Classic ’67 Ford F-100 Project Dedicated to Owner’s Late Son
After his son unexpectedly passed away, one Ford Truck Enthusiasts member is honoring him with a special build.
One common thing you come across when surfing through the Ford Truck Enthusiasts forums are projects dedicated to family members or builds that help forge a deeper bond between family members. Which isn’t a surprise, really. After all, Ford trucks are more than just transportation to us. They’re quite literally part of our families. And when tragedy struck member drummerdad recently, it was a classic Ford F-100 that promised to help him through the grieving process.
“A few years ago I bought my son a ’67 Dodge D-100 as a father and son project and to help him learn to work on cars. To make a long story short, he passed away in March 2018 at the age of 17. I have picked up the build as one of his last requests. Through the process of getting parts and building his truck, a church friend mentioned that he had his grandfather’s truck. He didn’t have the means or skills to do anything with it. I went and looked at it, then bought it. It is a 1967 Ford F-100, with the 300 (I think) and a column shift 3-speed. He had it converted to floor shift and added a newer stereo. Otherwise, it seems original. It’s a bit rusty and it’s missing a tailgate, but that shouldn’t be a problem.”
The initial plan for this old Ford was to simply get it running, of course.
“I went over yesterday and started trying to make sure it would run. It has been sitting for 15 years (last registration was 2004) but it was a daily driver before that. Scott (the previous owner) said his grandfather bought it new. We did manage to get it to run today, briefly. I am towing it back to the house this week hopefully to start making it a driver again.”
The next step was to get this Ford to roll, which required removal of a locked up brake and some new tires. The OP quickly realized that he also needed a new muffler and gas tank as well, the latter of which a fellow member donated to the project. He then replaced all the usual stuff, including hoses, brake lines, and the master cylinder. As of right now, drummerdad has successfully driven his F-100 around the block, but it still needs a good bit of work. And needless to say, the process has proven difficult in more ways than one.
“In the process there were times I just sat in the garage and cried. It’s hard. But God has blessed us with grace, and we know my son is in heaven waiting for us. You will get to where you can work on it, and you can continue the project like you had planned. Our hope is to finish the Ford and the Dodge and take them both on the Hot Rod Power Tour.”
We can’t even begin to imagine what drummerdad is going through. But we most certainly enjoy watching him work through it and honor his late son’s wishes. So be sure and head over here to give him a few words of encouragement, and watch this cool old Ford come back to life!
Photos: Ford Truck Enthusiasts forums
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