This 1968 Ford F100 Is A Retro-Modern Masterpiece
Steve and Yelena Price’s 1968 Ford F100, “Ginger,” was initially a simple idea that spiraled into something capable of stopping any blue-oval aficionado in their tracks. Steve, fresh off a career in construction and the completion of a retirement dream home, wanted to keep busy. What started as a plan to build a practical and dependable daily driver for Yelena transformed into an obsessive, two-and-a-half-year journey of tireless work and customization. By the time Ginger rolled out of the garage in June 2024, it had become a show-quality masterpiece of a restored bumpside Ford.
The foundation of this build began with a hunt for the right truck—one that wasn’t riddled with rust or hiding behind thick layers of body filler. After months of searching, they found a clean, rust-free 1968 F100 that had spent its entire life in arid central California. With a solid starting point in hand, Steve completely disassembled the truck down to the bare frame. To prepare for the upgrades ahead, he boxed key sections of the frame to eliminate flex and increase structural rigidity. Once the frame and loose parts were sandblasted and powder-coated, the chassis was ready to become something far greater than Ford ever imagined.
Steve opted to keep the F100 true to its roots by sticking with the venerable Ford FE engine platform rather than following today’s popular Coyote swap trend. The original 390 cubic-inch big-block was transformed into a 449-cubic-inch stroker using a SCAT forged crank, SCAT rods, and Mahle Motorsport pistons. Edelbrock 72cc heads and an Edelbrock Pro-Flo 4 fuel injection system deliver the perfect mix of old-school power and modern precision. A Howards hydraulic roller camshaft and Harland Sharp roller rockers complete the package, producing over 500 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque. Backed by a Ford C6 transmission with a 2,800 RPM-stall torque converter, the drivetrain delivers effortless power delivery with a classic big-block growl that Steve calls the “Old Man Mating Call.”
Handling and drivability were just as important as power. Steve upgraded the truck’s suspension with QA1 coilovers front and rear, providing a modern ride and improved cornering. Up front, 500-lb. springs, a QA1 sway bar, and drop spindles deliver precise steering and an aggressive stance. In the rear, 250-lb. springs and a QA1 sway bar tame the live axle. A Ford 9-inch rearend with a TruTrac locker, 3.25 gears, and 33-spline axles ensures Ginger can handle its newfound power with confidence.
To match the truck’s modern performance, Steve equipped it with Baer 14-inch Pro+ brakes at all four corners for fade-free stopping power. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires—275/30ZR20 in the front and massive 345/30ZR20 in the rear—provide grip and stability. Custom Schott Tomahawk wheels complete the package, with the wide rear tires requiring the wheel wells to be tubbed for proper fitment. These updates give Ginger the capability to drive like a modern vehicle while still maintaining its old-school roots.
The body and paintwork took over 11 months, with long nights and weekends at a friend’s shop. The F100’s lines remain mostly stock, with the exception of the tubbed rear wheel wells to accommodate the oversized tires. Yelena chose the color—a striking Rapid Red Metallic—and the results are nothing short of stunning. The bed features black walnut planks fastened with polished stainless steel strips, combining natural beauty with classic design. One of the truck’s most unique features is hidden in plain sight: the factory bedside toolbox has been transformed into a portable bar known as “Ben’s Bar,” named after their eldest son. It’s a playful yet functional detail that reflects the creativity and personality behind the build.
While Ginger could easily sit as a showpiece, Steve and Yelena built it to drive. They enjoy cruising through their small town and attending local car shows, where Ginger always draws a crowd. The QA1 suspension and modern tires make it smooth and comfortable on the road, while the FE engine delivers all the power and sound you’d expect from a vintage big-block.
Perhaps the ultimate retirement project for an automotive enthusiast, Ginger is a tribute to Ford’s heritage, and a shared passion between Steve and Yelena. Every detail, from the gleaming paint to the roar of the exhaust, tells a story of hard work, dedication, and creativity.
What started as a plan to restore a simple daily driver transformed into a show-piece that bridges the gap between nostalgia and modern performance. Ginger was a labor of love and a reminder that with enough passion and effort, even the simplest ideas can evolve into something extraordinary—and now the Prices have built something that will turn heads and spark conversations for years to come.
