Hey guys, i have autobody next year in school, and i was wondering what i could do to "modernize" my truck...its pretty much all factory from 1976, so i know theres alot that can be done. Figured since im going to try to take it to the Rod Run in Gatlinburg, TN that other people's ideas would be more important...ive got the paintjob figured out already, but as far as interior and any other stuff i dont have a clue. here's my truck on cardomain.com, so you can check it out and see what you think would look good. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2678932/1

 

Here is one idea. http://broncograveyard.com/images/catalog/7879SPRKRHDLNR.JPG

You may want to upgrade the speakers. Just add your stereo, gauges, switches, CB or whatever.

Nice Truck! I wish I had an owner's manual.

 

Pud, that's already a good looking truck. Maybe, weld up the seams, hood scoops (functional of course), shave the door handles, delete the emblems and molding.
After taking another look at your truck, I think welding up the seams in the cab and a hood scoop, tasteful say from a 1970 or so Torino. It seems that I saw it somewhere on this site that a guy had done this and it looked sharp. Maybe remove the tie downs. Otherwise the molding looks in good shape, the door handles are unique and who doesn't like a "Ranger" badge on their truck?

On second thought Pud, I think your truck's perfect the way it is. How about I let you work on my truck and perform the above mods.

 

haha....well, if i had the money id do both of em. but of course, i dont....so ill have to stick to mine. i was thinkin a hood scoop, just wasnt sure what kind, and im taking the molding off during auto body, which then leads to the paint job, i was wanting it the same color, but with a black stipe where the molding was and have it say F-100 in white at the back of it. Thanks for the help guys, and keep it coming lol....also, glad you guys like my truck, wish i could say i made it look that good, but i didnt to do with the shape the truck is in, i bought it that way for $3,000 on my 16th birthday last year. but like i said, keep the tips comin!

 

Pud,
Man that is a nice truck, I drove a Pro-Street Orange truck for years!
My two cents, I would try to find a cheap ($50 to $100) truck to start with in autobody. Learn and practice on it before starting on your $3000.00 truck.
While still doing some of the things you are wanting to do on your truck.
Like the hood scoop, My opinion on the Cobrajet hoodscoop, they look to small for those big hoods. I used a 79 to 86 Mustang GT hoodscoop on my truck, And without messing with the paint, I laid out rows of holes to be cut in the hood, with electricians knock out cutters, NO hole saw. 2 inch size. Good smooth cut. You will have to make a soft plug to go in the front of the scoop, for when it rains, I made mine out of soft pleatherhide and pipe insulation. In my opinion I think that this looks alot better then one big square/round hole under the scoop. There are a few pics of this truck in my gallery. I gave this truck to my daughter for Graduation. And I now have my dads old 65. There are pics of it in my gallery also.

PS. The autobody school is very cool, I went to the school of hard knocks for my autobody education! I did all the work done on these trucks and lots of others in my gravel driveway.


Wally Womack

 

Pud, if it was me (and I'm weird) I'd copy a Free-Wheeling setup, Black with the red/yellow/orange stripes. I'd do it to my truck, but it's too nice, and I love the orange/cream.

Why not try and get a racetrak molding setup and two tone it?

http://s9.photobucket.com/albums/a72...t=100_1618.jpg

 

Welding up your cowl vents is a pretty cool addition and so is welding the seams between the door and back glass like a few people mentioned before. Check out my "Bessie" gallery. I did both to that truck

 

I have the "FORD" door handles also on a 78 F-150. Your's are only the second set I have seen. Does anybody know if they are aftermarket or original?

 

Yeah no kidding that 76 looks awesome as is!..

 

well lol....since everyone seems to like it, and i do too....maybe ill work on my dads old '79 internation scout....it needs alot of work, and all i really want for my truck is a fresh coat of paint in the same color.

 

Dont mess it up by trying to make it modern. The cool thing about our trucks is they are vintage. Many late 70's Fords are forever lost to this kind of stuff . The mods done in the late 80's today look bad to say the least but a stock looking truck will always be cool. Once a clean 70's Ford is modded the chance it can be returned to original is slim to none, they end up crushed in junk yards cause what was cool in the 80's looks stupid today. In 2020 a 2007 mod will look silly also. My truck is lifted and has a newer paint color but the rest of the outside looks stock. Under the hood ...well that is something else...

All you young guys trying to "trick out your truck" will wish you didnt when you get older and smarter (please dont take offense). Remember the last new 79 Ford truck rolled off the line almost 30 years ago, they are not making them anymore and many are being handed down to young drivers who cant understand how special they are. In 20 years ill say "I told you so", and you will say "I wished I listened!"

 

In 20 years I'll apologize IF you are still alive old man . In the mean time; ignorance is bliss so I'm going to continue in my happy ignorant customizing proccess. And if you turn out right oh well I'll just enjoy restoring her to all her former glory while laughing about my earlier stupidity .

 

Permanent body mods I'd question, but other than that, have fun.

Lifted and lowered trucks always look/have looked good

rim tastes change, so does paint. that's all easily fixed.

 

I think a hood ornament would be totally fly! I've got a '73 F100 I'm workin' on and thats what I'm gonna do. Like an Oldsmobile rocket or a big winged angel or a Mack truck bulldog or a Ferrarri stallion or a Plymouth ship or a big winged goose. Or whatever.

 

Keepin,
Maybe you could chrome plate a turd and mount it on your hood!