302 block in 2009, the engine included a Bryant 3.250 crankshaft, B280 mechanical flat tappet competition cam, flat tappet mechanical lifters, new pistons, wrist pins, pin locks, and piston rings, Edelbrock SBF Victor Jr CNC ported cylinder heads, steel clad Viton valve seats, Cobra 48 IDA intake manifold, and four 48 IDA Weber carburetors. The entire rotating assembly was balanced while all inner surfaces were bored and honed to 331 cu. in displacement. A 4-speed Toploader transmission was installed with Center Force clutch, pressure plate, and flywheel. The engine was Dyno tested at Ron Shaver’s shop returning 500.2 hp at 6,600 rpm.

Team members contributing to the build included Jeff Irwin who stitched the custom black leather upholstery, Alan Johnson for pinstriping, and Josh Allison as lead fabricator. The completed build was exhibited at the 67th Grand National Roadster Show where it won 1st place in the Custom Rod Pickup 35-37 class and was selected as Street Rodder Magazine’s “Best Ford in a Ford” at the 2016 GNRS.

Details of this build include:

9” Custom Ford rear end sourced from a 427 Galaxie Montana highway patrol car
Top-Loader wide ratio 4-speed manual transmission
SBC High Performance brake calipers
Adjustable shock absorbers
3.70 gears with Trac Lock
Custom Currie axles
Ford mini starter
Lucas toggle switches
Smith’s Gauges
Cobra dash mounted tachometer
Custom fabricated tubular coated exhaust headers
Flowmaster 40 series mufflers and stainless-steel exhaust
15” Torque Thrust D five-spoke wheels

After the truck was completed, it was transported to the commissioning owner in Northern California where work continued refining and improving various items from 2017-2024 at Moal Coachbuilders, Oakland, CA including re-arching the rear leaf springs, a new clutch and brake arm assembly with bell crank system was fabricated and installed to increase leverage, new front and rear adjustable shocks were installed, cooling system improved, throw out bearing installed and adjusted, new axle and seals installed, and the fuel tank and filler neck repaired to prevent seeping fuel. In total, the build cost more than $200k to complete including ongoing post-build refinements.

Condition Overview

Today this 35 Ford Hot Rod is ready to enjoy or show with confidence at any major Hot Rod event. The exterior paint is excellent throughout including the mirror finish black fenders and stunning Sage Green body. Every aspect of the build is superlative, with finishes that continue to vividly depict the top-level build quality performed and refined under current ownership. The cosmetic condition remains very fresh, the interior stands up to show standard scrutiny with excellent supple leather finishes, high quality carpet, and crisp closures from the robust metal doors. The stance is absolutely perfect with just the right amount of drop and dive over the Torque Thrust wheels wearing Hankook Optimo P195/65R15 front and P235/75R15 rear tires. Traditional details include a louvered hood, floating headlamps, flat-sided bed, and tall cabin all of which contribute to the award-winning look for this hot rod pickup. Underneath the centrally hinged and louvered hood, the Dralle built 500 hp 302 V8 is brimming with detail including finned aluminum Cobra valve covers, 48 IDA Weber carburetors and intake manifold, custom fabricated tubular headers, and finned aluminum accessories. The steel firewall, steel hinged hood, and a beautifully finished Ford grille complete the quality and depth of finishes in this pickup.

The interior is a fantastic expression of hot rod simplicity captured with excellent material quality, supported by custom details. The supple black leather covers the bench seat and door panels while low pile dark gray carpet finishes the interior. Nothing is out of place, and each component has been carefully selected from the Smiths gauges and vintage competition seat belts to the banjo steering wheel, Cobra tachometer and tall 4-speed manual gear shift handle with a 1935-S Buffalo Head nickel tastefully embedded in the Bakelite shift knob.

One of a kind and constructed by premier expert hot rod builders with decades of award-winning builds, this hot rod pickup not only delivers power, performance, and exceptional build quality, it offers the next fortunate enthusiast a chance to experience hot rodding at its best – with the right foot firmly planted on the floor and 500 hp on tap.

Items Included with the Car

This truck is accompanied by a bound build book with reference photos of the build process, copies of receipts from the build, post build services and upgrades, a copy of Street Rodder magazine, and a car cover.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608