1978 F150 Final Details
02-07-2012, 12:11 PM
#1
1978 F150 Final Details
Hi Everyone,
I bought this truck last September in WA. It was restored in 1996 and sat in a heated garage for the next 15 years. The fellow that restored it did a great job and all that is left are some minor detail work. I will be replacing all of the exterior trim and the reproduction tailgate. The truck had the poor repro tail gate (w/out FORD stamped in). It was shaped wrong and stuck out 1/2"along the upper edge of the box. No amount of tweaking or adjusting would compensate - ugh!
Anyhow, I started with the front end first - it was in good shape, just showing its age (few dents/scratches). I pulled off all the trim then painted and replaced most of the wiring. I then installed the LMC triple chromed plated steel grille shell - it matches the bumper perfectly. I also found the factory push bar and Marchal lights. The push bar was sandblasted and refinished.
I bought this truck last September in WA. It was restored in 1996 and sat in a heated garage for the next 15 years. The fellow that restored it did a great job and all that is left are some minor detail work. I will be replacing all of the exterior trim and the reproduction tailgate. The truck had the poor repro tail gate (w/out FORD stamped in). It was shaped wrong and stuck out 1/2"along the upper edge of the box. No amount of tweaking or adjusting would compensate - ugh!
Anyhow, I started with the front end first - it was in good shape, just showing its age (few dents/scratches). I pulled off all the trim then painted and replaced most of the wiring. I then installed the LMC triple chromed plated steel grille shell - it matches the bumper perfectly. I also found the factory push bar and Marchal lights. The push bar was sandblasted and refinished.
The following 3 users liked this post by AlbertaF150:
02-07-2012, 05:39 PM
#3
More Work Completed
Thank you for the comment. It's nice to add to what someone else put alot of effort into. I also installed nos hood letters, headlight surrounds and parklights. The repro chrome grille insert is poorly made - it bows up in the center. LMC truck is now offering an upgraded grille - I've ordered one and we shall see if it fits better.
I finally found a replacement tailgate. It came off a '75 F250 XLT. The previous owner removed it shortly after he purchased the truck and installed a slide in camper. The tailgate sat in a garage for over 35 years - crazy! All of the moldings are like new and the fit of the ford tailgate is perfect.
I finally found a replacement tailgate. It came off a '75 F250 XLT. The previous owner removed it shortly after he purchased the truck and installed a slide in camper. The tailgate sat in a garage for over 35 years - crazy! All of the moldings are like new and the fit of the ford tailgate is perfect.
The following 2 users liked this post by AlbertaF150:
Thomas1970 (11-15-2022),
Wade02 (08-01-2022)
02-07-2012, 05:48 PM
#4
Paint!
I prepped and painted the tailgate and also the lower rear bed area - the previous owner covered it with bedliner. It would be fine if the truck had a step bumper but it sticks out like a sore thumb with the current bumper. I also painted inside the door sills and cab corners - fixing a couple of minor issues.
The following users liked this post:
Wade02 (08-01-2022)
02-08-2012, 11:59 AM
#6
Are those empty miller lites chained together ? LOL
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02-08-2012, 05:30 PM
#9
Thanks everyone - the color is a GM red metallic - it looks great other than being a GM color! It is a base coat/clear coat so a little more challenging for a guy like me who primarily restores military vehicles (hence the 'miller' looking cans in the background of some of the previous pictures)!
After color sanding and buffing, I mounted the tailgate and added all of the chrome. I also installed the ford factory tie downs from LMC. A little pricey but worth the money. I am on the road for a few days but I hope to prep and paint the under side of the truck, install the plastic fender liners and new wiring harness when I return.
The chrome on the side of the truck came off and the new moldings from Dennis Carpenter will be going on. Just a note - for some reason National Parts Depot is way cheaper for this chrome than LMC? I bought the complete kit (includes all mounting hardware).
After color sanding and buffing, I mounted the tailgate and added all of the chrome. I also installed the ford factory tie downs from LMC. A little pricey but worth the money. I am on the road for a few days but I hope to prep and paint the under side of the truck, install the plastic fender liners and new wiring harness when I return.
The chrome on the side of the truck came off and the new moldings from Dennis Carpenter will be going on. Just a note - for some reason National Parts Depot is way cheaper for this chrome than LMC? I bought the complete kit (includes all mounting hardware).
The following users liked this post:
Wade02 (08-01-2022)
