From Mascot to Masterpiece: The ’72 F-250 Crew Cab

John Mata Jr. . September 28, 2023 . Buyer’s Guides

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David Wilson’s ’72 F-250 Crew Cab Shop Truck

OK, so while this ultra clean F-250 doesn’t get down and dirty hauling parts around like a regular shop truck, it’s more of a mascot for David Wilson’s automotive side business, Resurrected Hot Rods/RHR Customs in Tomball, Texas. David keeps himself mighty busy splitting his time as a construction project manager during the day and a custom car builder after hours and on the weekends. Cool, classic cars and trucks are his forte, and he has built up a solid clientele since opening his shop.

Unlike a good deal of his peers, he was able to carve out enough time to build a vehicle for himself to serve as an example of the level of customization he keeps at the forefront of every job he takes on.

David’s vehicle of choice to represent RHR Customs was this ’72 Ford F-250, obviously, but the turnaround on it wasn’t as quick as he first imagined. Of course, he put paying customer projects ahead of his own, which is why his truck took all of about four years to complete. While he didn’t want to rush anything, David took his time and did everything the right way (the first time around), and it all started with some very much-needed tweaking to the factory frame.

David’s vision was to have the truck look super clean with very modest modifications that would make for a streamlined, timeless façade.

CROWN VIC TO THE RESCUE

David joined forces with Professor’s Street Rods to modify the Ford’s original chassis by incorporating a 2004 Crown Vic front suspension clip as well as the rear differential that was later shortened 6 inches to better accommodate the requirements of the F-250’s specs and David’s desired ride height. Performance, handling, and control ranked high on David’s list of characteristics to strive for, so he bolted on Ridetech coilovers all around as well as setting up a 4-link setup for the rear.

At RHR Customs, David continues to call attention to the benefits of spending long hours in the shop in the name of creating a vehicle that reflects its owner’s taste, and not that of the masses.

Moving forward, another addition to the F-250’s highlight reel was Crown Vic braking components to ensure dependable stopping power. To properly finish off the revamp of the ’72s chassis and suspension system, a staggered set of 20×8 and 22×12 Raceline Challenger wheels and Pirelli P Zero high performance tires were the only suitable selections to complement the Ford’s first overhaul phase.

The mill had recently been freshly renewed to provide a level of power and reliability that would make driving the F-250 a blast—especially when paired with the far more responsive suspension components that were just assembled. David did his due diligence when outfitting the “cop car” engine with go-fast parts, including an Edelbrock Victor Jr. intake manifold, a Holley 650 carb, a 2.5-inch set of headers, and a custom exhaust system with dual exits. These power-ups increased the 325’s output and overall productivity, precisely how David intended. Premier Transmission, a local shop also in Tomball, Texas, soon jumped onboard the project to install the 2004 Ford 4R70W four-speed auto transmission to adequately corral the truck’s ramped-up pony count.

SOME EXTERIOR SURGERY

Next on the agenda was to focus on smoothing out and refinishing the truck’s 51-year-old exterior. David’s vision was to have the truck look super clean with very modest modifications that would make for a streamlined, timeless façade. David kicked off the bodywork by extending the rear wheel tubs and welding and filling the bed seams and stake holes to create a much smoother appearance. Professor’s Street Rods was once again sourced to extend the lower body line at the rear of the bed before Concourse Services, also located in Tomball, skillfully applied the PPG Shelby Performance white and taupe hues, along with a custom-mixed shade of pewter to add contrast to the color palette.

David extended the rear wheel tubs and welded and filled the bed seams and stake holes to create a much smoother appearance.

One mod that David wanted to include, and has since dialed in enough to offer as a regular service in the shop, was the addition of a sunroof—an Acura sunroof of all things. Hey, the fit and finish is impeccable, and at the end of the day, he won’t have to worry about issues that sometimes arise from going with a ragtop.

The interior was next to go underneath the knife, but just like the rest of the build so far, the customizations were to be tastefully done. The factory bench seats were utilized and covered in gray vinyl by Spring Auto Upholstery, which is also located within Tomball’s city limits. The door panels were also attended to and have been cleaned up to match the fresh upholstery work of the seats. An LMC Truck steering wheel adds some shine to the interior space, as does a chrome Ididit steering column. Nothing over-the-top has been done within the confines of the cab, and that is exactly what David was gunning for.

FINE-TUNED MACHINE

It doesn’t get any cooler than pure performance teamed up wrapped up in a clean-as-hell demeanor in David’s book, and it shows with the completion of his F-250. The four years he spent fine tuning almost every aspect of the rebuild in-house at RHR Customs given him an attractive one-off classic Ford that can speak volumes about his attention to detail without David having to even whisper a single word.

An LMC Truck steering wheel adds some shine to the interior space, as does a chrome Ididit steering column.

The amount of customer work at the shop is on a steady upswing, and he is looking to help as many fellow auto enthusiasts he can. At RHR Customs, David continues to call attention to the benefits of spending long hours in the shop in the name of creating a vehicle that reflects its owner’s taste, and not that of the masses.

TECH SPECS

OWNER

David E. Wilson
Magnolia, TX
1972 Ford F-250 Crew Cab

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN

RHR Customs, Tomball, TX
2004 Ford 4.6L V-8 325 c.i.
MSD 6-MOD modular engine controller and transmission control module
Ford camshaft
Edelbrock Victor Jr. intake manifold
Holley 650 carburetor
2.5-inch BRK headers
2.5-inch custom exhaust system
2004 Ford 4R70W transmission by Premier Transmission, Tomball, TX
2004 Crown Victoria rearend 3.55

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

Shop: RHR Customs/Professor’s Street Rods
1972 Ford F-250 frame
Crown Victoria front suspension and rear differential (shortened 6 inches overall)
Ridetech coilovers at each corner
Rear 4-link
1996 Ford Bronco fuel cell

WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES