Some people see treasure where others see trash. Back in 1978, Rick Heckman spotted a beaten-up 1931 Ford truck in a San Diego junkyard. The truck was barely holding together, with about half of its parts destined for the scrap heap. But Rick had a vision, and that vision would take more than four decades to fully realize.

A Journey of Three Rebuilds

The Ford has lived multiple lives since its junkyard rescue. Its latest incarnation, completed in 2015, marks the third complete rebuild. This version finally transitions the truck from its rough-and-rowdy racing roots into something more refined: a cruiser built for comfort, distance, and pure enjoyment behind the wheel.

Rick didn’t take the easy route with his powertrain choice. Sitting under the hood is a 1960 Chevrolet 348ci big-block engine. It’s not what most people expect to see when they lean in for a closer look. This big-block powerplant turns heads for all the right reasons. The 348ci big-block was a short-lived but memorable part of Chevrolet’s performance history, and seeing it nestled between the rails of a Ford hot rod brings out equal parts curiosity and appreciation.

This 348ci fits like it was meant to be.

Backing the engine is a T-5 five-speed manual transmission, a modern gearbox that gives Rick exactly the kind of driving feel he wanted. It’s the perfect match for the big-block’s torque, and it brings the truck into a realm where it’s truly a driver’s vehicle, not just something to be admired from a lawn chair.

Underneath, the truck sits on a thoroughly modern aftermarket chassis built by Independent Technologies. Rick made sure it wasn’t just good-looking from the outside. The suspension setup is built for balance, combining a tubular front axle with a cross-spring and coilovers in the rear. In back, the Ford 9-inch rearend is loaded with 4.11 gears and a Track-Lok differential. That setup delivers a solid grip and the right amount of performance. Rick also stretched the frame 10 inches during the rebuild, which significantly changed how the truck behaved on the road. The extra length improved stability and made highway cruising more pleasant.

Form Meets Function

Rick’s approach to the build shows a clear sense of purpose. This wasn’t about chasing trends or recreating a perfect period-correct showpiece. It was about building something he could use, enjoy, and be proud of.

Inside, he skipped the usual route of retro-style or reproduction parts. Instead, he focused on comfort. The seat, pulled from a Chrysler minivan, might raise a few eyebrows, but it fits the theme perfectly. It’s comfortable and practical and fits the truck’s proportions well. The dashboard is styled after a 1932 Ford, giving it the look of a more polished hot rod interior, while the steering wheel is from 1944. It all ties together with an aftermarket Speedway Motors steering column, creating an ergonomic driving position without losing the vintage vibe.

A simple but comfortable interior.

Outside, the truck avoids the over-the-top aesthetic that defines many modern builds. Instead, it wears a subtle, elegant color from Porsche’s 1956 paint catalog. The one-year-only shade is understated and refined, and it rewards those who take the time to look closer. Rick didn’t want a color that screamed for attention. He wanted something that gave the truck personality without overpowering the lines and proportions of the body.

The wheels came from Wheel Vintiques, with a staggered setup that gives the truck a traditional hot rod stance without going overboard. The fronts are 15×6, while the rears are a meaty 17×9.5. The size difference is just enough to give the truck an aggressive posture, but not so much that it takes away from the clean, classic look.

Built, Not Bought

One of the most impressive parts of this 1931 Ford story is how much of it Rick handled on his own. At 76 years old, he’s still turning wrenches and making modifications himself. Aside from the paint and upholstery, every part of this truck has Rick’s fingerprints on it. He did the fabrication. He did the mechanical work. He worked out the design and function of each part of the build.

That kind of dedication is increasingly rare in the custom car world. With so many high-end builds coming from professional shops and featuring long lists of subcontracted work, it’s refreshing to see a vehicle where the owner didn’t just sign the checks but was involved every step of the way.

The truck’s previous life was a different story altogether. For nearly 35 years, it was a local drag strip regular, finished in bright yellow paint and powered by a small-block V8. Rick took it racing, made passes, and kept it on the road. But as those kinds of venues became harder to find and priorities shifted, the truck began to evolve. It didn’t become a relic or a memory. Instead, Rick turned it into something new.

Purpose And Passion

Today, this 1931 Ford gets used the way it was intended. It sees highway time. It gets shown off. It gets driven. That’s what makes this build so genuine. It’s not just built to sit on a trailer or collect trophies. It’s built to be experienced.

And what Rick enjoys most is how people react. They walk around it, examining the craftsmanship and trying to pick out all the subtle changes. Some notice the frame stretch. Others focus on the drivetrain. Some are simply puzzled in the best way. That’s exactly what Rick was aiming for. The goal was to create something that keeps people guessing and keeps them interested.

This 1931 Ford isn’t just a car. It’s a journey. A long-term project that showcases what can happen when someone sticks with a vision and sees it through—no matter how long it takes.

It’s a story about dedication, creativity, and love for the craft. And maybe, just maybe, it’ll inspire someone else to walk out to the garage and take a second look at that old project car they’ve been walking past. Because sometimes, the best builds don’t come from a catalog or a checkbook. They come from people who see potential where others see problems.