Customs and Hot Rods of Andice Score a Finalist Position for the LMC Truck of the Year with a 1940 Ford Pickup
Congratulations to Harold Chapman and his crew at Customs and Hot Rods of Andice for being named a Finalist for the LMC Truck of the Year (Early) 1940 Ford pickup!
When you own a shop that’s produced dozens of outstanding vehicles – including a Ridler Award winner and Goodguys Top 12 winners – and decide to build something for yourself, you can create a ride that pushes all your buttons, not those of a customer. For Harold Chapman, owner of Customs and Hot Rods of Andice, the process for one of his most recent personal builds began when a friend sold him a 1940 Ford pickup with a blown engine and other issues that were not obvious at the time.
“As we kept pulling back the layers, it was evident that we had to start over and build on a good foundation,” Harold says. “It was challenging in the respect that what looked OK at first was not all correct.”
The corrective process began with the CHRA crew building a custom chassis with an independent front suspension featuring stainless steel A-arms and Detroit Speed rack-and-pinion steering. At the back of the truck, a custom four-link suspension with coil-over shocks supports a Ford 9-inch rearend with 3.70 gears. Baer disc brakes are surrounded by custom 18×7- and 20×11-inch Evod wheels inspired by the old Kelsey Hayes Stripper wheels from the late-’60s, which are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires.
Harold decided to keep this Ford all Ford by installing a Roush 427c.i. V8 that cranks out 618 horsepower. It’s topped by a Borla eight-stack induction system sitting between AFR heads covered by Clay Cook valve covers. One-off stainless steel headers connect to a custom exhaust system with Stainless Bros pipes and mufflers. Cooling comes from a C&R Racing radiator, with Billet Specialties pieces controlling the accessories. A Tremec TKO 600 five-speed manual manages the horsepower to the rear axle.
The truck’s long list of body modifications includes custom taillights, a one-off rolled rear pan, deleted bumpers and emblems, peaked rear fenders, louvered filler panels below the bed, and a custom wood bed floor. The deep blue PPG paint is a custom-mixed hue and was applied in-house at CHRA.
The highly upgraded interior is a far cry from 1940s work truck standards and features the work of CHRA’s “Sick String” Brad Barker with assistance from Carlos. Features include a modified ’40 Ford passenger car dash with Dakota Digital gauges, a custom seat and door panels covered with gray Relicate leather, and a custom one-piece headliner. Finishing touches include Restomod Air, a Juliano’s steering wheel, Coach Controls, and custom-machined pedal pads.
Harold says he’s looking forward to more time behind the wheel of his newly completed 1940 Ford pickup. “This truck is so much fun to drive with the five-speed manual and in excess of 600 naturally aspirated horsepower on tap,” he says.
Photos: John Jackson
