Enthusiasts often debate the merits of mixing classic aesthetics with modern performance. While some prefer vintage originality, others appreciate the seamless integration of contemporary technology into timeless designs. For those in the latter camp, a recent project by Fat Fender Garage in Arizona perfectly illustrates this harmonious blend. They’ve taken a brown-on-brown 1977 Ford F-150 Ranger XLT longbed, affectionately nicknamed “Charlie Brown,” and infused it with the heart of a 2017 Mustang GT – and the convenience of a modern key fob system.
This wasn’t just a simple engine swap. Jason Noel and his team at Fat Fender Garage undertook a comprehensive modernization of the classic F-150. As Noel explained, the project involved a complete overhaul, addressing everything from the rear end and brake system to the entire electrical setup. The goal was to retain the truck’s vintage charm while enhancing its reliability and incorporating select modern amenities. From the outside, Charlie Brown maintains its 1970s appeal, looking as if it could have just rolled off the factory floor decades ago.
Stepping inside, the period-correct aesthetic continues, complete with a CB radio that evokes a sense of nostalgia. However, closer inspection reveals subtle yet significant modern upgrades. Digital gauges provide precise readings, air conditioning ensures comfortable cruising, and Bluetooth connectivity brings modern audio and communication capabilities. Perhaps most surprisingly for a vehicle of this era, Charlie Brown now features power locks, seamlessly integrated to respond to a 2017 Mustang Gt Key Fob remote. This addition of a modern key fob system to a classic truck highlights the ingenuity of Fat Fender Garage in merging vintage charm with present-day convenience.
While these interior upgrades are noteworthy, the centerpiece of this transformation lies beneath the hood. As Noel himself emphasized, the most crucial modification is the engine. Fat Fender Garage expertly installed a 2017 Mustang GT 5.0-liter Coyote V8 crate engine. This required meticulous adjustments to the engine bay, including custom brackets to ensure perfect engine placement. The installation also involved a bespoke, in-house designed radiator for optimal cooling and a custom air intake and computer box to manage the potent, digitally controlled engine. The result is a classic Ford truck with the exhilarating power and modern performance characteristics of a contemporary Mustang GT.
The enhanced performance was immediately evident during Noel’s test drive. Even a seasoned professional like Noel was taken aback by the truck’s newfound power. In third gear, a hard press on the throttle resulted in immediate wheelspin, demonstrating the raw শক্তি of the Coyote V8. Noel recounted reaching 90 mph quickly, highlighting the dramatic increase in performance compared to the truck’s original powertrain. Back at the garage, the Fat Fender Garage team further showcased the engine’s capabilities with impressive burnouts, a testament to the successful marriage of classic Ford truck and modern Mustang GT muscle.
Charlie Brown exemplifies how classic vehicles can be tastefully updated with modern technology, enhancing both performance and convenience. The inclusion of a 2017 Mustang GT engine and, notably, its accompanying key fob operated power locks, represents a thoughtful approach to modernization. Fat Fender Garage has proven that it’s possible to retain the iconic appeal of a vintage Ford F-150 while enjoying the benefits of 21st-century automotive engineering.
