QA1’s 1972 Ford F100 Longbed
When QA1 decided to address the glaring gap in aftermarket support for the Ford F100, proving its products work well on both street and track were crucial. So, with intentions to test a truck in a variety of trying situations, QA1 dedicated this 1972 Ford F100 longbed to the development of QA1’s full coilover suspension. This test mule hasn’t been wildly modified, but a little retrofitting, a very capable driver, and some on-track refinement has shaped it into a surprisingly fast machine with plenty of unexplored potential.
The rust-free F100 hasn’t been changed much since QA1 purchased it from a Plano auto restorer, though the standard 351 is no longer “standard.” Currently, it’s a Ford 410ci wtih Edelbrock Windsor aluminum heads, COMP hydraulic roller camshaft, Holley 750 carburetor, MSD ignition, 500 horsepower, and 500 lb-ft of torque. That power is sent to an AOD automatic, QA1 carbon fiber driveshaft, and then to a Quick Performance 9-inch rear.
The motor, despite its power, is still civil enough for road usage — and that fits perfectly with the ethos of the build. Rather than make it a highly strung engineering exercise, it was decided that the truck had to be usable. “QA1’s Marketing Manager, Dave Kass, was discussing the growing followers and contributors to their #goDRIVEit campaign, in which they encourage enthusiasts to get their classics, hot rods, trucks, and muscle cars out to drive and enjoy. Already a sponsor and participant of the Motor State Challenge, QA1 began bouncing around ideas about making a #goDRIVEit class as part of the event and acknowledging those participants who ran the event ‘old school.’ That is; drive your vehicle to the event, compete with it all weekend, and then drive it home,” said Scott Wahlstrom, director of marketing for Motor State Distributing.
