Today marked my first day of the 2011 front end conversion build on my Excursion. Unfortunately, I do not believe I will be able to finish the build while I'm home for the next few days, but my brother has enlisted his self since he knew I was going to need help anyways and loves a challenge. I told him to document his every move to help the next person and for myself. During my travels, I have collected alot of the parts from Craigslist, my goldmine junkyard, ford wholesalers, and the ford dealerships. To my amazement, just for asking for a discount, I was given 10% to a 20% discount. With that said, I have about $2500 in the build that includes all the parts for the 2011 conversion, McNasty kit, and a complete bed for the rear quarter panels. We tackled disassembling the entire front end and run into small areas of rust, and we decided that it was a good stopping point to fix the problem areas. I thought I was going to be able to use my hood stops and hood struts bolts, but was so rusted, we broke them. So now I can say that the entire front end is "newish". Tomorrow, my brother will start on the cutting and modding, and hopefully I will be able to help him install the hood before I hit the road on Wednesday. Once we complete the front conversion, we will take a break for me to drive the Ex to the outer banks for a wedding in September and then we will start on the rear panels. After its total complete excluding paint, I will start slowly modding/doing the preventive mods on the engine, lift, and wheels & tires. I hope everyone enjoys.

 

I envy you

 

Following this. Mine was put on the back burner due to moving across country and now looking for a house here. I hope the Mcnasty kit works out look forward to many pics

 

Hey I am just down the road, I work in Raleigh so I have a pretty busy work schedule but if you need help just holler.

 

Watching how this all goes together. I want to upgrade my EX. Looks like a great start.

 

There's no need to be envy of me, I only put in alot of time and footwork tracking down cheap parts.

 

Today, my brother maded all the cuts today and we start putting it together. I'm going to need to pick your brain when we start the rear fenders.

 

Well definitely need to get the Ex's together. It's really hasn't been a hard build, but putting the hood on will be the only time more hands will be needed. Thanks

 

I will have more pics tomorrow of all the cutting and modding. My brother said he test fit the fenders and it looks perfect with the body lines on the Ex.

 

You weren't playing! Good luck bro! Can't wait to see finished pics!

 

So the cutting and modding wasn't completely finshed yesterday. We got a late start cutting the frame horns and lower header panel. Mounted the fender and realize we will need to weld a bolt below the A arm to secure the fender, as the fender actually bolts. The McNasty kit wants you to use a rivet, but I'll feel better welding a bolt on. The pictures with the black around the fenders and along the bottom is where I got a little excited with the prime. I thought the prime looked better than rust.

 

Tomorrow we plan to fab the bumper mounts and do a little welding and cutting.

 

Wow, that is one heck of a build thread. Very impressive and a huge congratulations on your skills and ability!

 

Looks great, I'm glad you were finally able to get started.

 

It's sad to say, but I have to give all the credit to my brother. He's one heck of a fabricator/mechanic.