The One That Started It All

You know how it starts. There’s always that one truck—the one that flips a switch in your brain and sends you down a rabbit hole you’ve never climbed out of. For Travis and Amber Zinner, that gateway drug to a full-blown automotive addiction was a weathered, unassuming 1959 Ford F-100. It wasn’t the shiniest or the fastest, but it was the one that would ultimately redefine their entire lifestyle.

The story kicks off at the shop of their uncle, the renowned F-100 collector Luke Burke. Tucked away among other projects was the ’59, a raw piece of American steel Luke had earmarked for his own impressive fleet. But when Travis and Amber saw it, something clicked. They looked past the faded paint and saw the soul, the timeless lines, and the honest-to-God potential. They were newcomers to the classic scene, running on pure passion, and after seeing the spark in their eyes, their uncle agreed to pass the torch. The F-100 had a new home.

Getting it back to their garage was one thing, but reality quickly set in. They had the vision of a low-slung, head-turning cruiser but were short on the specialized skills to get the truck there. That’s when fate, and the power of the truck community, stepped in. During a conversation with longtime family friends Steve and Lisa Soboski, a plan was hatched over a couple of cold drinks. The Soboskis were looking to build a new outdoor kitchen, and Travis and Amber had the construction know-how. An old-school barter, the kind this scene was built on, was put on the table: their craftsmanship for a full, frame-laying Crown Vic chassis swap. It was an absolute no-brainer.

With the deal sealed, Steve and Lisa went to work. The F-100’s tired, original frame was tossed aside, and the modern Crown Vic chassis was prepped to become its new foundation. The transformation was radical. It wasn’t just a lowering job; it was automotive surgery, expertly executed to give the classic Ford the stance and drivability of a modern machine.

The big reveal was set for the Rat Rod Addiction show in San Tan, Arizona. When Travis and Amber finally saw their truck, it was a full-on system shock. The once-humble farm truck was now slammed to the Arizona asphalt—its classic bodywork draped over a modern chassis and looking tougher and better than they had ever imagined. That moment wasn’t just a reveal; it was a revelation.

That single ’59 F-100 was the catalyst for everything that followed. It ignited a burning passion that has since morphed into a full collection of hot rods and classic trucks. Travis and Amber’s weekends are no longer the same, as they are now filled with garage therapy, swap meets, and road trips. What started with one handshake deal and a vision has become the cornerstone of their life. For Travis and Amber, this truck is more than just iron and steel; it has been their education, their entry ticket into the community, and the spark that started it all.

TRUCK SPECS

Travis and Amber Zinner

1959 Ford F-100
Apache Junction, AZ

Engine & Drivetrain

1995 Ford V8
1995 Ford 4R70W transmission
All factory Crown Vic components used for swap
Engine work by Steve Soboski

Chassis & Suspension

Crown Vic frame
OEM wheel openings
Bed modified to clear suspension
Crown Vic independent front suspension
Ford 8.8 rear axle
Limited slip

Body & Paint

Faux blue and white patina by Steve Soboski
Pinstriping by Ron
Crown Vic firewall and floor swap
Bed floor modified with construction box over suspension

Interior

Handbuilt dash to accommodate Crown Vic A/C, stereo, and gauges
Electric adjustable Crown Vic bucket seats
Rockford Fosgate Punch audio components