Reviving a Classic: The 1971 F-250 Passion Project

Mike Self . December 11, 2023 . All Feature Vehicles

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A New Life for an Old Soul

In the quiet corners of Preston Hawkins’ shop, nestled beneath the soft glow of hanging workshop lights, rests a relic of the past: a 1971 Ford F-250 that carries with it the scars and stories of a bygone era. But this isn’t just any truck to Preston—it’s a testament to his passion for automotive revival, a journey that began with a simple text message and ended with the resurrection of a forgotten classic.

The saga of the F-250 didn’t begin with Preston actively seeking it out. It found him—a stroke of fate orchestrated by a friend’s text message about a neighbor’s bumpside that was possibly for sale. Intrigued, Preston asked for pictures, and once he saw it, he felt an instant connection. The decision was swift—he would rescue this forgotten truck.

ON A MISSION

Just 5 miles from his house, Preston laid eyes on the truck for the first time just hours later. Its body, surprisingly unmarred by the passage of time, captured his heart. The deal was sealed, and in July of 2021, the F-250 found its way to its new home.

The 390 looks like it just left the showroom floor.

Before Preston’s skilled hands got to work on it, the F-250 had weathered 25 long years abandoned in a field, gaining a distinguished patina that hinted at its former glory. Remarkably, though, it had almost no rust or dents. Once a two wheel-drive truck, Preston breathed new life into it, transforming it into a four wheel-drive behemoth with an original Highboy chassis and running gear, a decision that paid homage to its heritage.

Just 5 miles from his house, Preston laid eyes on the truck for the first time just hours later. Its body, surprisingly unmarred by the passage of time, captured his heart.

Preston had a vision. He wanted more than just a relic—he wanted a trusty sidekick that combined Ford heritage with the convenience of some modernity. With its upgraded power brakes and power steering seamlessly integrated to work alongside the 390 big block and 4-speed NP435 manual transmission (bolted up to an NP205 transfer case), the F-250 now boasted both brawn and ease, a blend of old-school charm and contemporary comfort.

A fresh interior really complements the patina body.

PUSHING THE LIMIT

But Preston was determined to take it a step further. The engine, although in fine operating condition, didn’t quite meet his standards. So, he tore it down and rebuilt it, every part meticulously machined to perfection by Troy’s Engine & Manufacturing including boring it out .030, bringing the block to 401 cubic inches. He then followed that up by restoring the rest of the truck’s drivetrain and suspension, including the brakes, axles, and hubs. After all, it wasn’t just a mechanical restoration—it was a labor of love, and this truck deserved the best.

Original 16-inch steel wheels are wrapped in 255/85R16 Toyo Open Country M/T tires.

Every step of this journey was a cherished chapter for Preston. The underside was now fortified, bedlined, and chipguarded, a shield against time’s relentless march. He planned on covering lots of miles over the years, so he didn’t want to leave anything to chance. A set of 255/85R16 Toyo Open Country M/T tires provide an aggressive yet manageable grip both on and offroad, while making the truck look damned good in the process.

Inside, Preston revamped and mechanically refurbished with fresh sound deadening, a new steering wheel from LMC, an internally restored Philco stereo, and new vinyl upholstery by Aaron Hill.

In Preston’s hands, this F-250 ceased to be a mere vehicle. It became a canvas, a testament to his craftsmanship, a living testament to his dedication. With every rev of the engine, every turn of the wheel, it carries forward not just its own legacy but also the indomitable spirit of its caretaker—a man bound to his truck by more than just bolts and metal, a man who found a companion in the heart of a classic Ford, and in return, breathed life into a forgotten hero of the roads.