“Lone Ranger” – Kyker’s Rod & Kustom’s One-of-One Full-Size ‘69 Ford Bronco
Keith Kyker was way ahead of Ford’s design team when he started work on his own full-size Bronco concept a few years ago. Keith’s plan was to build a full-size Bronco based on a ’69 F100 pickup rather than the much smaller first-generation Broncos from the 1966-77 era. Over a pizza lunch one day, Keith and his team at Kyker’s Rod & Kustom decided to get busy on the “Lone Ranger” project.
Keith located a rather beat but somewhat solid F100 along with a ’72 Ford van to donate its roof and a few other components. First, the bumpside bed was cut to the desired length and pushed forward to morph into the cab, giving it the look and style of a full-size Bronco (like those introduced in 1978). Once the bed was positioned, the poor old van received a severe scalping and its roof was grafted to the modified bed.
While the team was knee deep in metal work, they smoothed the cowl vents, worked over the tailgate assembly, made an entire rear hatch using the truck’s original rear window, and added flush-mounted side glass from a full-size Bronco. Unfortunately, we can’t see the trick floor and tunnel but opening the custom hood presents a beautiful look at the sheet metal craftsmanship.
Surprisingly, there’s a carbureted 429c.i. Ford big block backed by a C6 under the hood. Most would expect a Coyote, of course, but the 429 fit the vision of a 1969 concept truck better.
The ’69 pickup frame was entirely reengineered with a tubular control arm system from Chris Alston’s Chassisworks along with Slam Specialties air components. A Chassiworks four-link was fitted as the rear suspension with an Accuair system controlling the ride height. Keith chose a set of Billet Specialties 20×10- and 22×12-inch Bonneville wheels and Wilwood brakes to handle the roll.
The stunning interior was left in the capable hands of Speedway Seatcovers to upholster the seats, custom door panels, and console in a distressed, brown/bronze leather. The factory instrumentation was restored and is complemented with Vintage Air and a hidden sound system for cruising pleasure. The air tank is hidden under the front seats and that vintage-looking suitcase in the back actually houses the battery.
As a one-of-one custom concept based on a ’69 Ranger pickup, the moniker “Lone Ranger” doesn’t get any better. Congrats to Keith and the whole build team at Kyker’s Rod & Kustom for being a finalist for Goodguys 2021 LMC Truck of the Year Late!
Photos by Steven Bunker
