Twelve Years in the Making: Andy Greene’s Perfectly Crafted ’67 Ford F-100

It Only Took a Dozen Years of Careful Refinement!

The process of creating a custom truck usually begins with a series of ideas accumulated over time and blended together to form the builder’s vision of a dream truck. Unfortunately, dreams must be tempered with reality, addressing the time, tools, talent, and budget necessary to bring the project to completion. Fortunately, Andy Greene of St. Augustine, Florida, has some advantages over most. As a second generation hot-rodder and the service advisor for the family business, A-Ford-Able Automotive Services, he and his father Jim have most essentials down pat.

Andy Drive his 1967 Ford Bumpside

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Andy has owned several trucks in the past but this is his first full-on, hand-built custom. When it came time to locate a project vehicle, he was originally looking for a Ford Dentside (’73-’79), but when he discovered this ’67 F-100 Bumpside, it struck a chord.

“I drove it home and took it apart, just to see what I had to work with,” Andy says.

As it turned out, while it might not have been a true basket case, it was definitely basket adjacent! Recognizing the level of work required to reach the goal, Andy knew the upgrade process was not going to be quick. In fact, it took even longer than expected because of one critical factor.

Custom bed with hinged bed floor

One of the primary goals for the finished truck was to ensure that no light escaped from under the rockers. “Ground poundin’ slammed” was the plan, Andy says. As a result, everything had to be tweaked to achieve the look. That meant the engine, transmission, exhaust, gas tank, and all the suspension components had to be raised high enough to make it a practical cruiser on the road, as well as functioning when slammed at shows. While the process itself may have been slow, a quick glance reveals the success of this years-long, team effort.

Wilwood master cylinder

Everything begins with a firm foundation and everything involved in this suspension was hand fabricated. Andy quietly slipped some unique Bow Tie parts into his classic Blue Oval, but don’t tell (Ford fan) Dad! With the help of his best friend Tony Brookshire, Andy cut up a 1996 Impala SS to upgrade the front, incorporating modern power steering, Belltech 2-inch drop spindles, disc brakes, and ‘bags. The C-notched rear uses 2×3 box tubing to hold the custom 2-link that features a bag-on-bar suspension. The bars hold a modified 10-bolt Impala rear, equipped with disc brakes, a Detroit Locker, and 3.73 gears. Two-piston calipers pinch 12-inch rotors.

Bench seat with a Moose Brown leather seat cover

In order to stick the rockers to the asphalt, altitude control for the new chassis began with Air Lift Dominator 2600 ‘bags filled by a pair of Viair 444 pumps. A10-gallon reserve tank and 3/8-inch lines complete the system. Looking back, Andy recalls that “holy-woah” moment the first time he hit the switches and the truck dropped to the ground. The final stance did just the right job of almost hiding the 15×8 Cragar SS wheels and 75-series rubber.

Like dominoes, every change in one area prompted a series of additional changes somewhere else. With the stock floor body-dropped cab now on the ground, Andy turned his attention to the engine room. The first priority was a series of careful measurements to ensure that the components on new 351 Windsor V-8, headers, oil pan, and the Ford AOD trans, were high enough off the ground and yet still fit beneath the stock Ford hood.

Andy Drive his Overnight Sensation — Looking back, the completed truck was worth all those sleepless nights, now that it has become a delightful weekend driver that can win trophies simply by showing up!

Shaved dash

Once the powertrain issues were solved (with just inches to spare), Andy turned his attention to beautifying the engine room. The bead-rolled inner fender panels catch your eye first, covering the wheels in dramatic fashion and enclosing much of the suspension. The tall wheel tubs created a second problem that Andy solved with typical creativity, fabricating miniature “reverse” tubs on the underside of the hood. The shaved firewall was modified to accommodate the set-back engine and now holds the Wilwood master cylinder with proportioning valve. Andy fabricated a bead rolled core support for the new Champion 3-core radiator—an upgrade that guaranteed Windsor temps will always remain in the green. All the visible suspension components were painted matte black while the engine room reflects a combination of exterior colors and pinstriping.

Andy with his 1967 Ford Bumpside

1990s Bronco 351 Windsor V-8

The long list of engine room mods was designed to showcase the new 351 Windsor V-8 and AOD trans from a 1990s Bronco (the engine had to come from a Ford—no Bow Ties here). The original Bronco fuel injection was swapped for a more traditional-looking Quick Fuel 650 four-barrel carb and Weiand Stealth intake. Wrapped Hooker headers add power while the CVF pulley kit operates the accessories. Custom valve covers, breathers and air cleaner from CNC Racing Depot were sprayed with a distinctive Moose Brown paint shade, which is a Saab color. They matched the rest of the engine as well as the leather upholstery inside and the truck’s cedar planks in the bed. Hit the starter on the Windsor, and the throaty bark of the exhaust note lets you know that serious power resides within, subtly teasing you into ignoring your limitations!

Like the engine room, the bed needed its share of accommodations to achieve the desired ground-hugging profile but Andy had to move cautiously. Although we know that the boxy F-100 body style will never reach the drag coefficient of a swimming penguin, it’s best to approach modifications to an automotive icon with careful sensitivity. That means the challenge was to find a new level of new!

Custom grille

Car parts

Accordingly, bed mods began with a dramatically raised floor using 16-gauge metal around the perimeter and incorporating a second set of custom-made wheel tubs. Rounded front corners and shaved stake pockets keep the bed lines clean. Andy welded all the separate panels in the original tailgate making it into one solid piece, then fitted a Grant roll pan. Modern LEDs now illuminate the factory taillights. Continuing with clean as the operative word, the gas filler cap was removed from the side of the cab and relocated underneath the hinged wood bed. The cedar planks, complete with more of that rich Moose Brown stain, were accented with subtle 1/8-inch aluminum strips. As an unexpected surprise, when you lift the bed floor, you will see all the creative suspension work along with a wrapped dual exhaust, stainless steel 10-gallon reserve tank for the air suspension, and a 13-gallon Jazz fuel-cell. Napa shocks fit the space and add to ride comfort, functioning perfectly even when the truck is on the ground. Up front, subtle upgrades continue with LED headlights that were frenched one inch and LED turn signals that were relocated behind the grille. The original Ford emblem, antenna, and side marker lights were eliminated, then the stock grill was painted Wimbledon White.

Classic ‘40 Ford steering wheel

ANDY AND JENNY GREENE With his 1967 Ford Bumpside

Finally, with light beginning to show at the end of the tunnel, the polished presence inside began with a shaved dash that only retains the central gauge cluster, now refurbished with modern LED lighting. The steering column is original to the truck but trimmed six inches. Uniquely repurposing a spare Ford front fender, Andy cut the spear from the fender and grafted it to the dash. When the classic ‘40 Ford steering wheel points straight ahead, it creates a distinctive line that extends across the dash from one side to the other. Andy chose a bench seat from an ’87 F-150, adding cup holders and completing a father/son upholstery effort using Moose Brown leather. The Saddle Brown carpet and off-white headliner accent the interior perfectly while the Lokar floor shifter and pedals keep the driver in intimate contact. A surfboard rear mirror adds a whimsical touch, augmented with ‘67 Mustang side mirrors. Proving that no detail is too small, a set of five Ford Falcon knobs on the dash were chosen to match the original headlight and wiper knobs. They now control the air suspension.

Front Mirror

Ford Logo on Back

The finishing touch was paint, done in Andy’s garage inside a blowup booth. After the gaps were set to perfection, he laid down a classic shade of factory Ford Frost Turquoise along with Wimbledon White accents. Mikey Ayers from Pinstriping by Mikey added the period striping details as well as rejuvenating the original instrument cluster.

When the dream creates insurmountable odds, passion and determination find a way. As a result, Andy’s truck has become a master class of subtle design. The day may come when builders run out of custom ideas to refine the classic look of the F-100 but for Andy, today is not that day. His very first competitive event validated his talent in dramatic fashion, taking a Best Of Show Truck win at the Daytona Eastbound Getdown.

1967 Ford Bumpside Side View

Special thanks to Dad, Jim, who did all the wiring using an EZ Wiring harness, adding all the relays and extras necessary. Everything was designed to be easily unplugged and replaced. Best friends also helped with the project beginning with the elaborate chassis and suspension work by Tony Brookshire along with pinstriping throughout by Mikey Ayers. Anthony Richardson and Casey Cole were always on hand to lend their help with the project. Wife, Jenny and daughter, Naia added their own unending level of support throughout the build. Looking back, the completed truck was worth all those sleepless nights, now that it has become a delightful weekend driver that can win trophies simply by showing up!

OWNER

ANDY AND JENNY GREENE
1967 Ford Bumpside St. Augustine, FL