53 Ford Pickup

Subject:
1953
Ford F-100 Pickup
Kit Used: AMT/ERTL 1/25th Scale

Review & model by:
Larry Swanson
Pictures: R. Forys

[1953 was Ford's fifty-year anniversary, and marked the launch of the ever-popular F-100 line of pickup trucks.]

1953 was a big year for the Ford Motor Company. It was their fifty-year anniversary, and marked the launch of the ever-popular F-100 line of pickup trucks. The iconic '53 F-100 was unique for its time with a wider cab and fenders and a slanted cab window. Ford's term for the design was the "Driverized Cab" which was supposed to provide "living room comfort", and make driving easier while cutting driver fatigue. The seat was improved, and the cab also had a new curved one-piece windshield that was 55% larger, along with a new 4-foot wide rear window.

[Five different engines, with five different transmission options were available.]

Mechanically, it was designed to be easier to drive with a tighter turning radius, because of an improved steering geometry, wider stance, and a setting back of the front axle. The wider stance, with a wider hood also made the engine easier to get at and work on. As many as five different engines were available, including three new "low friction" overhead valve options. These included the 101hp 215 cid "Cost Clipper Six", plus in the larger models, the 145hp and 155hp Cargo-King V-8s. Two Flatheads were also available, the 112hp 254 cid "Big Six", and the 106hp 239 cid 8-cylinder. There were also five different transmission options including a "Fordmatic" automatic, and an overdrive model, however most came equipped with a 3-speed manual on the column. 1953 also marked the last year you could get a Flathead in a Ford pickup.

[1953 marked the last year you could get a Flathead in a Ford pickup.]

On the chassis, the front suspension consisted of a strait axle with leaf springs, and the brakes used a single master cylinder with drum brakes all around. The windshield wipers were vacuum powered, which meant they only worked when you let off the gas to free up vacuum from the engine. Also, turn signals were not standard equipment, and seat belts were not available. Ford's new slogan that year was "Ford Economy Trucks - Save Time, Save Money, Last Longer".

[I added Laker pipes, spoke wheels with wider tires, and also converted the hood to be forward hinged.]

The Kit: The kit is built pretty much from the box with some add-ons. I put a wood floor in the box, and added Laker pipes, spoke wheels with wider tires, and also converted the hood to be forward hinged. I then installed a 5.8-liter engine from a later model Ford pick-up.

[The interior has items from the parts box, including a pair of red dice hanging from the mirror.]

[The white spoke wheels with wider tires.]

The interior has bucket seats and a console with a floor shifter from the parts box. I painted it black and tan and put some tan dollhouse carpet on the floor. The finishing touch was a pair of red dice hanging from the mirror.

I painted it in a two-tone Blue Sapphire and Black metal flake. I sprayed these over black primer because I wanted to give it a deeper shade.

[I built this truck to be like the life size one that I would like to someday own.]

[I also installed a 5.8-liter engine from a later model Ford pick-up.]

The 1953 F-100 Series pickups are possibly the most recognized trucks that Ford ever built, and have an almost cult-like following as a collector vehicle. I built this truck to be like the life size one that I would like to someday own. I am working on a complete line up of all the Ford cars and trucks offered in 1953. So far, I have completed a convertible, a 2-door Club Coupe, a 2-door Crestline, a 2-door Sedan, (just like one I own), a 2-door station wagon, a 4-door Sedan, a 4-door Country Squire wagon, and a Courier sedan delivery wagon. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

[The 1953 F-100 Series pickups are possibly the most recognized trucks that Ford ever built, and have a cult-like following as a collector vehicle.]