Django: The 1962 Ford F-100 Unibody Pickup
In the world of custom trucks every detail counts, and the more unique those details are the better. Randy Weaver, owner of Weaver Customs in West Jordan, Utah, knows this all too well and he’s made a living producing killer, subtle details for custom automotive owners nationwide. When Weaver decided to customize a “shop truck” of his own, it was no surprise that the project quickly turned from simply creating a parts-getter to putting in all of the details to make this classic Ford the one-of-a-kind showpiece that you see on these pages.
The massaged 5.9L Cummins diesel engine, topped off with a compound turbocharger setup, packs a mighty 1,000-rwhp punch.
As a 1962 Ford F-100 unibody pickup, this classic truck was gifted with iconic bodylines and personality right from the factory. It wasn’t until after many years of abuse that the truck developed an even more defined sense of character, one that Weaver picked up on immediately when he noticed that the truck’s rear brake drums were ground down flat from being dragged for many, many miles in its past life. Ready to give the truck a new lease on life, Weaver named it Django, and similar to the movie, this truck has been freed and made anew. Initially the Ford was bought to be a shop truck, one that could haul parts and tools around with classic looks and style. But shortly after the build began, it became clear to Weaver and his crew that the truck was going to end up being much more than initially planned. Yes, that tends to be a common theme in these pages, but read on.
DRIVE TRAIN
Django has a custom suspension setup that not only gives the truck its noticeably grounded stance, but also plenty of heft to deal with the turbocharged Cummins under the hood. Ridetech control arms paired with double adjustable shocks on all four corners keep the ride comfortable, while the custom geometry both front and rear allow for the massive Pirelli tires on the beast to tuck up under the body with plenty of pavement-gripping power. Of course, there has to be an abundance of rubber-to-pavement contact in order to keep this powerful beast planted, since the massaged 5.9L Cummins diesel engine, topped off with a compound turbocharger setup, packs a mighty 1,000-rwhp punch.
MASSAGED AESTHETICS
With something so powerful and performance-oriented, it’s only fitting that the exterior looks suit its beefed-up heart. Weaver set to giving the Ford some unique aesthetic qualities, including a chopped and extended roof line, laid-back windshield, suicide doors, shaved drip rails, a custom hood, custom front and rear bumpers and that impressive shortened and smoothed bed. All of this is accentuated with a custom Axalta Chai Bronze and Silverstone Gray paint scheme with custom graphics and Laser Red pinstriping. Inside, the truck is just as unique, featuring custom seats covered in distressed deep red leather upholstery, a one-piece leather headliner, custom all-steel dash with Dakota Digital gauges and a custom center console fitted with an antique 1845 Colt revolver as the centerpiece. While the truck maintains its vintage appeal, all of the modern amenities, from power windows to air conditioning and a full Kicker sound system, are all present in this expertly built “shop truck.”
Weaver certainly showcased both his customization and design skills with this build, doing just about everything except for the interior on his own with help from his crew. For that reason alone, Django will remain an icon of creative freedom in the customization world well into the future. DW
