Words: John Gunnell
One especially eye-catching car at the Tichigan Lake Lions Club Car Show was a 1947 Ford pickup truck that was completely customized and had the roof of the cab chopped off to make it into great-looking convertible. The owner of this rig - a fellow named Todd - describes it as a ’47 Ford Roadster Pickup.
Every panel on the all-steel truck has been customized to a very high, professional level, including the Cinnamon and Linen Gold two-tone finish. The body panels and edges have a smooth look.
Tom Pogo is responsible for the tube chassis, which accommodates a 302-cid Ford V-8 up front with a C-4 automatic transmission bolted in behind it. At the rear is the classic Ford 9-inch axle.
Lots of new parts make up the ’47 Roadster Pickup, including a complete stainless steel exhaust system, a rack-and-pinion steering setup from Flaming River (which also sourced the steering column) and Vintique wheels.
Some subtle, but very cool styling touches seen on the pickup include the art deco style winged “V” emblem on the right-hand side of the glovebox and a vintage-looking Ford V8 emblem that appears on the tailgate.
The truck’s body is channeled over the tubular frame rails so the lower end of the front sheet metal, the bottoms of the fenders and the running boards are nearly scraping on the ground. Covering the cargo box opening is a custom tonneau cover.
Inside the truck is a pair of light tan bucket seats, a two-spoke tan steering wheel, a center console (with a cupholder), a full complement of gauges, a high-tech sound system and air conditioning.
The ’47 Ford Roadster Pickup was wearing a “For Sale” sign all during the show; the asking price was $33,000.