Jeffrey Jones from Monroe Center, IL, found his passion for hot rodding through his father, who built cars part-time to make extra cash.

Jeff and his brother, John, grew up assisting their dad, mostly fetching tools, but those early experiences ignited a lifelong interest in classic cars.

Building a Passion

Jeff’s automotive journey began with a ’64 Chevy II. He later explored the mini-trucking trend before circling back to vintage cars, starting with a complete restoration of a ’63 Chevy II convertible. Each project was sold to fund the next, leading eventually to this remarkable 1951 Ford F1 pickup.

Crafting on a Budget

Like many enthusiasts, Jeff stayed within his budget by trading skills and parts. His knack for bodywork and paint played a key role in acquiring the F1. He traded a paint job on a ’66 Mustang for the disassembled truck, which had been sitting idle for a decade.

Once in his garage, Jeff began transforming the pickup, starting with the suspension. A Mustang II front end and a 4-bar rear setup, paired with airbags at each corner, gave the truck a perfect stance and smooth ride.

Parts Swaps for Performance

Bartering continued when Jeff painted a ’62 Falcon in exchange for a 302-cubic-inch engine from a ’68 Mustang and an AOD transmission from a Crown Vic. The engine remained mostly stock but was dressed up with clean paint and accessories, maintaining a tidy appearance under the hood.

Metalwork and Fiberglass Upgrades

The cab’s structure was solid, needing minor adjustments to fit the updated drivetrain. However, the fenders and running boards were in poor condition, so Jeff replaced them with fiberglass pieces, saving time and effort.

The truck bed, custom-built to accommodate the air suspension, features a raised floor. Subtle modifications, like hidden tailgate hinges, tighter bumper fitment, and concealed air controls in the radio slot, elevate the build. Custom accents, including hubcap bullets and under-hood details, enhance the truck’s cohesive design.

A Modern Color with Practicality

Jeff chose a factory paint color for easy touch-ups, an often-overlooked detail. Surprisingly, he found the perfect shade in a Toyota Prius color called Sea Glass Pearl, which added a unique yet practical touch to the F1.

Interior Elegance

Inside, the truck features a beautifully crafted tuck-and-roll interior by Mike Lawson of Kustom Image Upholstery. The design mirrors the truck’s exterior theme, with the dash retaining its original lines and white-faced gauges complementing the overall color scheme.

Racing Against Time

As with many ambitious builds, the project came down to the wire. Jeff credits his brother and cousin, Dan Hatfield, for helping him get the truck road-ready for the Vintage Torque Fest. The Sea Glass Pearl paint transformed the F1 from a great build into a true showpiece.