Ford F150 Forum - Community of Ford Truck Fans

Hello Ford community! I've always wanted to do a restore and I've finally bought a truck to do one. I'll post some pictures soon of the current condition and the project as I go. I'm a mechanic in the Air Force and tinkered with cars and bikes before joining. I know HOW to work on cars, however this is my first restore, AND the first Ford I've ever owned. I'll be searching this forum and leaning on you all a lot, so be ready. I'm going to list what I want to start with and if you can give my and suggestions or guidance it would be appreciated.

Phase 1: The bed
I'm going to remove the bed entirely and build a custom wooded flatbed. I'm a wood worker in my spare time so this will be very easy. While I have the bed off I'm going to get rid of as much rust as possible and do a good undercoat of everything.

Phase 2: Light engine/suspension/tires
I'm looking at replacing the following items, mainly because I know VERY little about the truck and want it to last a while.
Front/Rear Struts/springs
Starter Solenoid (grounding issue I need to fix)
Wheels/Tires: the tires are BALD so i'm going to replace with cheap 235/75/15s
In a future phase I will be replacing wheels and tires with 33's once I get a small lift.

Phase 3: Body work
Front fenders and both rocker panels are pretty rusty. I'll look at a JY first but may bondo fix if I can't find anything.
Once the bed is complete and rust gone, I'll be painting the truck black and polishing all the chrome.

Any thing I should know or suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!