BulletProof 1965 F250, literally
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,924
Likes: 273
I live in Portland, OR, and almost died in a drive-by shooting in 2020.
It seems like every two weeks, there's a shooting near my neighborhood, so when I was disassembling my 1965 F250, it became apparent that it would be a good idea to bullet proof the cab of the truck.
These trucks are very spacious, and with exception to the windows, it's feasible to plate the inside fenders, doors, etc, in bulletproof material (panels, or fabric).
I contacted Armormax, but the CEO let me know that they do not armor vehicles prior to 2015..
The question that leaves me is,
Has anyone bullet-proofed their ford cab? DIY?
Not sure if I'd need to upgrade suspension, or leaf springs,
but let me know your thoughts//
It seems like every two weeks, there's a shooting near my neighborhood, so when I was disassembling my 1965 F250, it became apparent that it would be a good idea to bullet proof the cab of the truck.
These trucks are very spacious, and with exception to the windows, it's feasible to plate the inside fenders, doors, etc, in bulletproof material (panels, or fabric).
I contacted Armormax, but the CEO let me know that they do not armor vehicles prior to 2015..
The question that leaves me is,
Has anyone bullet-proofed their ford cab? DIY?
Not sure if I'd need to upgrade suspension, or leaf springs,
but let me know your thoughts//
Lead Gopher
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 1,613
From: Seattle
Traditional "Bulletproofing" or even just bullet resistant armor for vehicles is very expensive. Maybe swing by the local Army surplus store and get a Kevlar helmet and a flak jacket. Great thing about personal body armor is you can wear it outside of the truck, in the house, to bed, etc. so it can help more often than just when you're in the truck. Since it sounds like it's the neighborhood it might not be a bad idea...
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 610
Likes: 42
From: Lacey
Having quite a bit of experience with actual armored vehicles, plating the body panels is one thing. Back, side and windshield glass is another. All the added weight is yet another and (pardon the pun) the biggest problem of it all. I can't imagine anything in Portland being worth staying there for.
See A Man About A Horse
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,921
Likes: 669
From: Mariposa, Ca.
I cannot believe you’re serious about armoring your truck. You’re going to have bigger fish to fry bringing it back to life. You can get around to worrying about armoring it when you’re an old man.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,469
Likes: 965
From: Tri Cities, TN
Join the Marines or the Army. They will give you all the armor you can carry, for free! Along with another 60 lbs. of stuff. *****'s need not apply.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 27
Likes: 3
Surprisingly, its alot cheaper to bullet proof a truck than you think.
Construction bulletproof drywall is affordable and can be cut down to specific sizes and used to line the cab.
You can use a diamond blade carpenter saw to cut templates.
I ordered a few 4x8 level 3 sheets from a supplier and waiting for them to arrive
The glass, on the other hand, is a bigger problem to address.
There, I have three options.
1.) Cut exact replicas of windows and have auxiliary systems to control them inside cab,
2.)install permanent glass fixtures covering all windows, or
3.)have a simplified garage-door-like mechanism with bulletproof glass that can roll down to protect sides windows. Windshield bulletproof fixture would be permanent, but the side windows would have their protection on roof of cab, that can roll down to cover mirrors.
See A Man About A Horse
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,921
Likes: 669
From: Mariposa, Ca.
Surprisingly, its alot cheaper to bullet proof a truck than you think.
Construction bulletproof drywall is affordable and can be cut down to specific sizes and used to line the cab.
You can use a diamond blade carpenter saw to cut templates.
I ordered a few 4x8 level 3 sheets from a supplier and waiting for them to arrive
The glass, on the other hand, is a bigger problem to address.
There, I have three options.
1.) Cut exact replicas of windows and have auxiliary systems to control them inside cab,
2.)install permanent glass fixtures covering all windows, or
3.)have a simplified garage-door-like mechanism with bulletproof glass that can roll down to protect sides windows. Windshield bulletproof fixture would be permanent, but the side windows would have their protection on roof of cab, that can roll down to cover mirrors.
Construction bulletproof drywall is affordable and can be cut down to specific sizes and used to line the cab.
You can use a diamond blade carpenter saw to cut templates.
I ordered a few 4x8 level 3 sheets from a supplier and waiting for them to arrive
The glass, on the other hand, is a bigger problem to address.
There, I have three options.
1.) Cut exact replicas of windows and have auxiliary systems to control them inside cab,
2.)install permanent glass fixtures covering all windows, or
3.)have a simplified garage-door-like mechanism with bulletproof glass that can roll down to protect sides windows. Windshield bulletproof fixture would be permanent, but the side windows would have their protection on roof of cab, that can roll down to cover mirrors.
Lead Gopher
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 1,613
From: Seattle
I had envisioned the bulletproof windows so you could be bulletproof while driving around and not have to only be protected by moving panels into place post haste. The bulletproof plastics need to be about 3/4" to 1" thick to be effective and that would be sort of tough for windows inside of our doors and front and back. Back window would probably be easiest but you'd have to have some thick channels in the rubber seals. And bulletproof glass formed to fit the windshield would probably be beyond most peoples practical budget. Thinking Popemobile here. But, most people on here won't pay a nickel to watch an ant eat a bail of hay. When I've sold parts I've had people ask why I'm charging for shipping....
If I almost died in a drive by shooting I'd probably be a bit gun shy myself (no pun intended). How much time did you have to spend in the hospital after that one? I've never been shot but I have been shot at by Cubans on the isle of Grenada in 1983 during combat operations. Once was enough for me.
If I almost died in a drive by shooting I'd probably be a bit gun shy myself (no pun intended). How much time did you have to spend in the hospital after that one? I've never been shot but I have been shot at by Cubans on the isle of Grenada in 1983 during combat operations. Once was enough for me.
Surprisingly, its alot cheaper to bullet proof a truck than you think.
Construction bulletproof drywall is affordable and can be cut down to specific sizes and used to line the cab.
You can use a diamond blade carpenter saw to cut templates.
I ordered a few 4x8 level 3 sheets from a supplier and waiting for them to arrive
The glass, on the other hand, is a bigger problem to address.
There, I have three options.
1.) Cut exact replicas of windows and have auxiliary systems to control them inside cab,
2.)install permanent glass fixtures covering all windows, or
3.)have a simplified garage-door-like mechanism with bulletproof glass that can roll down to protect sides windows. Windshield bulletproof fixture would be permanent, but the side windows would have their protection on roof of cab, that can roll down to cover mirrors.
Construction bulletproof drywall is affordable and can be cut down to specific sizes and used to line the cab.
You can use a diamond blade carpenter saw to cut templates.
I ordered a few 4x8 level 3 sheets from a supplier and waiting for them to arrive
The glass, on the other hand, is a bigger problem to address.
There, I have three options.
1.) Cut exact replicas of windows and have auxiliary systems to control them inside cab,
2.)install permanent glass fixtures covering all windows, or
3.)have a simplified garage-door-like mechanism with bulletproof glass that can roll down to protect sides windows. Windshield bulletproof fixture would be permanent, but the side windows would have their protection on roof of cab, that can roll down to cover mirrors.
See A Man About A Horse
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,921
Likes: 669
From: Mariposa, Ca.