Chris Brown, from St. Cloud, Florida, is not only an avid enthusiast but also the owner of Stand Out Customs, turning out several cool custom rides annually in his well-equipped shop. Although there are lots of reasons to transform a vintage pickup into a show winner, Chris’ primary motivation this time was to simply get back in the game. His last feature truck appeared in Sport Truck way back in 2002. Although he’s had several vehicles since then, he wanted to create one with enough style and engineering innovation to earn another feature article. This 1954 F-100 was the perfect project vehicle, partially customized when he found it, meaning he had a head start on his goal. Since F-100s already have great profiles, they just get better with a few traditional mods, like a top chop and body drop. The subtle angle chop on this one drops the lid by 3 inches overall with an additional inch rake toward the rear. The body was channeled over the frame, automatically snugging the rockers into close contact with the asphalt. Body mods continued the subtle theme with a tilt-forward hood, all-new chrome, new headlight bezels, bumpers removed front and rear, and a custom bed kit.
The truck was scheduled for a power increase so the frame was boxed for strength and fitted with a new millennium upgrade package that began with a four-link holding a Ford 8.8 rear with disc brakes. Since Chris couldn’t find a kit precisely tailored to the truck, he adapted a universal version, adding a Monster Notch for additional axle clearance. Up front, the 1997 Mustang front end gave the truck modern rack-and-pinion steering, along with disc brakes. In order to clear space in the cab, the fuel tank was relocated between the rear chassis rails. Although the truck had air when he bought it, Chris decided to redo many parts of the system, adding new bags, lines, and other elements until he had it his way. The Effie now uses Dominator II 2,600-pound double bellows bags up front and triple bellow versions in the rear, controlled by a pair of ViAir 450 compressors, an AccuAir manifold, twin 3 1/2-gallon reserve tanks, and paddle switches built into the center console. The truck became a roller thanks to ADR Technologies Sterling 22-inch rims with 30-series Desenti rubber.
Although the exterior was already painted a beautiful Niagra Blue when he got it, the truck was a shell inside. Starting from scratch, Chris designed the interior with the first step, trimming the Mustang bucket seats to keep them below the window line. He created a center console that runs from the dash to the rear cab wall, a perfect spot to hold the paddle switches for the air suspension as well as the Pioneer stereo. The receiver controls the Pioneer speakers in the kick panels, under the dash, and behind the seats. John’s Upholstery in St. Cloud added the perfect finishing touch, stitching the pleated interior using Camel and Tan vinyl for the seats, console, and door panels. Dark Brown carpeting covers the floor. A full complement of VDO gauges in a polished aluminum panel keeps track of the truck’s high-performance powerplant under the tilt-forward hood.
Beginning with a Ford 302, the V-8 has been stroked to 347 ci for some added punch. An Edelbrock 600-cfm carb and intake create the air/fuel mix, HEI ignition lights the fire, and custom headers feed a set of dual MagnaFlow mufflers. The C4 automatic transmission multiplies the power, fitted with a B&M shift kit and shifter. The truck was completed in less than a year of part-time work and Chris says it was worth every minute. It’s not only great fun to drive and even more fun to show, but it has also become a rolling calling card for Chris’ business. Sounds like a home run to us!
FACTS & FIGURES
Chris Brown
1954 F-100
CHASSIS
Frame: Boxed and reinforced, Monster Notch
Rearend / Ratio: Mustang 8.8 rear end, 3.55 gears
Rear Suspension: Custom four-link, Dominator II 2,600-pound airbags
Rear Brakes: Mustang 13-inch discs
Front Suspension: Mustang II front end, Dominator II 2,600-pound airbags
Front Brakes: Mustang 13-inch discs
Steering Box: Mustang rack-and-pinion steering
Front Wheels: ADR Technologies Sterling 22×9
Rear Wheels: ADR Technologies Sterling 22×9
Front Tires: 245/30-22 Desenti
Rear Tires: 245/30-22 Desenti
Gas Tank: 18 gallons, relocated to the rear
DRIVETRAIN
Engine: Ford V-8, 302 stroked to 347 ci
Heads: Iron
Valve Covers: Ford Racing chrome
Manifold / Induction: Edelbrock intake and 600-cfm carburetor
Ignition: HEI
Headers: Custom
Exhaust / Mufflers: Dual MagnaFlow mufflers
Transmission: C4 automatic with B&M shift kit
Shifter: B&M
BODY
Style: 1954 F-100 pickup, body dropped 4 inches
Modifications: 3-inch angle top chop with sunroof
Fenders front / rear: shaved front, original rear
Hood: Tilt forward
Grille: Painted to match the body
Bed: Bed floor raised for chassis clearance, Mahogany planks with stainless steel strips
Bodywork and Paint by: Chris Brown, Stand Out Customs, St. Cloud, FL
Paint Type / Color: PPG Niagara Blue
Headlights / Taillights: Aftermarket
Outside Mirrors: Shaved
Bumpers: Eliminated, front and rear
INTERIOR
Dashboard: Smoothed and painted to match the exterior
Gauges: VDO gauges in a custom bezel
Stereo: Pioneer head unit with Pioneer speakers throughout
Steering Wheel: Early Mustang wood rim
Seats: Mustang bucket seats, cut down to stay below the rear window, custom center console between the seats
Upholstery by: Tom’s Upholstery, St. Cloud, FL
Material / Color: two-tone, camel and tan vinyl
Carpet: Brown
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