GoodGuys Fuel Curve 1948 Ford F1 Build - Sanders Ford Coyote Valve Covers

Featured on Fuel Curve - June 17, 2026 - Read full article >

The Snowball Effect – The Alberini’s Go All-In on their 1948 Ford F1

Small projects (just a repaint and updated interior, please) frequently turn into full-blown rebuilds in the hot rod and old car world. Sometimes it’s a plan that grows and evolves. Often, though, the small-project prep work uncovers the need for a more significant change in direction.

That was certainly the case for Carlos and Tommy Alberini’s 1948 Ford F1 pickup. The teardown process at Lopez Performance in San Bernardino revealed poorly repaired front end damage that mandated a new chassis rather than repairing the previous repairs. That choice quickly snowballed into a decision to begin a complete overhaul that produced a shiny black beauty of a custom truck.

The rebirth began with a new chassis from Porterbuilt Fabrication that features a contemporary independent front suspension, a four-link rear suspension, and 13-inch Wilwood discs brakes. Brixton Wheels (20-inch in front, 21-inch in the rear) are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport rubber to get things rolling.

The truck’s former small-block Chevy engine was set aside for a modern 5.0-liter Ford Coyote V8 that produces 500 horsepower. Valve covers from Sanders Street Rods cover stock heads while exhaust waste leaves through custom stainless steel headers and custom 2.5-inch pipes.

Read full article: The Snowball Effect – The Alberini’s Go All-In on their 1948 Ford F1