Dolls Don’t Come Cheap

Not every classic truck is built to be a race car, and not every truck is made to sweep the streets. Some classics are bought or built to be exactly what they are. There is a beauty in certain models that continues to become more refined with age. It was this kind of beauty that first struck David Johnson’s father when the ’65 F-100 pictured here was brand new. He passed his preference for the model on to his son, so that all these years later, David and his father are still able to enjoy their favorite truck together.     

Everything they both love about the ‘65 model remains in place, along with some interesting custom bits.

After an exhausting and fulfilling career in law enforcement, David retired to Clearwater, Florida. As both a celebration and a long-awaited reward, he set out to build his dream ’65 Ford F-100 so that he and his father could enjoy it together. While searching forums and groups of fellow F-100 admirers, David discovered Brian Pope of Pope’s Hotrods. Pope has quickly become a legend among F-100 aficionados, putting together incredibly well-rounded builds. David reached out to Pope about his ’65 resto and the two got to work.

A fairly significant change occurred in 1965 to the Ford F series pickups. The trucks went on sale at the end of 1964 alongside the ‘65 Mustangs, and the pickups were the first of their line to use an independent front suspension. Miss Dolly boasts a relatively modest stance though, and for this mild restoration, Pope used a Mustang-II independent front suspension from Fatman Fabrications to update the handling and performance. The rear is a 4-link from No Limit Engineering and borrows a rearend from a more modern Ford Explorer. Both the front and rear modifications allow for custom coil-overs to dramatically improve the ride. These changes give the truck a minimal drop with much more aggressive handling and appearance.

A primary focal point of David’s F-100 is the set of beautiful Billet Specialties Mag-G five-spoke wheels. Their custom gray finish wonderfully complements the polished lip, the truck’s black paint and its dazzling chrome trim. The outer diameter of the face also features a red pinstripe for a complementary pop of accent color. The wheels are set up in a classic hot-rod stagger, with the front pair measuring 18 inches, and the rear 20 inches. Backing each wheel are OEM disc brakes included in the adapted suspension kits.

David named his ’65 Miss Dolly as an homage to the inimitable Dolly Parton, who famously said, “It takes a lot of money to look this cheap.”

Underneath the ’65’s gleaming black hood is a Ford 460 V-8. The 7.5L motor was first applied in the Lincoln Continental, and variations of the 385 series engines were found in multiple high-performance Fords including the Cobra Jet (429) and Thunderbird. The massive engine provided all of the necessary torque and then some to keep the F-100 cruising down the freeway. It was outfitted with an updated FiTech EFI system, which is more fuel efficient and reliable and provides more power. Said power travels through a C6 automatic transmission and out to the Explorer-derived 8.8-inch rearend.

Miss Dolly’s exterior is simply stunning. For minor but integral exterior modifications, the gas cap and bed stake pockets were fully shaved. The original Black Raven paint was restored and corrected to its former glory. Red accent paint highlights the die trim and unique badging. The restored chrome trim perfectly contrasts the black paint and gray wheel centers.

The timeless black-and-red color scheme is continued through the incredibly well-restored interior. Red carpet stretches across the floor pans. Red leather and vinyl crowd the door panels, dash and headliner. The original bench seat is fitted snugly with custom red leather upholstery and stitch work. Through the shining rear window, a bright crimson flash of color can be seen in the context of the black body. The only real modifications to the interior are via the top-shelf ididit steering column and Classic Auto Air A/C system, which remains out of sight.

David Johnson has the perfect truck to enjoy with his father. Everything they both love about the ‘65 model remains in place, along with some interesting custom bits. Refined simplicity can sometimes require the most discipline and sacrifice. David named his ’65 Miss Dolly as an homage to the inimitable Dolly Parton, who famously said, “It takes a lot of money to look this cheap.”

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TECH SPECS

David Johnson

1965 Ford F100
Clearwater, FL

Chassis & Suspension

• Ford Explorer 8.8 rearend
• No Limit Engineer 4-link
• Fatman Fabrication Mustang-II IFS
• Custom coil-overs

Powertrain

• Ford 460-ci V-8
• FI Tech fuel injection
• C6 automatic transmission
• Ford Explorer 8.8 rearend

Brakes

• OEM Explorer disc brakes in rear
• Fatman Fabrication BBK front

Wheels & Tires

• Billet Specialties Mag-G wheels
• 18-inch front and 20-inch rear

Body & Paint

• Restored Black Raven paint with red accents
• Shaved gas fill cap
• Shaved bed stake pockets

Interior & Stereo

• All stock reupholstered red interior
• Rep loop carpet
• Painted dash
• Ididit steering column
• Classic Car Auto Air A/C

Special Thanks: Pope’s Hot Rods

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