Built, not build, because I am nearly done doing all I set out to do after buying the truck in 2017. Previous was a 59 F250, but this became, over time, the truck I really wanted.

I’m going to add an underdash AC - already waiting on my workbench - and that’s it. Other than maintenance and repairs of course. Oh, and the Ford hazard flasher set-up. I’ve done all this, even as I used the truck, over the past nine years, not taking it out of service, and most of the time driving it 3-5 days per week. I’m within a year of full retirement, and have accomplished - almost - my goal of having it done by retirement. I’’ll start filling in with most recent photos along with a few comments.

This is the front-end shot of what it looks like now, with the recent additions of accessories. I like to keep it Genuine Ford when possible, but let’s face it : Ford didn’t always have a better idea. For example, their cab clearance lights of that era had plastic bases and lenses. Not for me, so I bought a set of NOS Dietz, with metal bases/glass lenses. Found a set of the BigTruck fender-mount turn signals, the stock ones were obscured somewhat by the grill guard.

 

As seen above, I installed a set of Yankee Bug Eye driving lights , recessed into the guard/bumper. Needed to relocate them there because I mounted a set of NOS Ford tow-hooks from the era on the bottom of frame, right behind the bumper. The BigDummy, Bill, said actual location is supposed to be on top of frame directly behind the bumper, but not enough room on the smaller trucks.

 

Restored toolbox, cobbled together , complete, from three different boxes. So much handier than all the crap stuffed under the seat.

 

With a tall camper shell, I need something better than the pathetic tiny stock mirrors. These are NOS Yankee Jr. West Coast Mirrors, which replaced the identical but rusty/flaked ones that were on the truck when I bought it. Stainless steel Vent Shades, also indispensable to me.

I had to place a disclaimer sticker about NOT trying to adjust or fold the mirrors for the younger generation s that aren’t familiar with mirrors you can’t fold away in tight parking lots. California, sigh. Keep your stinkin’ hands off!

 

Seats using reproduction materials from, and stitched by, SMS Auto Fabrics, in Oregon. Nothing else looks right to me.

Re-popped upper door panels. ABS sucks, but what’s a fellow to do? Use homemade? Nope, still looking for a passenger-side NOS one, then I won’t have to continue in this shame. I keep a Dashmate carpeted cover atop the perfect, uncracked dash pad. BTW, that boot between camper shell and cab is gone now, and the cab-corner trim piece is back in place.

 

Yes, it does act as a wind-block, but though the wife and I both resemble Pygmies in stature, no cab-height coffins for us. We camp in it. We can sleep cross-ways on the bed I built right behind the cab. I don’t prefer a slide’ in camper, which is taller yet, and much heavier.

If it’s too warm to sleep in the camper shell, this ARB awning tent is nice.

We set up the kitchen, or a couple chairs under it when it is in just awning configuration.

On-demand water heater, water supply, and fuel. Propane also runs the Olympian Wave 3 heater inside.

 

Beautiful truck, well done. You'll have a challenge parking that truck at the local grocery store with those wonderful, proud mirrors.

 

Paint isn’t anywhere near pristine, but for a truck that’s used frequently it’s good enough. Certainly doesn’t warrant a re-spray. It has plenty of warts/blemishes - oxidation that I try to keep in check, scratches, chips, etc. But it is REAL patina - not manufactured - and the truck’s earned its’ scars. As stated, it’s a working truck. That’s why I can’t have nice things, or at least too nice.

Here is the 25 footer paint, about as nice of condition as this ever looks. You can see a couple add-ons I put on: the Carr steps ( did I mention I’m vertically challenged?);the bright wheel-covers in lieu of painted ones. Found those one Sunday morning about 4;30 a.m. on Craigslist , promptly drove over 100 miles to north of the Golden Gate Bridge to snag them for 50 bucks. I’ve since gotten another set, it’s but a matter of time till I lose one, I know this.

 

Speaker enclosure as installed atop fuel tank. I also found the sliding rear window to be indispensable for hot climates if you don’t have AC.


I found a guy in “New Yawk” that was, for a time remaking these 70’s van folding license frame/steps.Glad I found him before disappeared again for good.

I really, really NEED this. Folding license-plate step up front(Old Yankee fog lights now removed)



And at the rear, a bit of an assist, again for the old folks. Made by Carr, still available, and for us, necessary.



Restored stock horns, by The Horn Works.




Speaker enclosure, an idea stolen/gifted by another member. He’s a tin knocker by trade, I saw his solution in a post, approached him about buying a box from him, he wouldn’t take my money. Box rests on fuel tank, insulated from it by the same Dynamat that insulates the enclosure. Speakers protrude just into hollow area of the seat-back, it gives ya a good thumping. No mutilating my door or kick panels, or surface mounting in the cab corners, two screws secure it to seam above tank. RetroSounds copycat Bluetooth radio in the stock location.

 

Very nice truck, thanks for showing us. I have one on those front steps...around here somewhere! I found mine on a motor home in a junkyard many moons ago

 

Nice to see the truck. So cool to make it what you want! It looks very useable! Nice!

 

Very nice. Good call on the rolling restoration.

 

Truck looks good. A grill guard is still on my list but probably still a few years before I can get around to it.

 

There are a few subtle upgrades, mostly concessions for safety, or my advancing age/laziness. California Emissions oil bath air cleaner modified to accept paper filter. Power brakes and dual chamber master cylinder. Addition of auxiliary fuse panel for add-ons. Namely, higher wattage headlights ; driving/fog lights ; RetroSound radio ; separate circuit for the cigar lighter. I have separate relays/fuses for headlights (1 for low-beams, 1 for high beams) , separate fuse and relay for fog lights. The Pertronix module under the distributor eliminated the points, Hallelujah! The thick cable on left inner fender well goes, via a constant duty solenoid, into the shell to keep a LiPo 100 amp hour battery charged while driving. Battery is for accessories in the camper. I had to upgrade to a 80 amp/100 amp peak alternator to charge both batteries while going down the road. Finally, sadly I, like the masses, succumbed to the battery dress-up kit. My wife laughed at me, she’s cruel like that.



One gallon gas can will have to go when I run the AC lines. Sticker on can is from the best radio station ever, KFAT. Are/were you a FatHead? Gone but not forgotten.



In a day when everyone throws chrome and billet aluminum at their engine bays, I still prefer the simple clean look of stock. Or mostly stock.

 

When In Rome, Do As The Romans Do . . . But When In California . . . Mock/Ridicule/Enrage The Leftists. And Believe Me, They Are Legion!

I work, in my soon-to-be former retirement job, as a driver of old folks - about my age or older - transporting them to Dr. appointments, to pick up groceries or prescriptions. Working for a county gov’t, (Mariposa County) a fair number of Woke/Liberal Leftist nut-jobs seem to populate the ranks of government workers, I guess they think there’s free stuff to be had. A common theme in all levels of government, methinks? Though I live in a conservative part of the most liberal state in our Union, , still, they do dwell amongst us in alarming numbers. I don’t like it, but what are you gonna do?

For me, poking a stick in the Cage of Cuckoos borders on being a minor sport ( O.K., it’s one of my favorite pastimes!) to antagonize and enrage these so-called compassionate liberals.. And believe me it’s easy, like shooting fish in a barrel, really. I’m sure you’ve also experienced the rage and vitriol of these self-professed “ loving, compassionate Liberals” if you dare disagree with them? I particularly enjoy arriving early to work, parking my truck at the front entrance, sharing my ever-growing art collection with these perfected human beings. I back the truck to within 3’ of the entrance, because I enjoy sharing my interests with others, that’s the type guy I am.


I’m surprised I still have all the glass in my truck, no graffiti, no flat tires. They love me.


Something to please everyone.



“Hi, Welcome In! How May I Offend you ? “

Most Offensive Of All


My welcome, on the pumphouse, at the top of my driveway. Sometimes, they just turn around and drive 3 hours back home.


The View From My Deck, Just West Of Yosemite

Solitude and Isolation. Society’s best option when dealing with the likes of me . . .