Fat Fender Garage Unveils 1978 Ford F-250 Highboy
The truck was built to recognize the Southwestern U.S., where the truck lived throughout its life...
Fat Fender Garage has unveiled their new 1978 Ford F-250 Highboy. Blending classic design with modern innovation, the custom Fat Fender Garage F-250 Highboy embodies the spirit and heritage of where it was discovered in Arizona’s beautiful painted deserts with a rich, bright interior that captures the rustic colors of Arizona. The new truck is highlighted by a Southwestern-inspired cabin, along with a period-authentic dashboard discreetly upgraded with modern mechanical upgrades.
The new truck was displayed at the Toyo Tires Treadpass in Las Vegas, as part of the SEMA Show. The Fat Fender Garage F-250 Highboy features an elevated cabin allowing its original drivers and passengers stunning views and better visibility.
“We discovered this truck in rural Arizona and immediately saw its potential as the quintessential desert truck. At the time, the floors were rusted out and it couldn’t hold third gear, but the Highboy’s background as an iconic work truck inspired us,” said Avery Sly, owner of the Highboy. “My vision was to build a truck that pays tribute to the state I’ve called home for over a decade and that it has called home for its entire 46-year life.”
A focal point is the saddle brown distressed Italian leather from Apex Leather’s upcoming Infinity Series. As one of the world’s first vehicles to showcase the material, the unique leather offers a rich, vintage feel while adding depth and warmth to the one of a kind truck.
The bench seat, door panels and sun visors are upholstered with Pendleton Grand Canyon fabric inserts, which not only add a brilliant visual touchstone but also a narrative element, representing Arizona’s striking desert sunsets with hues of blue, burnt orange and earthy tones. The fabric was carefully chosen to reflect the truck’s deep connection to Arizona, blending the color and vibrancy of the landscape into the interior.
The interior flooring features Ultra Blue square-weave carpet from Apex Leather. The deep blue square weave complements the leather and Pendleton accents, bringing together a cohesive, vibrant interior aesthetic that also delivers durability. Underneath everything, a SoundShield membrane has been applied throughout to provide thermal and acoustic insulation, ensuring a quieter cabin experience. Fat Fender Garage also installed a Gen-5 Vintage Air A/C into the dashboard to keep the classic look of the Highboy’s interior preserved.
“Arizona inspired us to restore a vehicle just as majestic and rugged as the desert landscapes where we found it basking there in the sun,” said Harrison Woodruff, co-owner of the Fat Fender Garage F-250 Highboy. “This truck is a tribute to the Grand Canyon region where we restored it and brought the vehicle back to life.”
The original 1978 F-250 Highboy engine was replaced with a rebuilt Lincoln 460 7.5-liter V8, well-regarded for its considerable torque output. The Fat Fender Garage F-250 Highboy also features a custom exhaust system to improve exhaust flow and engine efficiency, while delivering 245 horsepower. The fuel system received a significant upgrade with the installation of a Boyd fuel cell, replacing the original fuel tank. An Edelbrock EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) kit was engineered to ensure dependable, increased performance and further improve fuel efficiency.
The new Fat Fender Garage F-250 Highboy’s drivetrain and suspension systems were also extensively upgraded. The original NP205 transfer case was rebuilt to ensure reliable power distribution to all four wheels. Front and rear Dana 60 axles from a 2022 Super Duty truck were installed, providing plenty of modern-day brawn for exploring Arizona’s backcountry roads and desert trails. The axles are outfitted by new shock brackets specifically engineered to fit Dana 60 axles, ensuring the vehicle’s suspension is ready for anything.
The addition of Fox performance shocks increases the vehicle’s off-road capabilities, offering exceptional on and on- and off-road force absorption. To further accommodate modern day driving experiences, the entire electrical system has been meticulously refitted with an American Auto Wire system, ensuring that all electrical components function reliably.
The Fat Fender Garage F-250 Highboy is priced at $95,000.
