01/21/2020
Meet "Boomer" the Baller Hauler
After rolling off the assembly line in 1951 as a Ford F6 COE Boomer was short, with only 110” wheelbase but with the muscle of a 110hp V8, 2-transmissions ( 3&4 speed ) and 2 speed rear end, Boomer had a 20,000 lb towing capacity. He was then taken to a coachbuilder who outfitted him with an all-steel toter bed, dual hanging air brake tanks, and a 5th wheel trailer hitch. With high hopes of hitting the open road as a car transporter, Boomer would soon realize his dreams would be crushed and be stuck on an apple orchard in upstate Washington freezing to death while toting trailers back and forth for the rest of his miserable life. Boomer was used and abused but the dry state helped to preserve his metal leaving him rust-free, however harsh weather and old age faded his meadow green paint which farmers over the years sprayed a variety of colors to try and keep up his appearance. After 66 years of faithful service, Boomer was finally broke down, worn out and no longer of any use to the orchard, so he was put out to pasture.
Until one day when I was trolling Craigslist looking for the be**er of my dreams, I saw his “for sale” ad and it was love at first sight! Although they had physically broke him down, I could see he still had plenty of spirit left and sparkle in his one headlight. Boomer was desperately in need of a rescue. I was not concerned with his locked up motor and worn out suspension since these were the first items to be replaced. A P30 frame with IFS would be the donor for his new life. A rip-roaring’ 400hp tuned Gen 5 l83 w/ 6L80 would be the new ticker transplanted along with full air ride complimented by 2” parallel bar 4 link rear suspension, 22.5” Accuride wheels, Michelin tires and stock Ford hubcaps to keep it classic. Boomer's interior was next on the list to be updated. Porsche Cayenne power seats, Cadillac CTS-V shifter, custom lower / overhead consoles w/A/C controls, Fat Mat, new carpet and vinyl create the modern cockpit. The stock dash speaker location would be fitted with a 7” Alpine touch screen, A/C vents, and the antiquated gauges would be replaced with a 10.1” Android tablet running “Real Dash” bringing Boomer into the digital age. The 2,000 watt Rockford Fosgate amplifiers power the massive 12” subwoofers custom-built into the firewall in a 4.0 cu ft enclosure along with 10 additional speakers to put the “Boom” in Boomer. Front inferred Night Vision DVR camera and rear back-up camera help navigate this Big Boy. To pay tribute to his history, Boomer felt it was important to leave his original patina on the outside and remain untouched. Boomer was built out of passion to be driven and not a “SEMA” trailer queen. 66 years from now, who knows what’s in store for Boomer, but he will be around for another generation to appreciate. For now, he is sunny Florida with a family that loves him where he is proud to show himself off.
