Son of Joe F150 Build Log

[camojoe]

Buckle up ladies and gents,this build log will be a little different than most. I recently purchased this truck for my 16yr old son and we plan to install a clean, simple, and inexpensive system from the mini Amazon audio warehouse located in my closet. The boy has big plans for his first ride so I will include pics of misc work to spice things up a bit.


Model- 1996 Ford F150 2WD
This was the last year for the "bullnose" body style in the F150, I believe the F250 platform carried thru 1997. This truck is an XL trim level which came with options like carpet delete, manual windows, vinyl bench seat, no headliner...you get the idea.

Engine-4.9L (300 CI) straight 6
Specs
1994 - 1996 with Fuel Injection
Max Brake Horsepower - 150 @ 3400 rpm
Max Torque - 260 @ 2000 rpm
Again, as with the body, 96 was the last year for the mighty Ford 300-6
The straight six was a bombproof torque monster for its time and it was not uncommon to rack 300-500K trouble-free miles in harsh work conditions.

Lets get started, here a some shots straight from the Craigslist sale ad.





Before you ask, no, unfortunately the hat wasn't part of the package.

[camojoe]

Some shots after we got her home.
Previous owner replaced stock vinyl bench with cloth split bench.


Future home of a shallow mount sub and amp rack.


5spd and a/c FTW! Lower left is an aftermarket electric brake controller that's living on borrowed time.


Dash bezel is cracked and missing a few mounting tabs resulting in a loose fit. Replacement OEM part ordered same day.


Closer look at panels in need of a good scrubbing. Notice faded black door handle and latch on vent window, these will be painted or dyed in due time.


Shot of Power Acoustic HU , turned the boy loose on Amazon with a budget and minimum specs for a proper replacement.


Cracked windshield (lower) and damaged trim are a high priority. Considered ordering new trim before research revealed that would be a $400+ ass raping.

[camojoe]

I warned earlier this would not be a strict audio only build.
Wheel wells will be cleaned and painted black. Rims and center caps are in rough shape.



Quick scrub and spin on the buffer loaded with green compound. Plastic centers (black area) were wet sanded and polished using a headlight restore kit I had on hand.



With center caps done,decided to tackle rims next.




Sorry for the crappy pic, finished up late. I dig em, kid says "Negative ghostrider."
Oh well, on to more important things.

[camojoe]

Neither of us were a fan of the black plastic toolbox that came with the truck. Lucky for him, I had a diamond plate box from my old truck laying around back. My boy and his buddy cleaning out new box (which included an army of bull ants).


Diamond plate was showing its age, a quick test spot with metal polish reveals some potential.


Time to break out the big guns. HF buffer with a 9''wool pad was a handful, but made quick work of that layer of oxidation.
half and half shot

before


after


Ok, Ok, I hear the grumbling...audio stuffz is next.

[Coppertone]

In because I wish my father was home even long enough to see me let alone spend time wrenching with me.

[chad]

I just love a good 'ol MFT.

[Notloudenuf]

What state do you live in Joe?

[SublimeZ]

What state do you live in Joe?

Denial


he' in Florida

[camojoe]

Pulled the Power Acoustic unit and installed the Pioneer. This part of the install included a quick lesson on pico fuses and why Pioneer EE's take great joy in torturing audio junkies. I joked about the original HU earlier, but the real reason for the upgrade was the hands-free option for his phone. I need those hands at 10 and 2.


Power, remote and RCA wiring in place.


Start of an amp rack with special thanks to the wife for her crock pot lid.


Quick test fit after carpeting, so far so good.


Old amp rack being cannibalized.


Tight fit in its new home.


LEDs added to backside of cover panel.

[camojoe]

Cut trim ring and wrapped in carbon fiber vinyl to match the inside panel. Installed lexan that will soon sport Glenn's custom decal. Thanks again G, decal application will be the last step on this project, the cherry on top if you will.


Doors are next up, some cheap deadener scored on Amazon.


Panel off and ready for a windex wipe down followed by alkyhol.


Outer skin sealed up tight.


Proof I didn't skimp on inner door work.