After Three Generations of Ford F150s, a F150 Rebuild Begins

Firsts. Many thoughts come to mind when I think about this word. The definition, in my words, the first time you experience something. Defined in the most basic form. Let’s add something to it. Firsts…they can be good or bad, right. I have had my fair share of good and bad firsts. One first, Ford F150 frame off restoration, I will be talking about begins badly but has the potential to turn into a really good one!

Trucks! Don’t get me wrong. I love sports cars of all types, hot hatch backs, sedans, coupes; guess you could say I like all types of vehicles. Like Jay Leno but without the money to fund the garage. However, I’ve always considered myself a truck guy. I would say it is due to the positive men that have influenced me throughout my early life. Mainly, my Dad. He owned an 80s El Camino, then multiple F-150s, years 1988, 1995, and 2001. Which brings me to my first Firsts…my Dad passed away in November of 2020.

Loss and Reflection

It is hard to describe the emotions you go through when you lose your first parent. My Dad was a hard worker and always had a need for a truck. The F-150s were always the same; regular cab, long bed, v6…two were manuals and one was automatic. When I was coming into driving age he had the 88′ F-150. I would always tell him when I got my license he could give me his truck. He asked what I would do to it (I was really into “Truckin Magazine” at the time) if he gave it to me. FIRST thing I would do is lower it! He really got a kick out of that and would always tell that story to his friends when I was around. They all got a really good laugh over it.

A F150 Appears Close to Home

I now have a son who just turned 14. Before my Dad passed he told me I could have his 2001 F-150 if I wanted it. We were thinking of my son driving it when we talked about it. Hell, it’s a manual, and I swear both of my boys WILL learn to drive one. Initially I didn’t really want it. It has a few rust issues that need to be addressed and I wasn’t really into the body style. But shortly after he passed the below truck appeared parked near my home. It looked just like the one he had in 1988. This also jarred my memory of the story mentioned above up and how I wanted to fix it up. It hit me pretty hard so I snapped some photos and just stared at it for a while. Then I got to thinking…

The Call and Collection

I called my Mom and told her I changed my mind about my Dad’s F150 truck. I told her I know Dad really wanted me to have it. It just took some time for it to come around to me. Also, along with working with The Apex Drag (a FIRST), I decided to start a business doing woodworking (another FIRST) and an eight foot bed would be great for hauling lumber! Plus I wouldn’t have to put a ton of miles on my 6.5′ bed, 15′ Silverado. Even though it has some rust issues my initial thought was to just use it as a work truck and run it till it dies. Then I started thinking and remembering the 88′ Ford story even more.

I have always wanted to experience rebuilding a vehicle. I am working with a great group of knowledgeable auto enthusiasts who would give great advice. Then, I read Chris’ “Project of Opportunity” article and it dawned on me, I’ll fix up my Dad’s truck like I said I would back when I was 14. A nod to the old man, who I took for granted while he was here, expecting he would always be here to be able to ask for advice. Well, I miss you Dad, and thanks for the other hidden FIRST coming my way, as Chris might say, a “Project of Opportunity!” Stay tuned…