Modern Day Hot-Rodding

Hot-rodding = rebelling: there is no way around that simple law of the custom universe. For as long as internal combustion motors have been turning over, hot-rodders have sought to make sure purists do the same in their graves. Customs are about self-expression and ingenuity. Builders use what they can and what they want to transform an ordinary vehicle into the extraordinary. The process is a paradoxical relationship between a rulebook and a razor blade. Cut too much away from the original and the vision is lost; but play it too safe, and you risk missing the mark altogether. For decades hot-rodders have performed this balancing act, resulting in the birth of many iconic styles. And style is certainly one thing Kevin Read’s ’64 F-100 doesn’t lack.       

Kevin’s ’64 sits on a mostly factory frame. Production began on the fourth generation F series in 1960 when Ford was faced with challenging market conditions. By 1962, many of the fourth generation pickups were built with existing beds from the third generation design. However, the production issues were sorted by the time Kevin’s truck was built. This meant that 1964 marked a unique bed design for the model. From that point on, the truck’s rear fender flares were extended to match the width of the taillights. This extension gave the F-100 a wider stance and smoother design line. Kevin’s truck retains this unique chassis with some updates to the suspension. In the rear is a custom 4-link setup, and up front, a Mustang II front clip was adapted by Fat Man Fab. The independent front suspension dismisses the original I-beam design in favor of control arms and airbags. Both the front and rear are kept afloat using AccuAir management. The factory-widened rear and custom air ride allow the ’64 to hover centimeters above the pavement when cruising smooth roads. The combination captures a confident custom attitude throughout.

The nonexistent wheel gap is occupied by classic Coker chrome smoothies, and the 15×8-inch wheels pair nicely with Coker whitewall radial tires. The combination is timeless in the custom world. In this application, they lend themselves to a rockabilly aesthetic. Thanks to the air ride suspension, the Coker combos tuck high into the wide steel arches, which juxtaposes the classic and the careless pose that the slammed ’64 strikes. The front uses updated factory discs, and the rear drums were converted using later-model hubs.

The ’64’s rebel yell continues as Kevin opted for a rival power plant. His truck boogies down the road to the tune of a 400 Chevy small-block. The ’70’s era V-8 boasts impressive torque with a twist factor capable of creeping up to 400 ft-lbs in factory form. Despite its being an unoriginal occupant of the Ford’s engine bay, it fits comfortably enough under the ’64’s hood. The SBC shoves all of that torque through a C6 automatic transmission and back to a Ford 9-inch rearend. The powertrain is plenty potent for the F-100. It delivers a yacht-like drivability with smooth power. The motor sings through a custom stainless exhaust ending in twin Magnaflow mufflers. The custom roll pan on the truck’s rearend includes cutouts for the dueling mufflers. The modern dual exit look is a welcome update to the customized classic.

For the bed, cab and body, Kevin has kept things relatively classic. A handful of expertly executed alterations go a long way in finishing the custom aesthetic. Kevin has found a way to simultaneously appreciate the original design and remain committed to originality. The key customizations include shaved door handles, the aforementioned rear roll pan and modified hood. The shaved door handles draw the eye along the persistent body line. Onlookers follow from the nose to the tail and back up the middle; this gives perspective to the body’s dimension and presence. The rear roll pan smooths out the back side, abandoning the chunky steel bumpers of the truck’s era. Finally, the hood’s face lift makes for a more aggressive front end. The hood is shortened and “nosed,” which consists of removing the front emblems and ornamentation. The remaining holes were filled and smoothed for a cleaner impression.

After the completion of the customizations, the old girl was rejuvenated with a delicious candy paint job. The iconic Lil’ Daddy Roth metal flake is Trippin’ Rothrageous Red. The ’64’s entire lower half wears the color beautifully. The upper portion dons a glassy black finish for a three-way contrast: white, red and black. The factory chrome grille, trim and front bumper, and the Coker rollers complement the paint scheme perfectly. Kevin’s ’64 is a dime-piece in her red dress and “ain’t-care” attitude.

The same tenacious spirit extends throughout the ’64’s cab. The entire interior touts Rothrageous Red flake. The revived original chrome bits mimic the same mirror effect that the exterior pieces capture. True to form, the OEM bench seat is updated with fresh jet leather. The black trim extends to the custom loop carpet and leather door panels. Fixed to the floor is an extended chrome shift lever topped with a massive faux diamond. The gaudy centerpiece somehow flawlessly ties the interior styling together. For one last salute to her rebel spirit, Kevin’s ’64 employs a Pioneer audio system. The arrangement includes a head unit, tweeters, mids and twin Kicker subwoofers tucked beneath the bench.

Kevin’s read-headed F-100 is one ravishing hot rod. She minds all her Ps and Qs by not giving a damn. The slammed stance, heretical heart transplant and outrageous flake job all contribute to her provocative appeal. Spectators can’t keep their eyes off the Ford, and she makes a statement wherever she rolls. The ’64 found success at the 2018 Left Coast Sha’bang Show in Salem, Oregon, taking home a first-place prize to prove that controversy sells.

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TECH SPECS

Kevin Read
1964 Ford F-100
Kailua, HI

Engine

• Chevy 400 V-8
• C6 automatic trans
• Ford 9-inch rearend
• Custom exhaust

Chassis & Suspension

• Stock frame
• Fat Man Fab Mustang II front-end conversion
• AccuAir e-Level management
• Four-wheel disc brakes

Wheels & Tires

• Coker 15×8 chrome smoothies
• Coker whitewall radials

Body & Paint

• Custom rear roll pan
• Shaved door handles
• Shortened and nosed hood
• Lil’ Daddy Roth Trippin’ Rothrageous Red flake
• Black upper cab

Interior & Accessories

• Lil’ Daddy Roth Trippin’ Rothrageous Red Flake interior
• Custom black leather upholstery
• Custom black leather door panels
• Custom black loop carpet
• Chrome extended shift lever
• Pioneer head unit
• Kicker subs

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