Growing up, camping trips were the highlight of my summers. We would camp in Northern Michigan with my grandparents. My grandfather purchased a 1979 F150 Camper Special to tow the camper each summer. I had many memories sitting in between my grandparents as we drove from campground to campground.
I was born in 1979 and had a strong attachment to the truck and the memories that came with it. I was always in love with that truck and as I got older I had told my family that I’d really like that truck someday.
I went to college and my grandparents got older, so did the truck. We didn’t go camping any longer, but my grandfather still held on to his truck. It sat in my grandparent’s backyard and collected rust, mice and other trophies from sitting in the Michigan weathers.
I finally got the truck when I was 26 and didn’t have the knowledge, funds, or desire to do anything with the truck at that time. It had a lot of rust, a cracked block, and seemed like a big challenge, so it sat in my driveway collecting more remnants of time.
Like most wives, mine wasn’t too keen of the truck rusting in front of the house so she gave me the ultimatum to “do something with or get rid of it.” I couldn’t stand to part with the truck, so I began my restoration journey. I wasn’t looking for a show truck but something I could experience daily.
The restoration started with a new engine, complete body work, new interior, new wheels, tires, and many trim pieces. I had enough LMC boxes showing up to the house that I became pretty good friends with the UPS man.
It took me 3 years and more money than I’d like to admit, but it was completely worth it as I get to drive the truck often. Not only has it linked me to my past and reminded me of growing up and camping with my family, but also has allowed me to create new memories with my children. There is nothing more they look forward to cruising in “Dad’s” truck.