Well it's been sometime coming, but I finally have started the tear down and rebuild of my 1978 Ford F100 Ranger with Explorer package. Project will involve a new bed, cab swap and engine rebuild. Some customization will take place as this goes along. I'm going to keep everything involved with this build here, separate from my other two trucks. Obviously everything can not be predicted, but I have accumulated almost everything I need to complete this build, so I am hoping it goes rather quickly. Goal is to drive and show this truck at Turkey Roc Run this up coming November. I'm hoping with all the prep work I have done, that I can beat that deadline.

Paint has been narrowed down to satin black of a shade of silver, will figure that out soon. Also involved in this build will be bedsides from a 78' fitted to a 93' box using body adhesive instead of welding. Bronco bucket seats, aftermarket air, quality audio system and a retro custom interior are planned. Wheel choice has not been locked down as of yet.

Thanks for looking, any input is appreciated.

 

Starting point..

 

Sweet ride, did you get the one next to it also? Slotted mags, way cool.

 

Yeah, have had both of them for awhile now. Those pics are from today, but it's the same truck that is in my profile picture. One of the slots are damaged, but it still holds air. I'm gonna see about having it repaired.

 

Took most the useful parts off the truck today. Gonna be able to use the front clip for now. Bad weather this weekend slowed progress, but here is what's done...

 

Interior stripped...



Some useful green parts...



Saving the front bumper...



Back bumper, tail lights, side markers, mirrors and rear bumper are all good...

 

Nice start. Wish I had that kind of room.

 

I have eight acres. The single wide in the background is used for storage. Once I get her pulled down, I will move it under the barn for the rest of the work.

 

X2 on the nice start. Also keep in mind that with the 90's truck bed that you'll also need the change out the rear uprights. Also known as the stake pockets. You'll need to get the ones for the 73-79 trucks to be able to use the 73-9 tailgate. As you'll notice the newer beds use tailgate straps, where as these trucks use metal hinges. Thus making the latch mechanism different and NOT interchangeable. Which is why you'll need to change the rear uprights. Also since this is an Explorer truck. Are you planning on reinstalling the Explorer stripes? If so are you having new one made or having them painted on?

 

I noticed when I was pulling the tailgate they were different.

No, going with a new color. The dark green with the green and yellow stripe appeals to me, but since it's getting a new cab and a new bed, I figure I may as well build something completely personalized.

I have my eye on a short bed Explorer 4x4 that will get the factory paint scheme.

 

That's what I figure when I read that part in an earlier post, but thought I'd still ask. Cause you could have made a custom stripe color using a design similar to the original design. Can't wait to see more progress on this project.

 

Today, Mildred gets her butt cleaned up...

 

Removed the gas tank before I began cleaning and discovered that it had a patch in it. Guess I will be moving on to a bigger, new tank. Also, new brake lines and fuels lines will be ran. If I can locate my dropped shackles, I am lowering the rear today.

 

Found em'! Think they were like $20 on eBay...



Compared to stock...



Before...





Removed two leaf springs from the pack...



Shackles installed and leaf springs mocked up...



Full 2.25" drop. The springs are softer, so I expect a bit more drop when it's all said and done.

 

Best part about doing this is that I can easily reinstall a leaf if I don't like the ride or the height.