Pot O’ Gold: A Cummins-Powered 1950 Ford F-1

A Diesel Bread Box with Attitude

Rob Green didn’t want another cookie-cutter pickup. The Rochester, New York, native wanted something different that was loud in presence, simple in purpose, and built to cruise. He found all of that in a 1950 Ford F-1 bread truck body, with an old Ward delivery shell, square sides, and tons of character. Three years later, Pot O’ Gold rolled out, sitting on air and pushing diesel torque—the kind of oddball rig that stops folks mid-stride.

The exterior tells you the story. Harley-Davidson projector headlights up front, a molded metal front bumper, tubs in the wheel wells so it can lay low, and a Ward aluminum toolbox tucked in like it grew there. Out back, the taillights nod to the ’50s with Pontiac lenses. The whole thing wears Sherwin-Williams Green Mica paint with gold vinyl from ASC Graphics to pop the lines. The paintwork and most of the heavy lifting were handled at Pot O’ Gold Kustoms in Denver, and they sure went all-in on the stance and other key details.

Under the doghouse is the punchline: a Cummins turbo-diesel swap. The old Flathead is long gone, and in its place sits a straight-six that doesn’t need to rev to get moving. A custom 4-inch side-exit exhaust lets it breathe, and the TH400 handles gear duty without drama. To make the combo fit, the firewall was rebuilt, and the rear picked up a narrowed Ford 9-inch to tuck big rollers without rubbing.

Chassis-wise, it’s a mix that works with the addition of a Mustang II front end with custom tubular A-arms, a four-link in the rear, and a proper step-notch so the axle clears when it’s aired out. Accuair bags at all four corners and an Accuair air management system run the show. Disc brakes in the front and rear bring the truck to a controlled stop, and it cruises on Detroit Steel wheels—20s up front and 22s out back. A custom fuel cell has been thrown into the mix to feed the diesel power plant.

Inside stays true to the theme: metal and leather—no fluff. Aluminum buckets wrapped in diamond-stitched leather by J&J Upholstery, a Lokar shifter, Dakota Digital gauges, Pioneer tunes, fresh glass, and subtle floor lighting get the job done. The confines are tidy, functional, and fit the truck’s no-nonsense vibe. Rob’s wife, Jody, is part of the story too. This truck gets used; it doesn’t sit parked too long between cruises.

Pot O’ Gold has already seen show time, with a Top 10 win at Syracuse Nationals and Top 50 honors at ADK. Rob says the only thing still on the list is an overdrive gear for better highway legs. Ask him what makes his truck so special, and he’ll point at the body. The original Ward delivery shell from the ’40s catches all the attention. It’s odd, it’s tough, and with a turbo-diesel under it, the old bread truck finally delivers again. Being different was the goal. Mission accomplished!

1950 Ford F-1

Owner

Rob Green

Rochester, NY

Engine & Drivetrain

Cummins turbo-diesel inline-six swap
Engine built and installed by Pot O’ Gold Kustoms, Denver, CO
Custom 4-inch side-exit exhaust
TH400 automatic transmission (turbo 400)
Narrowed Ford 9-inch rear axle

Chassis & Suspension

Mustang II front suspension with custom tubular A-arms
Rear 4-link with step-notched frame
Accuair bags front and rear, and air management
All chassis mods by Pot O’ Gold Kustoms
Custom fuel cell

Wheels, Tires & Brakes

20- and 22-inch Detroit Steel wheels
Front and rear disc brakes

Body & Paint

Ward Manufacturing aluminum delivery body
Ward aluminum toolbox integrated in bed
Harley-Davidson projector headlights
Molded metal front bumper
Wheel well tubs front and rear
1950s Pontiac taillight conversion
Sherwin-Williams Green Mica paint; gold vinyl graphics by ASC Graphics, Rochester, NY
Paint, body, and major fab work by Pot O’ Gold Kustoms
New glass and custom floor lighting

Interior

Aluminum bucket seats wrapped in diamond-stitched leather
Upholstery by J&J Upholstery, Colorado Springs, CO
Lokar shifter
Dakota Digital gauges
Pioneer audio system