1977 Ford F150 – Rick K.

I still remember the day in 1977 when I was riding with my Dad in Hutchinson, Kansas and he spotted a 1973 Ford F250, Camper Special, sitting out with a “For Sale” sitting in the front glass. We turned around to go look at it. I recall Dad saying, “I can’t afford it.” Apparently, he realized he could (afford it) and made a purchase of the “Big block 1973 Ford F250.” The truck stayed on the farm for 30 years. This was my first introduction to the dent side trucks at just 10 years old. I fell in love with that style.
I worked for a local farmer while in high school and college. There was a 1978 F150 4wd on that farm. It went through 3 grills and 2 tailgates from all of the rough farm use. You can image what the sides and doors looked like.
I bought my first pickup in 1982. It was a 1978 F150 4wd SWB. I fabricated and installed a 4″ lift kit for $7.00 to go with the 36″ Mudder’s to give it the right look.
I bought my next truck in 2000. It is a 1978 F150 4wd SWB. I’ve done a lot of work to this truck and it is still my daily driver.
My favorite is the 1977 4wd SWB. My wife and I ran across one Nebraska while participating in an annual racing event. A local was driving it around the rural farm town, and after a couple of years of attending our annual event, I now had a new Ford buddy. I finally talked him into selling his truck. It’s a ’77 SWB 4×4 “Northland Special Edition” with 77,000 original miles. It was a Tu-tone combination of Medium Copper and accent Indigo Tan. It was immaculate with only a few blemishes and zero rust. I wasn’t fond of the color, but I had a vision of what this truck could look like. I tore the truck completely apart and did a new makeover, inside and out.
LMC was great to work with. They provide great service and the store hours being open on Saturday made it very convenient for picking up parts. We live in central Kansas but are in the Kansas City area on a regular basis. (GO CHIEFS!)
As you can see in the picture, the shop door awning is a hood off of a dent side pickup. IT IS DEFINITELY FORD COUNTRY AT OUR HOUSE!

The project included:
– Engine overhaul. 400 cubic inch-bore to 410, decked, bored and balanced, blue print RV Cam, Edelbrock Alum Performer INT, Hedman Headers, Edelbrock Carburetor, etc.
– New Interior (from LMC)
– Air conditioning by Vintage Air
– Cut-out exhaust
– All new paint – Ford colors, Torch red & Horsepower white
– And a lot of miscellaneous “extra’s”