I am starting this as a actual build thread.....I am starting a frame off resto on my Father-in-laws 78 ford f150 ranger lariat. He purchased this brand new in 78 but it has been sitting for over 12+ years. Please leave feedback and help when you see I need it! I am not a machanic so there may be dumb questions that I post from time to time to you who are. It will be a slow build but I will be updating as I am able to do work.

 

this is my "new truck" the day i brought it home....

 

this is all the work done so far.....the start of taking it down to the frame....



I hope to save this bed but not sure if i can.....


The engine......

 

Looks like a good platform to start with. I wish I would have bought a truck that already had stuff like A/C and a rear slider-oh, and 4wd. I personally like the 2wds and the F150 4x4s because they are coil sprung front suspensions. Good luck, and take your time and do it right.

 

Thanks....yeah I will be taking my time because I can only work about 4-5 hours a week on it. But I can't wait to see it rolling down the toad again. I hear on here alot about the factory a/c being a pretty good score. Thanks again for checking it out and keep an eye out for more to come....

 

That's about all the time I get to work on my stuff too. Interestingly, I have found that as I have gotten older, that is about all I want to work on it, though. I guess life works out!

Where are you located?

 

I'm in Winston Salem NC. I really wish that I could have more time but I have my truck at my cousins house because I live in a condo at the moment. We are looking to sell and buy a house so when I do the first thing will be moving the truck there so I can work on it. After I have it the build will go so much quicker because I will be able to work on it every night!

 

got some more done....tearing out the interior...




NO RUST!!!!!

 

No rust cab...score!! I love family history builds

 

Nice truck, looks to have a lot of potential. Rust free floor pans, you lucky SOB....
It's hard to tell in the pic, but I think I see a tilt steering column, if so, that's a nice score also. It seems harder to find a tilt column in a manual transmission truck.

Keep us posted on your plans for her too.

 

looks like a great place to start from no doubt. don't worry to much about the dumb questions as the search function and the many experienced minds will help you out. As said before I of course love the family history behind this build.

 

Thanks guys! Looking forward to the next year or so with this build......I was seriously excited myself when I pulled back the carpet and couldnt see through the floor!!! haha I just wish the bed was in as good of condition. I'm hoping to pull the bed off tomorrow....stay posted for more pics as I get more done. and feel free to comment and throw some help in when you see I need it!

 

Had some time today so i pulled out the dash and thought......AM I CRAZY??? haha I am loving seeing this dent coming back to life even though its far from being done!


pulled the grill out




Took the dash out....

 

sweet truck man I have about the same truck Ihae a 1978 f-150 lariat also that i bought off my grandpa I have had it for about ten years or so now and i ve just got done with some body work on the bead welding in some patch panels. and will be ready to paint the truck when spring comes. i'm putting a heater core in it right now but mine has a little rust on it but I think that I can keep on top of it. so it should be sweet when I get it painted and the new wheels and tires on it. but any way good luck with your build keep posting pics and you progress.

 

got a little more done on the front end tonight....