If this hard-working F-150 looks familiar, you're probably a fan of a certain big-time TV show.
1. Long-Time Love Story
The story of Kim Lewis, lead designer on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and founder of Kim Lewis Designs in Austin, Texas and her beloved 1977 F-150 is one that is quite familiar to most of us. At the tender age of eight, Lewis learned how to drive in her grandfather's blue and white F-150. She's loved old trucks ever since. As Lewis told Truck Trend, her passion for all things automotive runs deep as well. "“One day I was playing with Barbies, and another day I was playing with Matchbox cars. Cars are just in my blood.”
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2. Reunited (and It Feels So Good)
Lewis never shook those memories of her grandfather's truck. So shortly after she opened her design studio back in 2014, she began scouring the Internet looking for one like it. She wanted an old truck like her granddad's but also needed it to haul around all the building materials and furniture her job required. Amazingly enough, Lewis was eventually able to locate the blue and white 1977 F-150 Ranger on Craigslist. It was in desperate need of some maintenance, but that also helped her drive the price down.
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3. Do it Yourself
You might expect a TV star and owner of a successful business to pawn out repairs on an old truck like this one. However, Lewis has thus far done much of the repair work herself. That includes replacing the battery, brakes, and tires, as well as some rewiring and carb repair. Lewis is also working on the rust, but the truck is reliable enough at this point to serve as a daily driver despite sporting 300,000 miles on the odometer.
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4. Work in Progress
Lewis has owned her beloved F-150 for three years now, and she admits that it's still a work in progress. Much of what she has learned has come via YouTube how-to videos (sound familiar?), but thus far no major repairs have been needed. “She's really reliable," Lewis admits. "It’s a testament to the quality of Ford.”
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5. Becoming a Star
As hard as Lewis' F-150 works, it's well worth the time in the spotlight. "Pearl," as she's named the truck, has become a staple on TV as well as a major part of the branding for Lewis' business. The truck will even soon enjoy its own page on Lewis' website. “People know her and wave when they see her. We do that around Austin,” Kim says. "People often leave notes on Pearl while she’s parked. I've received several random notes to join local girl truck clubs!”
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