Speclipse

This is going to be a intro and build thread. I'm new in the site. I've come through several different threads recently as I have just bought my 2003 f150 7700. So I thought I would join. It seems like it is a somewhat rare truck for being an f150. I picked it up at a salvage auction for real cheap so the build began. It only has 90000 miles so I figured it was a good buy. I found out what the 7700 was after the fact so it was just a little bonus. I've had the truck for two weeks and only the weekends to work on it, so hopefully it's not a real long process. In the two weeks I have luckily found a new from and front clip with the radiator support. I have also gathered all if the main parts needed to get it back on the road. Yesterday I painted the clip, the bottom side of the hood as well as the frame. I should have taken some before pictures of frame but oh well. I cleaned it up and sprayed it with por-15 and gave it a top coat for uv protection. Here are a few pictures of what I have to work with.

Speclipse

Work in progress

Speclipse

Sandblasted and painted the front clip. While I was at it I painted the bottom side of the hood. I threw on some thick paint as this is prone to rust. I went through a lot of front ends just to find this one that wasn't completely destroyed.

Ford Fan#1

wow what did he hit? that looks close to frame damage ( if it doesn't have any )

Speclipse

There was definitely some frame damage. I straightened it out a lot just to make it easier to work on. That's the beauty of the new frame. It should work out great.

Speclipse

Frame is all painted and ready to go. Trying for the full frame swap tomorrow.....

Hollabakzach23

Dang! Looking good thus far! Will be following this one

Speclipse

This is today's progress. I didn't get as far as I hoped but not bad for a days work. Pulled the bed and cab, and transfered most everything thing to the new frame.

Speclipse

I've done some searching and can't find any good info or reviews on what people are using for shocks. Anything that anyone likes? Also I'm thinking of changing up the paint scheme. Any opinions? I'm a fan of orange. Might try to incorporate that somehow.

Speclipse

Here is the latest update. I put new shocks, rotors, and pads on all corners, changed plugs and valve cover gaskets just because. Rebuilt both the front and rear differential. Changed seals in the axles and got it on all fours for the first time. Trimmed out the front to put the the new radiator support and inner fenders. Placed the cab and bed. It's starting to look like a truck again