It's been a while since I've been here. Got really busy doing projects and such. Also screwed up my Photobucket account so all previous pictures were lost there.

Figured I'd do an update on whats been going on. The good news, the truck is almost done, finally!!

Before I rattle on, here's the pics.
















It's been a long and bumpy road. Yeah, yeah, I know. The truck almost got scrapped or sold a couple of times over the course of the build. Mostly due to inexperience. This is the first time I've built anything to this level. For those of you who didn't see the other thread that was on this:

1981 F-100
460 engine
C-6 trans
Top is chopped 4 inches
Custom built frame
Custom built fuel cell
Custom built dash & center counsel
Custom built box, tailgate, and roll pan (custom 3 piece tonneau covers not on right now)
Shaved door handles
Shaved front and rear side markers
I made a new wiring harness strand by strand
Mustang column
Gas door filled
Engine moved tighter to firewall
1969 T-bird rear axle
13.75" rotors on front
11" drums on back (I'm not screwing around with rear disc)
3" stainless exhaust (sounds reaalllly good)
Every panel on this truck was modified in one way, shape or form.
I even had to cut the windshield myself as nobody touches them any more (at least around here). On that note, it you ever decide to chop anything, cut the windshield first, then do the metal work to match the glass. I had to cut apart a freshly painted cab and re-do the top front edge so it matched better.

It's been running great, but haven't had it on the road yet. Did a couple little upgrades to the engine which really woke it up. Still need to get the oak boards in the box so I can mount the battery box. The dash needs the glove box door put on and the center counsel needs the tray built. Heater controls need to be hooked up and installed, along with some tunes and door panels.

I could have gotten this done a year or so ago, but decided to take a break and help a buddy build a custom '61 F-100 last summer and help with a '67 Mustang. We are building a custom '63 F-100 starting this weekend. Yay! They are really fun to build!

Any questions or comment, let me have 'em.

By the way, what's with all the ads on here now?

 

Wow! Just WOW!! Beautiful. Can't say enough good about it. The attention to detail. The custom work like the turn signals and marker lamps.

 

Whatever you're doing for a living, you need to stop it and do this instead. Obviously a passion for it, and a true talent. Drool factor is high among the membership, methinks.

You had me at the dash pad.

BTW, my only possible recommendation would be to change that tailgate graphic of the kneeling dude. I'm of the "hey, it's your truck, do what you want" mentality, but a lot of folks may find that strange.

 

Beautiful work and attention to detail. The 4" chop and lower ride height really stretches out the look of that stepside...great proportions. You are one talented truck enthusiast. Get this in a truck magazine!

 

not sure if that was a joke haha, but the 'graphic' you speak of seems to be the OPs reflection in the paint while taking the pic

 

It was a joke. WJ's humor is, to his consternation, much like mine. So, I understood.

 

Ok just checkin, I thought it was funny either way

 

Wait, what? You don't like my tailgate mural? Haha, this thing is kind of hard to take pictures of. There's always something reflecting I don't want in there.

If I could quit my job and do this for a living, I would. A couple of people and I checked into doing this a couple years ago, and around here, there's not enough of a market. Right now, I work at a sheet metal fab shop. That's how I was able to build the box and do so many things. I only pay cost for material and have full access to lasers, press brakes, and everything else.

Thanks for the complements guys.

 

Outstanding job! Very nice. I really like the flames, they fit in very well.

 

X -2 Love the added lights, but I'm fairly tall so the roof chop doesn't thrill me.

But - awesome effort

 

truck looks great man

 

I would love to see what you did for the bed cover.

 

These are pics when I had it mocked up. I still need to get the covers, hinges and brackets painted and installed.







This weekend is about getting the boards for the box stained and clear coated.

Brad from Oz - There's actually still a bunch of head room left. I'm 5-11" and still have a couple of inches above my head. Now if You're 6-2", that may be a different story.

 

Yep, I'm 6'2" so I can't ride along

Are they bonnet (hood) hinges on the bed covers?

 

The hinges are from the rear deck lids off a Focus. They were exactly what I needed, lift straight up to get the cover out of the slot where the weatherstrip is, then pivot up. So, more easily found Ford parts if one ever goes bad.