Rusty 1978 Ford F-250 Proves Shine Is Overrated

The truck’s handsome, classic look remains intact, but nearly everything else has changed

Many of the restored and modified American classics we encounter follow a predictable formula: shiny paint, modern interiors, and upgraded powertrains. However, the 1978 Ford F-250 Highboy displayed at SEMA by Fat Fender Garage takes a refreshingly different approach. Although it has been completely redesigned, it still retains its original charm – gritty and unapologetically true to its roots.

The first thing that makes the F-250 Highboy stand out is its looks. This Ford truck has spent its life in Arizona, and over the decades the red paint has developed a deep patina that the owner wanted to preserve. Therefore, Fat Fender Garage decided not to change the paint and instead focus on the pickup’s interior and powertrain.

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Gone is the original engine, replaced by a reworked 7.5-liter Lincoln V8 with 245 horsepower and enough torque to spin the earth. The engine has a custom exhaust and a rebuilt transfer case was installed. Elsewhere, the truck features a set of Dana 60 axles at the front and rear that were lifted from the 2022 Super Duty. The original fuel tank was also replaced with a Boyd fuel cell, providing greater reliability and capacity while modernizing one of the truck’s most important systems.

The Focus features new performance dampers on all four corners that are expected to improve the truck’s off-road capabilities and improve comfort. Modern brakes were also included, and the shop’s craftsmen also replaced the entire electrical system.

Turning your attention to the cabin, you’ll notice the lovely Saddle Brown leather as well as the seats, door panels and sun visors, which are all upholstered in multi-colored fabrics designed to mimic the colors of an Arizona desert sunset. The Ford also included new square-weave carpeting, a Gen-5 Vintage Air HVAC system, custom burl walnut trim, and billet aluminum window cranks.

“Arizona inspired us to restore a vehicle as majestic and rugged as the desert landscape where we found it bathed in sunlight,” said truck owner Harrison Woodruff. “This truck is a tribute to desert trucks and a celebration of the absolutely spectacular Grand Canyon area where we restored it and brought the vehicle back to life. What we found interesting about restoring this truck is that the exterior and The interior expresses two different sides of the same story on an Arizona badland ranch not far from the Grand Canyon.”

Of course, it’s no surprise that all this craftsmanship and attention to detail comes at a price. In this case, the privilege of owning a 1978 Ford F-250 Highboy, which balances retro grit with modern sophistication, will set you back $95,000.