MIAMI BLUES

Two-toned Cruisin’ the Coast

- MJ PHILLIPS

MIKE RUIZ OF MIRAMAR, FLORIDA, LIVES HIS LIFE IN THE GARAGE. A Mercedes Benz service tech by day, Mike loves all things automotive. For three years he worked tirelessly to bring one of his dream builds to life: a resto-mod ’65 Ford F-100, one that combines a pavement-scraping stance with factory-derived styling. It’s most definitely a tried and true combination with stunning results.

The Full-Tilt frame was given a new lease on life and notched in both the front and rear with the center of the frame completely smoothed and reinforced with square tube. The front and rear sections house a combination of quality air suspension components. RideTech airbags are fed by twin compressors via three-eighths-inch lines. The frame and suspension modifications were completed by Danny and the crew over at Slammered Inc. in Pompano Beach.

In addition to the suspension, Danny fabricated custom motor mounts and a complete tunnel beneath the cab. The factory motor has been replaced with a ’93 Ford 302 V-8. The 5.0-liter motor was built to the nines and has been bored 30-over, making it a true 306. Made stout by JE rods and pistons, the motor was balanced and blueprinted. The powerplant has also been outfitted with a Ford Racing X303 camshaft and AFR aluminum heads. It’s fed through an Edelbrock intake manifold and Quick Fuel carb. By way of exhaust, the motor uses BBK headers, custom 2.5-inch piping and Flowmaster mufflers. MSD solves the ignition puzzle. The five-o hooks to a built Monster AOD transmission with1800 stall.

TRUCK SPECS

OWNER

Mike Ruiz Miramar, FL ’65 Ford F-100

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION