Wisconsin custom shop Ringbrothers just made its SEMA truck debut today at the 2017 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show, unveiling a 1954/’56 Ford F-100 restomod dubbed “Clem 101”. Designed and built as a shop truck by brothers Mike and Jim Ring, knowing exactly what year to assign to Clem 101 is a bit of a trick; the truck started out a rusty, 1954 Ford F-100, but the original cab was replaced with one from a 1956 model. The bed doesn’t help resolve the issue, as it was custom-made from scratch, and the truck didn’t source its V8 gasoline engine from either donor truck, Mike and Jim Ring instead opting to drop in a modern, 5.0-liter Coyote V8.
We suppose it doesn’t much matter; all is fair in the world of restomods.
Ringbrothers made a point of retaining the original 1954 grille, but much of the body work is entirely custom. The front and rear bumpers feature a modified appearance, with chrome work by Advanced Plating, and the doors have unique, rounded corners. The wheelbase is seven inches longer than it was originally – a feat accomplished by using a Ford Crown Victoria subframe that’s been narrowed by five inches. The front fenders were extended forward to accept that dimensional change, and hand-formed running boards span the distance between the front and rear fenders on either side.
New billet hood hinges – something of a Ringbrothers specialty – were designed specially for this truck, along with custom bed tie-downs. The made-from-scratch bed is capped off by a machined tailgate, beautifully showing off the shop’s craftsmanship. As for color, Ringbrothers sprayed this bespoke 1954/’56 Ford F-100 down with BASF Glasurit “Speedy P Green” paint, using the 3M Accuspray paint application system.
Inside the cabin, there’s a Kicker audio system, beautiful Classic Instruments gauges, a Vintage Air Gen IV Magnum climate-control system, and a cushy, custom interior from Upholstery Unlimited.
Performance is delivered by a 415-horsepower Ford Coyote V8, fitted with Ford Racing fuel-injection and stainless Flowmaster headers and exhaust. It’s lubricated and cooled with Royal Purple synthetic engine oil and Prestone coolant, and backed by a 4-speed automatic transmission that sends torque to a nine-inch rear end from John’s Industries. A four-link rear suspension, RideTech coilovers, and custom QA1 front sway bar represent a dramatic improvement over the old Ford F-100’s original suspension setup, while broad, forged HRE Vintage Series 545 wheels wrapped in Nitto rubber give the truck plenty of grip. Stopping power comes from Baer six-piston calipers at all four corners.
Ringbrothers’ “Clem 101” Ford F-100 is on display now at the 2017 SEMA Show, alongside a few other top-notch custom builds from the Wisconsin-based shop. Stay tuned for more from the SEMA floor.
Low-interest financing offered on heavy-duty pickup truck.
It just published another patent for that kind of feature.
Based on requests from domestic automakers and trade groups.
It isn't real, but maybe some folks wish it was.
A list it's been on for years now.
A recent study found three areas of concern.
