Should I Keep My Ford F100 Original or Go Full Restomod?
It is the ultimate crossroads for any classic truck builder. You have finally secured that dream Ford F100, and it is sitting in the garage waiting for its second life. Now comes the hard part: do you restore it meticulously back to its factory-original glory, or do you tear it down to the frame and build a fire-breathing, modern Restomod?
Here at the Rods N Mods shop in St. George, Utah, we have seen this debate play out more times than we can count. I know firsthand that both paths offer an incredible journey, but they result in entirely different driving experiences. Here is a breakdown to help you decide which route is right for your F100 project.
The Case for Factory Original: Preserving History
There is a profound respect that comes with keeping a classic truck exactly as it rolled off the assembly line.
The Authentic Experience: Driving a factory-spec F100 is a tactile experience. You feel the road, you hear the mechanical hum of the original engine, and you are transported back in time. For purists, preserving the original manual steering, drum brakes, and factory suspension is about honoring the vehicle's heritage.
Value and Collectibility: In many cases, a numbers-matching, perfectly restored original truck can command serious value at auction. Collectors often look for vehicles that have not been modified, making a factory restoration a solid long-term investment.
The Reality Check: While the nostalgia is unbeatable, original F100s were built for work, not luxury. They lack modern horsepower, and their suspension and brake systems were designed for a rough and rugged ride. They aren't always ideal for keeping up with modern freeway traffic or daily commuting.
The Case for the Restomod: Modern Muscle, Vintage Soul
If you love the iconic look of the F100 but want the reliability and performance of a modern sports car, the restomod route is your answer. This is where our shop truly thrives.
Uncompromised Performance: The restomod process involves retaining the classic look while adding modern upgrades like high-performance engines and transmissions. Instead of an old, underpowered block, you can drop in a modern Coyote V8 or an LS platform for massive horsepower and fuel-injected reliability.
Modern Handling and Safety: Original F100s had loose steering and long braking distances. When we build a restomod, Robbie and the fabrication team completely re-engineer the foundation. We upgrade to modern independent front suspensions, coil-overs, and power-assisted disc brakes. The result is a classic truck that corners flat and stops on a dime, providing vastly improved safety.
Creature Comforts: A proper restomod means you don't have to suffer in the summer heat. Upgrading the HVAC system ensures you have a comfortable and cool ride, even on hot days. Throw in custom billet accessories, modern sound damping, and upgraded audio, and you have a vintage truck with a luxury interior.
Which Route is Right for You?
It ultimately comes down to how you plan to use the truck. If your goal is to win concourse shows and preserve history, keep it original.
But if you want a machine that you can confidently drive across the country, carve through canyons, and comfortably take your family out for a cruise without worrying about vapor lock or faded brakes, the Restomod is the undisputed king.
If you are ready to modernize your classic F100, let's talk. We manufacture custom billet parts and handle high-end builds that turn heads and dominate the pavement.
Contact the Rods N Mods Team Today to Discuss Your F100 Build