Hey everyone I am new to this forum community and am also new to driving. I just turned 16 and received a 2001 Ford F-150.

So this is going to sound super weird and strange but my dad and myself have always shared a mutual interest in old/vintage trucks and cars. Aware that I would begin to drive soon, I would constantly tell my dad the type of truck I wanted. I'd tell him I wanted any truck that was retro looking from the 60's-70's. Not too long after this we began looking around for my dream truck. Sometimes after he came home from work he would have printed listings of trucks that he was going to go look at to possibly even buy for me. I was so ecstatic. He showed me so many ones and I knew I'd end up with a great old truck.

A few days before my 15th birthday came around he bought a 1969 Ford F-100 Pickup Truck. I 100% knew that he was going to give it to me for my 15th birthday. My birthday passed and he never even mentioned the truck. A year later my 16th birthday is near. I prayed that maybe he bought it and wanted to fix it up and give it to me for my 16th birthday. On the night of my 16th he called me outside of the house and surprised me with a truck. But it wasn't the 1969... It was a mineral green 2001 Ford F-150. My stomach dropped, but of course I acted grateful and thankful. Which I was. I know not everyone's parents buy them a vehicle. But considering my situation, I was shocked.

That was November of 2013. I just got my license this month and really want to start making the truck look somewhat decent. I am probably going to sound horrible, spoiled, etc. but I think this truck would be the last type of vehicle I'd ever ask for. I've discretely asked my mother if she knew what was up with the 1969 and she said she genuinely thought it was going to be for me, too. I've asked my dad if I could drive it occasionally and he kind of blew over the question. The 1969 Ford F-100 Pickup Truck is literally just beautifully sitting in our shop, and it has been for sometime. It drives and operates fine. It's just no one drives it. I've tried to come up with reasons and excuses why my dad got it and why. I think he may have originally gotten it for me but after getting it and fixing it up he realized how valuable and expensive it is to maintain (not to mention gas money).

Regardless I respect the situation now and know I have to make the best of what it is. My main goal currently is to trick out my F-150. I am not that kid that knows how to take apart a truck and put it back together. I am simply into old vehicles. That's as far as my expertise exceed. My dad on the other hand is the complete opposite and is hands on with upgrading/customizing vehicles, etc. Our budget isn't low but definitely is not high.

So that being said my 2001 Ford F-150 is the same as when the person we bought it from bought it from the dealer. Nothing is already custom on it. It is this weird shade of mineral/mood/dirt green. The major turnoff for me about early F-150 models is that I hate the curved hood. I have no idea why, but I despise it. So I guess I would first off want a new custom hood that isn't as curved as the original. Do you guys have any suggestions on how I'd go about that? I also want to lift it a little, trick out the grill and bumper, lights, tires, etc. So I'm leaving you guys with a pretty broad idea of what I want, but hopefully you somewhat understand!

Please leave some comments, advice, suggestions, etc. I would greatly appreciate it! If you have any questions, ask away, I'll reply quick! Thanks!

I also want to apologize real quick for how many threads you guys probably come by like this on the daily! I am a total newbie, and I hope you all can respect that and help me out! Thanks again!!

 

Welcome! Nice to see another Texan. Try and post a pic of the truck, I love dark green if that's the color. What trim level and supercab or regular cab? What engine, 4.2, 4.6, or 5.4? 2WD or 4?

If you have to pay for your own gas, and you will at some point if not right away, you'll enjoy this truck more than an old one, believe. Additionally, unless YOU know how to fix things on your own or you plan on learning how to, a 40-50 year old vehicle could kill you if you daily drive it once you're out of the house and your dad isn't there to fix it for you. Regardless, I'd learn from your dad while you still can; mechanical know-how is priceless. I had to learn everything on my own. I went from knowing nothing to install headers by myself in a few years and now I at least attempt to fix everything myself if I can.

Another thing to consider is maybe leaving this truck alone, driving it, and then getting what you want later. No sense in dumping a bunch of money into a truck you don't like and won't keep for at least 3+ years. I know when you want what you want, that's what you want! So don't waste a bunch of money if you think you'll never be happy with it.

One more thing, who's paying for these changes and upgrades? You or your parents?

I'd like to see the truck and know more about what you're working with before suggesting things, sound good? I know a visual would help others too. A bone stock, blank canvas is the best thing to start with.

 

I have an '08 Screw and my son wanted a truck just like mine. Well he got a '97 Scab 2WD and fell in love with it. Only regret was he really wanted a 4x4 but I made him start with the 2WD and earn his way up from there. For graduation I just got him an '03 Scab FX4 and now he has no interest in my generation body style.

Perhaps your pops is letting you get your feet wet on this '01 before you get the '69?

Firs thing we did was an LED third brake light, new smoked tails, projector/halo headlights, led bulbs throughout the interior and dash. Mod to the stock stereo housing to fit a double din touch screen, new speakers in the doors and a custom sub enclosure to replace the folding seat behind the drive to hold two 12" subs.

Next step was level and 3" suspension lift to go with new wheels and tires. Dynomax bullet and it's pretty much done at this point.

If you truly hate the hood look into an after market with a scoop or something like that. These are great trucks and I bet you'll learn to love it. Worse case you turn it into something you can go mudding in.

Like KMAC said let's get more info and some pics of what you're working with right now.

 

Appreciate what you have and don't focus on shoulda woulda coulda. Give your dad a hug. The truck you have now can be one hell of a truck with some work and patience. Post up pics of it...your in good company and we will do our best to lead you in the right direction. Hell, we may even be able to help you find the best prices on stuff. Ya never know... Stranger crap has happened on this site lol.

 

I think that may be sig quote worthy!

I understand that when you expect one thing, and end up with something else, your heart can drop a bit. But, you'd have been ecstatic if you thought you weren't going to get any vehicle, and that showed up in the driveway for you. You seen like a good kid with your mind wrapped around the right idea. My parents paid cash for my truck and then I paid for about 70% of it when I graduated high school and have paid for all the modifications. I've got one buddy with a 2013 5.0 Mustang and another with a special-ordered 2013 ZL1 Camaro (had a supercharged 2010 SS before that), and a bunch of others with nice new cars and trucks, and do I wish I had any of those cars? Nope, cause no kid deserves a car like those And there's no way in hell I'd let my parents just give me $30-60k for no reason and without earning it.

There are a LOT of kids out there who's parents are either unwilling or unable to even assist their kids in buying a vehicle, not to mention insurance.

 

Welcome!

Congrats on your (new to you) truck. And you're right, be grateful you even got a vehicle!

But for starters you need to give more details to the people here....

Engine, mileage, 2wd or 4wd, cab size etc. ??

And what way you want to go with it...

Lower, lift, keep it all original etc. ??

 

Wow good advice in this thread. I would say spend as much time with your Dad as you can and learn from him as much as you can especially if he is willing to teach you. That is worth more than anything anyone could ever buy you. I would kill to have spent time with my Dad in a shop and to learn from him on that level. I do envy you my friend.

 

welcome!! and howdy Texan

 

threads merged

 

I really want to know what he's gonna do and what route he's going to take. But he hasn't gotten on since the 25th. People with actual lives and no time to spend on forums . . .

 

Or he found a jc whitney catalog and already ordered everything to pimp his ride, yo.

 

^

 

Xibit stole it!!

 

Hey its good to hear another f150 on the forum here. That's how i started out when I turned 16 my truck was fully stock and it's been my project ever sense