A 1962 F-100 Worth All the Hype

Few trucks come along that have the power to stop you dead in your tracks and command every ounce of your attention. It’s almost like being in some kind of trance or something. Whatever that power is, it sure is strong. One such pickup that we can attest to having this potent amount of energy is Billy McSwain’s 1962 Ford F-100. It’s clean—almost too clean. You’d swear this thing is an illusion—smoke and mirrors— but there are no tricks being pulled here. This truck is the real deal and is a pure vision of automotive perfection.

At first glance, it’s difficult to decide where to focus your attention to. Is it the silky-smooth silhouette of this F-100’s unibody shell? What about its perfectly slammed stance or the expertly staggered width of the Schott wheels and Michelin Pilot rubber? If these areas don’t get you, the Coyote 5.0 planted within the sleek engine bay will. If not that, the VIP-level interior-scape will surely lure you in. See what we mean? Taking in this much beauty all at once is a lot harder than it should be.

For the sake of starting somewhere, let’s begin at the bottom and examine the F-100’s one-off chassis. Even though Billy does operate his own auto-based business, McSwain Automotive in Rockwall, Texas, he left the redesign of his Ford’s foundation largely in the hands of Roger Lynsky of RPL Customs— a seasoned custom builder with an eye for high-quality rides. He knew that the truck’s original frame would never allow it to perform at the level Billy had envisioned. To reach a much lower altitude with utmost reliability and performance, Roger fabricated his own custom frame while utilizing Porterbuilt components and air-ride products from Air Lift Performance. Once the full articulation of the chassis was noted, Roger then began researching the correct dimensions for the 20-inch wheels and tires that would soon make their way onto the scene.

Next, Billy started the hunt for the perfect engine to power his F-100 project. Obviously, he selected a Coyote mill—a 2018 unit that he chose to soup up with high-performance parts in the way of Ford Racing cylinder heads, a Holley Sniper intake, and backed by a Tremec TKO 600 transmission. While Billy was comfortable enough with the mechanics of working on the engine and trans combination, he once again left the metalwork under the hood to Roger. The firewall was smoothed, a pair of front inner fenders were put into place, and the entire confines of the bay was enhanced by his magic touch. The result is a work of art that screams streamlined sophistication.

Speaking of keeping things simple, Roger cleaned up the F-100’s unibody façade by massaging its exterior and shaving any features he deemed unnecessary. Both bumpers were altered to achieve just the right fitment and appearance, the grille was rid of its parking lights, and new taillight housings were molded into the body for a modernized aesthetic. Once Roger was finished with his bodywork, Billy stepped in to do what he does best by applying fresh paint—a gray hue that radiates style and pedigree. Once the layers of color and clear dried, Billy then moved onto assembling a walnut board floor for the bed. The condition of this F-100 was soon exceeding all expectations, which was surprising because Billy and Roger planned for it to end up being a showstopper. Seeing the truck in the “flesh” only affirmed that the guys were on the right track to unforeseen greatness.

The only section of real estate left to overhaul was the interior space, which was partially shopped out to Shawn Cook of Cook’s Auto Top and Trim. Shawn took on the heavy responsibility of reupholstering a pair of custom bucket seats, which the rest of the cabin was based around. Roger picked up where Shawn left off by creating a matching pair of door panels and a center console that lovingly houses cup holders, the Air Lift controller and B&M shifter. The dash was smoothed out and color matched before it was stuffed with Dakota Digital gauges, a Vintage Air climate control system, and a Billet Specialties steering wheel. After the addition of fresh carpeting, new pedals, and strategically stashed speakers, the F-100’s confines were right on par with the rest of its restyling.

Now, after reading all of that, which facet of Billy McSwain’s F-100 intrigues you the most? Yeah, it’s still a toss-up for us too. In any event, the best method of fully enjoying this beaut of a pickup is to simply submit to its irresistible charm. After all, there’s no point in fighting a losing battle.

TRUCK Specs

Owner

Billy McSwain
Rockwall, TX

1962 Ford F-100 Unibody

Engine & Drivetrain

McSwain Automotive / RPL Customs
2018 Ford 5.0 Coyote engine
Ford Racing cylinder heads
Holley Sniper intake
Tremec TKO 600 transmission
McLeod RXT clutch
Currie custom axle
Ford 9-inch rear

Chassis & Suspension

RPL Customs (Roger Lynskey) one-off frame using Porterbuilt suspension parts
Rick’s stainless fuel tank
Air Lift Performance air management with bags and dual air tanks

Wheels, Tires & Brakes

20×8 and 20×12 Schott SL65 (concave) wheels
245/40/20 and 345/30/20 Michelin Pilot tires
Wilwood front and rear brakes, master cylinder

Body & Paint

Axalta Spies Heckler paint by Greg McSwain
Walnut wood bed floor prepared and stained by Greg McSwain
RPL Customs (Roger Lynskey) custom bodywork
Tucked rear bumper
Fabricated front bumper
Removed parking lights from front grille

Interior & Stereo

Custom seats by Cook’s Auto Top and Trim (Shawn Cook)
Door panels and console custom by RPL Customs
Dakota Digital gauges
Billet Specialties steering wheel
Ididit steering column
Vintage Air climate system
JL Audio speakers
Alpine amplifier
B&M shifter