Knapheide 8' Service Body With Roll Top Cover

This Knapheide 8' Service Body is fitted with a  Custom Roll-Top Cover, Custom Headboard / Window Protector, and Master Locking System. The body is mounted on a Ford Crew Cab single rear wheel 4x4. What is most unique about this unit is the roll-top cover which is interesting and rare to see. The advantage if the roll-top cover is that it rolls up like a window shade opening about 90% of the cargo area.

Ford F-Series - 65th Anniversary

On January 16, 1948, the Ford Motor Company publicly revealed the iconic F-1 pickup, beginning the F-Series legacy of tough trucks. This mini-site includes original launch press releases and photography, presented here as issued 65 years ago. Since 1948, more than 32 million trucks have proudly worn the F-Series badge. These legendary trucks have been the best-selling pickups for 36 consecutive years, and America's overall best-selling vehicle for 31 years. As Ford looks forward to the future of Built Ford Tough, it is appropriate to celebrate the 1948 Ford F-1 pickup that started it all. Happy 65th anniversary and long may you run.

Follow these links to the copies of Original Documents from the Greenfield Village Research Center and the Henry Ford Museum: 


Original Press Release

Series F1 Fact Sheet 

Body Builders Dimensional Drawing

Photos

Ford Atlas Concept - 2013 Detroit Auto Show

Special Cargo Bed Enclosure and Horizontal Series Service Body

This is a 9' Service Body on an uplevel Ford 56"CA Box Delete Chassis. Looks wonderful. The interesting part to show on this is how nicely this shows off the advantage of the horizontal series, which it a no charge option. This makes the horizontal box over the wheels extend to the end of the body and instead of a vertical compartment in the rear, it has a smaller square box below. This option allows a wide variety of tools, parts and other gear to fit in that long horizontal box. It's a great option.


The other interesting thing is that it has a Raised Cargo Bed Enclosure, but this one has a permanent top instead of the typical roll top or sliding roof. Notice the light on the inside roof and also how closely the rack fits to the top. It also has a conduit box mounted in the center which is more often mounted on one side rather than in the center.


There are some other minor options, like the Stainless Steel Vise Bracket, but all in all, this is one sweet looking truck!

Ford Atlas Concept Hauls Away Autoweek Magazine’s Most Significant Vehicle Award

Ford Atlas Concept is named Most Significant vehicle of the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) by the writers of Autoweek Magazine and autoweek.com

Ford Atlas Concept showcases the design, capability, fuel efficiency and smart technologies that will define future pickup trucks

For the sixth year in a row, Ford vehicles on display at NAIAS have garnered Autoweek award recognition

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 17, 2013 – The Ford Atlas Concept, a bold vision for the future of pickups, has been named Autoweek Magazine’s Most Significant vehicle of the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

“The Atlas Concept is clearly Most Significant winner for the things you don’t see, like hidden aerodynamic improvements and weight savings from high-strength steel and interior parts, like thinner seats,” said Bob Gritzinger, Autoweek executive editor. “Those things add up to significant fuel savings for pickup trucks down the road. A next-generation EcoBoost® with Auto Start-Stoptechnology also signals why Atlas is a real game changer.”

The Ford Atlas Concept made its worldwide debut at NAIAS on Tuesday, Jan. 15. A design and engineering study inspired by decades of listening to customers in the places where they work and play, the concept has tomorrow’s pickup buyers in mind.

Breakthrough features include active aerodynamic elements in the grille, front air dam and wheels that reduce wind resistance to save gas. Truck-specific features that improve capability, durability and productivity include a Dual-Purpose Tailgate Step that integrates with a roof cradle to become a rack for long objects like ladders, Hidden Cargo Ramps to load ATVs and motorcycles, Trailer Backup Assist to enable accurate reversing with a trailer via the simple twist of a knob, and more.

“We are thrilled by the enthusiastic response to the Ford Atlas Concept,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president for Global Product Development. “This award from Autoweek – plus overwhelming positive reaction from news media and across social channels alike – confirms Ford is the positive reaction from news media and across social channels alike – confirms Ford is the recognized thought leader in trucks, in addition to our position as truck sales leader for 36 years.”

This is the sixth year in a row Autoweek has honored Ford with one of its North American International Auto Show Editors’ Choice Awards:

2012: 2013 Ford Fusion named Best in Show

2011: Ford Vertrek Concept named Best Concept

2010: Next-generation Ford Focus named Most Significant

2009: 2010 Ford Taurus named Most Significant and 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 named Most Fun

2008: 2009 Ford F-150 named Most Significant

Ford Brings Out Entire Showroom, Commercial Vehicles and EcoBoost for North American International Auto Show

• Ford presents its entire showroom for the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), offering guests a good look at everything from the all-new 2013 Fusion midsize sedan to its F-Series trucks

• To help celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Henry Ford’s birth, the company founder (played by a series of actors bearing an uncanny resemblance to Henry Ford) will walk guests around the exhibit, providing an audio tour that weaves the story of his life with a look at the modern Ford vehicle lineup and technological innovations such as EcoBoost^® engines

• Ford will feature its commercial vehicle story at this year’s auto show, including the Transit family of vehicles, with a display of people who protect, serve and help those in need

DETROIT, Jan. 16, 2013 – All-new Fusions, Fiestas, Escapes and Transit vans share the stage with muscular Mustangs, tough F-Series trucks and the rest of the freshest vehicle lineup available on the Ford stand at this year’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

More than 65 vehicles will grace the Ford exhibit this year, including a Ford-based fire-rescue truck, a Gleaners mobile food pantry Transit Connect and Ford Police Interceptors.

“The theme of this year’s Ford stand is ‘People Serving People,’” said Elena Ford, director of Global Marketing, Sales and Service Operations. “The everyday heroes who use these commercial vehicles will be a part of the exhibit to share their experiences with guests.”

Throughout the approximately 60,000-square-foot exhibit, Ford will showcase power-revving and fuel-efficient EcoBoost^® engine technology, a Focus ST road rally driving simulator, a Mustang Nation display, and ever-durable Ford trucks along with several other demonstrations. The stand boasts the freshest new vehicle lineup of any automaker, featuring EcoBoost engine technology available on nine different nameplates.

Henry Ford as your guide

To help celebrate 150 years of the man who put the world on wheels, Henry Ford – actually, an actor playing him – will guide guests around this year’s Ford stand.

Ford will start the tour near an original 1903 Model A, taking visitors through his life history while showing them Ford’s current lineup of vehicles. The full Ford showroom will be on display, as well as commercial vehicles including the all-new global Transit family.

Ford is the largest manufacturer in the global commercial vehicle segments where it competes, and North America’s best-selling commercial truck brand for 28 years. Ford is building on this leadership with introductions of the all-new Ford Transit and Ford Transit Connect vans.

Transit full-size cargo van and wagon are expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy – averaging 25 percent better than today’s E-Series – and the segment’s lowest operating costs. Customers can choose from three roof heights, three body lengths, two wheelbases, and standard 3.7-liter V6,
3.5-liter EcoBoost or new 3.2-liter Power Stroke^® five-cylinder diesel engines.

The all-new Ford Transit Connect compact van is available in two wheelbase lengths and in XL and XLT trim series. Transit Connects deliver a 1,600-pound payload, 130 cubic feet of cargo space, and have an available 2,000 pounds of towing capacity. Transit Connect is expected to achieve at least 30 mpg on the highway with its 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine.

Beyond its vehicle fleet and displays of technological innovations, Ford will offer NAIAS guests several experiential opportunities.

Boostical

Visitors will have the chance to produce an instant musical collage featuring the words “Eco” and “Boost” backed by sound effects. This fun sound mash-up will be shareable on social media networks instantly.

Taurus talent search

Guests interested in becoming a Taurus product specialist will be able to audition by recording a video. Participants will be given a short script to share via social media. Those with the highest number of “likes” will win the title of Best in Show.

Blue Oval card

For the second year, the display will feature Ford’s Blue Oval card, offering visitors a more focused, personalized experience they can share with their family and friends. Visitors can register online to receive a Blue Oval card, which they can then use to access relevant content throughout their time on the Ford stand.

Ford Atlas Concept: The Future of Pickups

• Ford Atlas Concept is the future vision for pickup trucks

• Innovative design integrates capability and smart technologies to transform customer expectations of what Built Ford Tough^® will look like in the future

• Next-generation EcoBoost^® – coupled with advanced engineering and design innovations – creates leading fuel efficiency and increased capability

• Trailer towing and cargo hauling are made easier with innovative features designed specifically for truck owners to improve utility and confidence

Click here to visit the Ford Atlas Concept mini-site.

Ford Atlas Concept Infographic

Soundbites: Ford Atlas Concept

DETROIT, Jan. 15, 2013 – Ford today unveiled the Ford Atlas Concept to showcase the design, capability, fuel efficiency and smart technologies that will define future pickup trucks.

“The Ford Atlas Concept previews the innovations that will transform what people expect from their pickup,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “With 36 years as America’s best-selling pickup, we are absolutely committed to setting the agenda in the truck market.”

Design with purpose

The Ford Atlas Concept is inspired by decades of listening to customers at the places they work and play. The result is a purpose-driven design with prominent wheel arches, a wide stance and chiseled grille – all to reinforce its functional Built Ford Tough^® image. 

“We wanted the concept to reflect how Ford trucks help customers in both their worlds – professionally and personally,” said J Mays, Ford group vice president and chief creative officer.
“Every surface and feature in the vehicle has been crafted for purpose and capability while retaining an unmistakable Built Ford Tough look.”

Designers enhanced truck functionality, while creating new advanced features(see infographic here). For example, multiple tie-down points are integrated within the cargo box walls and load floor, along with 110-volt electrical outlets in the cargo box to charge power tools. An integrated roof carrying system and hidden extendable ramps give the truck unique functionality for a variety of jobs.

The interior is themed with structural styling cues and features the latest thinking in comfort, utility and refinement. Innovative, thin, lightweight seating in comfortable leather allows for extra legroom for rear passengers – along with integrated storage for smaller items. “Floating” instrument pods and glove-friendly buttons and controls keep the interior functional and ruggedly stylish.

Leading fuel efficiency

The Ford Atlas Concept features a next-generation EcoBoost^® powertrain, which introduces truck-enhanced Auto Start-Stop engine shutoff technology. Auto Start-Stop shuts off the engine when stopped in traffic to save fuel – and smartly suspends the feature when the truck knows it is towing.  

EcoBoost engines use gasoline direct injection and turbocharging to deliver fuel-economy gains of up to 20 percent and reduction of CO₂ emissions of up to 15 percent, compared with larger-displacement engines. More than 500,000 EcoBoost engines have been sold globally, including 250,000 in the Ford F-150.

The Ford Atlas Concept goes further to save fuel through a combination of active aerodynamic elements that reduce wind resistance. They include:

• Active Grille Shutters: Automatic shutters behind the grille stay open when extra engine cooling is needed, such as during low-speed stop-and-go driving or while working in hot weather. The shutters automatically close to improve aerodynamics when cruising on the highway at steady speeds
• Active Wheel Shutters: Automatic shutters in the wheels are hidden to improve style at rest and low speeds, but automatically close at highway speeds to improve aerodynamics. Self-charging batteries use energy from the wheels’ motion to power the shutters
• Drop-Down Front Air Dam: A drop-down front wind spoiler lowers at highway speeds to improve underbody airflow. The air dam is raised at low speeds to improve ground clearance – helpful for off-roading
• Power Running Boards: Auto-deploying running boards help passengers enter the truck at rest and tuck up against the truck when it is moving to improve aerodynamics and ground clearance 

The combination of these fuel-saving features saves more than 2 mpg on the highway without diminishing towing or hauling capability.

Work and play smarter, not harder

Ford Atlas Concept is a rolling showcase of features that improve capability, durability and productivity to meet the diverse needs of pickup truck owners. Features include:

• Dual-Purpose Tailgate Step and Cargo Cradle: The acclaimed Ford Tailgate Step goes a step further by adding the ability to also act as a cargo cradle – lifting and holding extra-long cargo items above the truck and freeing valuable bed spaceTrailer Backup Assist: This segment-first innovation allows drivers to back a trailer with the twist of a knob. Ford research shows that backing a trailer is often the most intimidating task a truck customer can face
• Dynamic Hitch Assist: Hitching a trailer can be time consuming and difficult. Dynamic Hitch Assist helps precisely line up the truck’s hitch with the trailer coupling, eliminating maneuvering guesswork by showing visual cues in the truck’s center display screen
• 360-Degree Point-of-View Camera: A Ford truck first, the system gives a bird’s-eye view of the truck to help position the vehicle in tight places or when there are obstacles near the truck – such as on a busy job site or grocery store parking lot
• LED Headlamps and Taillamps: Advanced LED lighting offers better road illumination than conventional halogen or HID lights and lasts longer. LED lamps also offer near-instant response, giving valuable extra warning time for following traffic
• LED Cargo Box and Side Mirror Lighting: Advanced, powerful yet efficient LED lighting brightly lights the cargo box and job site after the sun goes down with minimal battery drain compared to standard headlights or plug-in lights
• Hidden Cargo Ramps: Lightweight, durable loading ramps stowed below the cargo box can be quickly removed and set up to assist with loading wheeled items into the bed – from landscaping equipment to dirt bikes