“I call it my truck”1995 Ford F-150

The story

'95 Ford F150 XLT: Back On The Road After 11 Years

I bought this '95 F150 XLT used back in 1999. A Bimini Blue short box with a 302/5.0 and a 5-speed stick showing only 49,000 miles. It was in excellent condition in and out, well-optioned and all original except for aftermarket chrome wheels. I used it as my daily driver and took very good care of it.

In September, 2008, a bimbo ran a red light and hit my pickup from the side just in front of the driver's side front wheel. She had no insurance on her 6 month-old car (which was totaled) and my insurance didn't cover collision. I parked it and let it sit for 11 years. Starting in May of 2019, I began the restoration. Everything damaged from the radiator support forward was removed and then all the suspension components on the driver's side damaged in the hit were replaced so I could move it around. I purchased many new parts including the radiator support, driver's side fender, support panel, grille, headlight trim and lenses (both sides), chrome bumper w/rub strip and valance, front and rear fuel tanks, alternator and air pump along with various fasteners and odds and ends. All the mechanicals were gone through from bumper to bumper and when a new battery was installed, it pretty much started right up.

Next, it was sent it to a body shop that specialized in classic cars and pickups where all the new parts were installed and then painted. The 20+ year-old chrome aftermarket wheels was rusted and in poor shape but I was able to locate OEM Ford chrome wheels with original metal center caps. New General tires all around with an alignment and the truck was mostly done. All the work was finished in late September, 2019, almost exactly 11 years from when it was damaged and it is now back on the road.

I still have a few things to freshen up, mostly interior odds and ends. I have a new carpet to install and maybe I'll replace the seat cover at some point. I'll need a padded dash as mine has a large split in it and I'll replace the worn leather wrap on the steering wheel.

I've owned this truck for 20 years and of all the pickups I've had, it's the best one I've ever owned. It looks good enough to bring to a cruise night or a car show so maybe I'll go to a few with it. I also show a 1964 Ford Fairlane 500 all original Town Sedan with 28,000 original miles and a 1972 Galaxie 500 2-door hardtop with 54,000 original miles. This car is also an all original survivor though it does have some modern mechanical upgrades. — FordGuy1972