This truck I acquired from my grandpa who drove it for 30 years almost year round in Ohio. The first picture is how it looked when it showed up at my house. It had been sitting for around 5 years. I did all the normal fluids cleaned the gas tank and fuel system and drove it for about a year and a half with pretty much only the front drum brakes doing all the work. I even drove it to Detroit for the Dream Cruise. As fun as it was it wasn't very safe so after doing research the crown vic front end seemed to be the best option. Not to bore anybody with to long of a story what I thought would only take maybe a month took me almost a year and a half. I do work 54 hours a week and don't cut corners because I hate doing things twice. So once the old front end was out and new one set up I decided I was going to por 15 the frame. So I removed the cab and found tons of rust, almost enough where most would just run away but being it came from my gramps that wasn't an option. So I did about 4 months of rust repair on the cab. I didnt remove the bed because it would crumple like dust and really didnt want to get into painting it just yet and kinda like the beat up look for now. So at the end in real short words I stripped about 90% of the frame down and painted it, did alot of rust repair on the cab and por 15 the firewall, underside, and inside floor. I did new rear stock style springs, axles, new brake lines, rear disc kit, booster, master, adjustable proportianing valve and tons of other misc stuff along the way. Anyways just thought I would share a little along with some pics.

 

 

 

Thats pretty much my build in a nut shell. I also did alot of wiring and cleaned a ton of stuff up along the way. I have about 500 miles on it and it drives great. I am in the process in building a new motor right now to drop in sometime this summer. Then I will be buying a complete bed and plan on doing the paint and body work in the next couple years. But my main goal is to drive it for at least two years almost just like it is with just some little tinkering. I am planning on getting some good pictures of the truck in some cool spots soon and will throw them up once I do.

 

Awesome work, especially dealing with the rust. Sweet looking ride. Enjoy those summer drives.

 

that is a seriously beautiful truck. You did terrific work. i love that it was your grandfather's, too. someday, you can give it to YOUR grandson or granddaughter.

 

Ford = Flareside, a Stepside is a Chevrolet.

 

Sorry you are correct. I wasnt thinking it was that big of a deal but maybe I should have thought it through alittle more .

svolpone I am hoping this truck will live on in my family for many generations to come.

Thanks Jim Beckers it took alot of time and in no way am I fab or body guy but I do know my way around cars and make my living at it. For my first time I was pleased with the out come. I learned alot and am looking forward to putting the miles on her.

 

Gorgeous!!

You did a jam up job on the old gal, really liking that custom console as well..