The 1940 Ford Pickup Street Rod remains a quintessential canvas for the American custom movement. This specific build, completed between 2023 and 2025, transforms a vintage heavy-duty cab into a low-slung metallic blue masterpiece. By channeling the steel cab over the frame rails, the builders achieved a profile that feels both aggressive and historically grounded. A custom-fabricated bed matches the lines of the original 1940 steel, creating a cohesive visual flow from front to back. It represents a labor of love, currently offered on behalf of the builder’s father with a South Carolina title. This truck serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of the pre-war Ford silhouette when paired with modern hot rod techniques. It is a striking machine that commands attention through its bold color and classic proportions.
Chassis Engineering and Z-Cut Frame Details
The foundation of this 1940 Ford Pickup Street Rod is a heavily modified frame that was Z’d to allow for its ultra-low stance. This structural modification is essential for getting the truck down toward the asphalt without sacrificing the integrity of the 1940 steel cab. Up front, a modified Mustang II-style suspension provides a coil-sprung independent setup for much-improved handling characteristics. Rack-and-pinion steering has been integrated to replace the vague feel of the original steering box. Braking power is significantly enhanced by the addition of front disc brakes, offering confident stopping ability for modern road conditions. While the rear utilizes air shocks without traditional dampers, the overall chassis setup is focused on that signature street rod look. It represents a significant investment in fabrication hours to achieve such a specific, grounded aesthetic.
Cragar Wheels and Staggered Rubber
This build sits on a set of iconic 15-inch Cragar S/S wheels, which provide the perfect period-correct shine against the metallic blue paint. These wheels are wrapped in recently mounted BFGoodrich rubber, featuring a staggered fitment that emphasizes the truck’s rake. The wide rear tires help fill out the space beneath the custom bed, while the narrower fronts assist with steering precision. Every enthusiast recognizes the Cragar five-spoke design as a staple of the custom car scene, and they fit this pickup perfectly. Because the tires are fresh, the next owner can focus on cruising rather than immediate maintenance. The wheel and tire combination is often the soul of a street rod, and this Ford wears its choices with pride. It is a setup that looks just as good at a standstill as it does on the highway.
Custom Interior and Period Electronics
Inside the cabin, the 1940 Ford Pickup Street Rod offers a mix of vintage charm and functional upgrades for the modern driver. A tilt steering column allows for a more comfortable driving position, which is a welcome luxury in a channeled vehicle. The dashboard is fitted with extra gauges to help the pilot monitor the V8’s vitals during long summer cruises. For entertainment, a Jensen cassette head unit provides a nostalgic way to enjoy music while navigating local backroads. While the trim on the floor-mounted shifter shows some wear, the overall interior remains a focused and tidy environment. The metallic blue theme continues inside, creating a seamless transition from the exterior bodywork. It is a cockpit designed for someone who appreciates the raw, mechanical feel of a traditional hot rod build.
Tri-Power Induction and Small Block Power
Under the hood, a 350ci V8 provides the reliable muscle that has defined the street rod movement for decades. This engine is topped with an Edelbrock tri-power intake manifold featuring three Stromberg 97-style carburetors for an authentic vintage look. These carburetors provide excellent throttle response and a distinctive induction roar when the secondary units open up. The seller claims the engine was rebuilt in 2025, meaning the internal components are essentially fresh for the new owner. An electric cooling fan manages engine temperatures, ensuring the V8 stays within its optimal range during parade speeds or heavy traffic. Long-tube headers lead into a dual exhaust system, delivering a deep and resonant soundtrack that matches the truck’s aggressive appearance. It is a powertrain that values both visual flair and mechanical simplicity.
Engine Performance and Technical Specifications
The 1940 Ford Pickup Street Rod is powered by a 350ci V-8 engine equipped with an Edelbrock tri-power induction system. It utilizes an automatic transmission to send power to a Ford rear end sourced from a 1969 Fairlane. This combination provides a durable and easy-to-service drivetrain that is perfect for consistent street use. The truck features an independent front suspension with rack-and-pinion steering and power-assisted front disc brakes. A Model A-style grille and Maltese cross LED taillights provide unique custom touches to the exterior lighting and cooling. For fuel storage, a custom aluminum tank is mounted securely within the fabricated rear bed. These specifications confirm a build that focuses on the core tenets of the hot rod lifestyle. It is a mechanically straightforward machine designed for maximum visual impact.
The 350 V8 delivers a smooth power band that is perfectly suited for the lightweight channeled chassis of the 1940 pickup. Because the rear end comes from a 1969 Fairlane, it offers a proven level of strength and a wide variety of available gear ratios. The automatic transmission allows the driver to focus on the road, making the truck an approachable cruiser for enthusiasts of all levels. Triple carburetors not only look impressive but provide a significant boost in mid-range torque when tuned correctly. Modern front disc brakes allow the driver to navigate modern traffic with a level of safety the original 1940 drums could never offer. Every part of the drivetrain was selected for its reliability and ease of replacement. This technical package ensures that the truck remains a functional driver rather than a static display piece.
Summary of the Metallic Blue Custom
This 1940 Ford Pickup Street Rod is a vibrant and unique interpretation of a classic pre-war workhorse. The combination of the channeled cab and metallic blue paint creates a look that is impossible to ignore. With its recently rebuilt 350 V8 and tri-power setup, it offers plenty of performance to back up its wild appearance. The inclusion of a tilt column and modern steering components makes it a surprisingly manageable vehicle on the road. Having been completed so recently, it represents a fresh build that is ready for the upcoming show season. It stands as a proud family project that is now ready for its next chapter in a new garage. This Ford is a definitive piece of custom culture that honors the past through modern craftsmanship.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
