(1979 Ford F 150 Ranger XLT)
Ride Details
Engine Details
Driveline Details
Chassis Details
Wheels Details
Paint Details
Body Details
Interior Details
“Copperhead”
Owned by: Stephen Beaty
Photos by: John Mumaw
Stephen Beaty’s Stephen Beaty’s 1979 Ford F-150 Copperhead delivered a perfect mix of raw attitude, modern upgrades, and a unique patina style that stood out from the crowd.
The name Copperhead came from Stephen’s recent purchase of an AC Shelby Cobra, keeping everything in line with a snake-inspired theme. And just like its name suggests, this truck had a bite to match its look.
From Flip Project to Full Build
Originally, the 1979 Ford F-150 Copperhead wasn’t supposed to be a full build. Stephen picked up the truck from friends who had bought it at an estate sale, planning to flip it and move on. But once he got a closer look—especially at the engine—it was clear the truck had more potential than expected.
That’s when the direction changed.
Teaming up with Scott Davis, who brought over 20 years of build experience to the table, the project quickly shifted into a full transformation. What followed was a six-month build that turned a simple flip into a standout custom.
Power Meets Simplicity
Under the hood, 1979 Ford F-150 Copperhead packed a Ford 429 V8, giving the truck the kind of presence you expect from a classic powerhouse. Upgrades like roller rockers, a cam, chrome pulleys, and a fresh carb setup added both performance and visual appeal.
It wasn’t overcomplicated—it was done right. Clean, functional, and built to match the truck’s aggressive stance.
Laid-Out Stance with Modern Handling
The truck sat on a RideTech suspension setup, featuring a front cradle, four-link, airbags, and shocks that allowed it to drop a full six inches. Combined with a smoothed and notched frame, the stance hit exactly where it needed to be—low, clean, and aggressive.
A full Wilwood disc brake kit backed everything up, while details like a chrome master cylinder and polished radiator added that extra level of finish under the hood.
Rolling on American Racing Torque Thrust II wheels—20×9 up front and 20×10 in the rear—the truck had the perfect balance of classic styling and modern fitment.
Patina Done Different
What really set 1979 Ford F-150 Copperhead apart was the paint. Instead of going for a traditional glossy finish, Scott Davis executed a full airbrushed patina look over a white base, sealed in satin clear.
This wasn’t natural wear—it was controlled, intentional, and incredibly detailed. The result gave the truck a weathered, old-school vibe while still looking fresh and professionally finished.
Clean Interior with Modern Touches
Inside, the truck kept things simple but effective. A custom bench seat, fresh carpet, and subtle airbrushed details tied into the exterior theme. Modern upgrades like New Vintage USA gauges, a RetroSound Long Beach head unit, and a full JL Audio system brought in comfort and sound without overdoing it.
First Build, Big Impact
For Stephen, this was his first build, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at the final result. With the help of Scott and the team, Copperhead came together as a well-balanced truck that blended classic muscle, modern suspension, and a unique visual style.
Sometimes the best builds—like the 1979 Ford F-150 Copperhead— are the ones that weren’t planned from the start—and Copperhead proved exactly that.
