1986 5.8-Liter F-150 Reborn as Modern Driver

The future is now in this beautifully restored pickup —a powerful combo of style and speed.

By John Pritchard - July 10, 2020
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Where Are We Going This Time?
1 / 6
Take Me Away, I Don't Mind
2 / 6
Lightning Never Strikes Twice
3 / 6
I'll Be Back in Time
4 / 6
Ready for the Weekend
5 / 6
Time's No Excuse
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Where Are We Going This Time?

As the 1990s approached, pickup trucks were once again voyaging into the realm of daily drivers, casting off the assertion that they were best utilized in industry and by trades professionals. The cultural trend would spark an automotive revolution that continues to this day —one that hails pickups as the vehicle for outdoor enthusiasts, off-road hobbyists, and all those who embrace an active lifestyle. The best part about this mint ’86 Ford F-150 is that it packs all the cool of yesteryear with a contemporary powerplant that will be a blast to drive for miles into the future.

Photos Courtesy of Motorious 

Take Me Away, I Don't Mind

The truck’s gunmetal silver paint job isn’t original, but that doesn’t make it any less badass. In fact, each of the vehicle’s panels was subject to an off-body restoration and properly prepped for the new paint to ensure longevity, whether you voyage to arid plains or rocky hilltops. The unique color, dubbed “Chop Top Silver” in combination with a blacked-out center and red pinstriping brings to mind the toughness and style of a muscle car. 

>>Join the conversation about this 1986 F-150 right here in the Ford-trucks forum.

Lightning Never Strikes Twice

While the exterior of this ’86 Ford F-150 conjures thoughts of a high-performance car, it’s powerplant will too. The truck is powered by its original 5.8-liter four-speed engine with a four-barrel carburetor paired to an overdrive automatic transmission. In addition to all new belts and hoses, the engine has been expertly maintained and sounds great thanks to a chambered exhaust setup with X-pipe output that extolls a hearty rumble, boldly announcing your arrival to foot and road traffic alike. 

>>Join the conversation about this 1986 F-150 right here in the Ford-trucks forum.

I'll Be Back in Time

While late-1980s automotive interiors often left a lot to be desired, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the retro-fitted style that abounds in this ’86 F-150. Deep racing-inspired bucket seats are covered in comfortable cloth and accented by sporty red stitching. The original steering wheel has been replaced by a GT four-spoke wheel that’s been mounted on a newly implemented tilt-column giving you comfortable control on the highway and trail. The stock gauges are in great shape and compliment the aftermarket stereo which gives you the contemporary digital audio alternatives as opposed to the original cassette deck. 

>>Join the conversation about this 1986 F-150 right here in the Ford-trucks forum.

Ready for the Weekend

This reborn ’86 still has its original tilt-up bed cover that expertly protects the restored bed. The bed cover doesn’t just help aid fuel efficiency and aerodynamics, it’ll also keep your gear with you when you’re flying down the highway or making your way up to your favorite mountain view campsite for the weekend. In fact, 80s era F-150s with their original cab covers and caps are increasingly rare, so it’s yet another feature that makes this reborn F-150 a must-have. 

>>Join the conversation about this 1986 F-150 right here in the Ford-trucks forum.

Time's No Excuse

As time marched on, the F-150 would become increasingly brawny in both size, curb weight, and performance. In fact, the extended-cab Ford F-150 trucks that are on the road today bear little resemblance to this sporty devil. That’s why pickup truck aficionados often jump at the chance to take this ultimate time-traveling combination of style and speed home when they see one. 

>>Join the conversation about this 1986 F-150 right here in the Ford-trucks forum.

For help with your do-it-yourself maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.

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