1994 Ford F150 – Larry S.

Hi, this is my story of the journey with my 1994Ford F-150 XLT
Started out with a 243k all original truck. I’m a 75 year old retired US NAVY Aircraft Structural Mechanic. I’m the third owner, this truck was assembled @ the Norfolk assembly plant and it has lived its entire life in eastern Va. & N.C. So using skills I learned for aircraft repair, the games began. The truck had some damage to the roof, (from tree limbs) as well as the “normal” rust over bed wheel wells and front fender. Along with the bed front panel “v”ed from cargo shifting along with the tail gate had been caved in by argument with a trailer. My first area of conservative was the roof & water intrusion. Worked the damage on roof, resealed all seams. At this point I discovered the $ of original paint was really costly. Mind you that this has ALL ways been a “low” budget build, and not a show truck. With all this, I chose to use “Rust-oleum” gloss enamel.

My “shop” is just a roof and 3 “walls”, sand floor, really a “perfect” paint booth!!!!!! But you work with what you have. All body panels were bonded/blind riveted. (No welding). [Using same process used on aircraft panel repair.] and finally repaired damaged tailgate, fabricated new insert from 8’ by 6” white pine and put Ford logo from 99 Super Duty Grill centered & raised, finished the same color as strips & grill detail.
To date this has been accomplished over 2 years, weather, money, and ambition. ( as we age, things take a “little” longer)
Future plans include rebuilding the 302, replacing transmission & differential Due to high mileage on them.