MICHAEL J. PHILLIPS
.
October 18, 2024
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F100 Builders Guide
JESUS LOPEZ OF HOUSTON, Texas, is a self-made man. The process of building and maintaining his own business is a perfect analogy for his build. His 1985 Ford F150 custom single-cab truck is functional with humble roots and badass styling, and his hard work over the last two years has culminated in a gorgeous example of the ’80s classic. The ’85 is increasingly popular among truck enthusiasts. This example uses Texas-sized styling and classic finishes for its signature look.
The 1985 Ford F150 custom, as a part of the series’ seventh generation, got a brand-new chassis. The seventh-gen models were to first to receive a “from scratch” chassis since the fourth generation. For the most part, this new frame is still in place underneath Jesus’ truck. It’s been modified for its aggressive stance. True to “H-town” aesthetics, the stepside boasts lowered suspension and a brazen wheel setup. Its suspension modifications include a custom air-ride set up to achieve the lowering. Behind the cab, the frame has been notched. It has also been fitted with a triangulated four-link. The parallel linkbars make for comfortable and consistent performance from the Firestone airbags.
It also provides more than enough articulation to tuck the billet wheels underneath the flare-side fenders. In front of the firewall, the truck received a front-clip transplant. This 1985 Ford F150 custom makes use of the common Crown Vic subframe adaptation. The many benefits include factory-made support, affordability and lowered stance. It’s further dropped by the custom mounted airbags. The four-corner air ride routs to a 5-gallon tank via three eighths lines.
The star of the show is Jesus’ set of Billet Specialties BLVD65 wheels. The wheels measure 20×8.5 inches in the front, wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero 225/25/R20 tires. The staggered rears are 22×10 inches with P-Zero 285/30/R22 tires. Polished spike lug nuts accentuate the perfectly polished rollers. The aggressive setup contrasts with the dazzling metallic paint. Their finish sets the tone for the refreshed chrome accents throughout the truck. With the custom rear-end setup and Crown Vic swap, there are factory disk brakes in the front and rear.
The truck was first built with the Ford 4.9L inlinesix engine. Contrary to contemporary trends, Jesus opted to keep the OEM motor in place. Here’s why that is a fantastic idea. The 4.6L inline-six is one of, not just Ford’s, but the world’s most durable engines. It’s never boasted a sporty temperament or high horsepower numbers, but it’s found its way in every conceivable application because of its unparalleled durability. By 1985, it also touted more than 250 ft-lbs of torque available at just 2,000 rpm. It’s just made to cruise. The torque-happy I6 it perfectly at home in the relatively light truck. It’s mated to an automatic overdrive transmission, perfectly suited to daily driving. The motor is livened up a bit, albeit sensually, with a Flowmaster muffler. The unique rumble of the inline motor is a welcomed accompaniment of the classically styled truck.
From the ground up (literally) this flare-side screams “custom.” But it’s an odd reality considering the exterior is largely untouched. So how does Jesus’ build achieve the understated styling? For starters, the truck is thoroughly restored. Proper restoration of paint and body is one of the most underrated components of an attractive build. OEM styling is carefully designed. When preserved and highlighted it stands out effortlessly. All of the chrome trim has been restored to its original luster. The bumpers, mirrors, windshield trim, front fascia and handles dazzle. The wheels beneath, of course, accentuate these factory features.
The paint is Jesus’ favorite part and arguably its most unique. The custom mix is proprietary metallic green. It’s so dark, it could easily be mistaken for black at first glance. It’s an effect akin to the original Bullit Mustang made famous by Steve McQueen. But this example maintains even more metallic mystery. The humble customization continues throughout the truck’s interior. The original tan color remains but was brought back to life. It complements the exterior beautifully. New tan loop carpet stretches over the floor pan. Custom vinyl upholstery wraps the bench seat and door panels. The original instrument cluster is all intact. The comfortable cabin makes for enjoyable cruising and easy upkeep. The final color scheme of green on tan, accented with chrome is timeless. This ’85 step side wears it perfectly.
TECH SPECS
JESUS LOPEZ
1985 Ford F-150
Houston, Texas
CHASSIS/ SUSPENSION
POWERTRAIN
WHEELS/BRAKES
BODY/PAINT
ACCESSORIES/ INTERIOR
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A tailgate shell for a 1980-86 Ford F-Series pickup truck serves as a replacement for the original tailgate, providing a crucial component for both function and aesthetics.
By choosing a high-quality tailgate shell, owners of 1980-86 Ford F-Series pickup trucks can restore both the utility and appearance of their vehicles efficiently.
A full bedskin panel is an essential component for the restoration or repair of a 1980-86 Ford F-Series StyleSide long-bed pickup truck. Made specifically for models equipped with dual fuel doors, this outer bedside panel is a faithful reproduction of the original.
Whether you’re a hobbyist restoring a vintage pickup or need a reliable replacement part, this bedskin panel offers both precision and quality, ensuring your truck looks and performs at its best.
A full bedside panel is an essential component for restoring or repairing 1980-86 Ford F-Series StyleSide long-bed pickup trucks. Here’s what you need to know:
Installing a full bedside panel can be a straightforward process for those familiar with vehicle restoration. It involves removing the old or damaged panel and securing the new one in place using the pre-drilled holes.
Choosing a reproduction full bedside panel offers:
In summary, a full bedside panel for a 1980-86 Ford F-Series StyleSide long-bed pickup truck is a meticulously designed component that facilitates easy restoration. Its accurate dimensions, pre-drilled holes, and protective coating make it an optimal choice for maintaining or revamping your vintage truck.
The product number for the 1980-86 Ford F-Series Extra Cab Molded Cutpile Carpet Kit in Chamoise is F9183950.
Designed for the 1980-86 Ford F-Series Extra Cab with a high tunnel, this carpet kit in Chamoise delivers top-notch quality. Each kit is meticulously molded to fit perfectly, ensuring a seamless appearance and durable installation.
When it comes to restoration parts, this carpet kit stands out as a reliable option for enhancing your vehicle’s interior.
1980-86 Ford F-Series Extra Cab Molded Cutpile Carpet Kit – Medium Mocha
This carpet kit offers an excellent blend of quality and durability to restore your vehicle’s interior.
The 1980-86 Ford F-Series Extra Cab Molded Cutpile Carpet Kit in Maple/Canyon brings a blend of durability, style, and perfect fit for your vehicle. Here’s what it offers:
Whether you’re restoring a classic or simply upgrading your interior, the 1980-86 Ford F-Series Extra Cab Molded Cutpile Carpet Kit in Maple/Canyon offers an excellent combination of quality, style, and practicality.
Question: What is the product number for the 1980-86 Ford F-Series Extra Cab Molded Cutpile Carpet Kit in Antelope/Light Neutral?
Answer: The product number for the 1980-86 Ford F-Series Extra Cab Molded Cutpile Carpet Kit in Antelope/Light Neutral is F9183391.
Why is the 1985 Ford F150 custom Stepside described as having a “hi-riser attitude”?
The 1985 Ford F150 custom Stepside is said to have a “hi-riser attitude” due to its striking modifications that elevate both its style and performance.
First, the truck is equipped with enormous 24-inch wheels, immediately giving it a towering presence on the road. These wheels not only raise the vehicle’s height but also contribute to its aggressive stance.
Additionally, the clean aesthetic, both inside and out, enhances its appeal, making it not just a functional vehicle but a showpiece of craftsmanship.
A custom airbag front suspension further adds to its unique look, allowing for adjustable ride height and improved handling. This combination of features transforms the classic truck into a modern spectacle, embodying the “hi-riser” ethos.
The 1985 Ford F150 custom Stepside underwent an impressive transformation with an engine swap that gave it a powerful upgrade. The heart of this build is a 5.0-liter Coyote Boss 302 engine, known for delivering exceptional performance. This modern powerhouse breathes new life into the classic truck, providing significantly more power than initially anticipated.
What modifications are being made to the 1979 Ford B-100 as part of the build project?
This ambitious build project features extensive modifications to the classic 1979 Ford B-100. Here’s what you can expect:
These upgrades not only preserve the nostalgia of the original vehicle but also infuse it with contemporary power and reliability.
Humble Roots and Badass Styling
JESUS LOPEZ OF HOUSTON, Texas, is a self-made man. The process of building and maintaining his own business is a perfect analogy for his build. His 1985 Ford F150 custom single-cab truck is functional with humble roots and badass styling, and his hard work over the last two years has culminated in a gorgeous example of the ’80s classic. The ’85 is increasingly popular among truck enthusiasts. This example uses Texas-sized styling and classic finishes for its signature look.
When Jesus acquired the truck, it was a humble beginning—a vehicle only good for parts. Initially, the truck was far from road-ready, a forgotten relic of the past. However, Jesus had a vision. He saw potential where others saw scrap, and this vision brought the truck back to life with an extraordinary transformation that marries old-school charm with modern-day flair.
The 1985 F-150, as a part of the series’ seventh generation, got a brand-new chassis. The seventh-gen models were the first to receive a “from scratch” chassis since the fourth generation. For the most part, this new frame is still in place underneath Jesus’ truck. It’s been modified for its aggressive stance. True to “H-town” aesthetics, the stepside boasts lowered suspension and a brazen wheel setup. Its suspension modifications include a custom air-ride set up to achieve the lowering.
Behind the cab, the frame has been notched. It has also been fitted with a triangulated four-link. The parallel linkbars make for comfortable and consistent performance from the Firestone airbags. It also provides more than enough articulation to tuck the billet wheels underneath the flare-side fenders. In front of the firewall, the truck received a front-clip transplant. This 1985 makes use of the common Crown Vic subframe adaptation. The many benefits include factory-made support, affordability, and lowered stance. It’s further dropped by the custom mounted airbags. The four-corner air ride routes to a 5-gallon tank via three-eighths lines.
The star of the show is Jesus’ set of Billet Specialties BLVD65 wheels. The wheels measure 20×8.5 inches in the front, wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero 225/25/R20 tires. The staggered rears are 22×10 inches with P-Zero 285/30/R22 tires. Polished spike lug nuts accentuate the perfectly polished rollers. The aggressive setup contrasts with the dazzling metallic paint. Their finish sets the tone for the refreshed chrome accents throughout the truck. With the custom rear-end setup and Crown Vic swap, there are factory disk brakes in the front and rear.
The truck was first built with the Ford 4.9L inline-six engine. Contrary to contemporary trends, Jesus opted to keep the OEM motor in place. Here’s why that is a fantastic idea. The 4.6L inline-six is one of, not just Ford’s, but the world’s most durable engines. It’s never boasted a sporty temperament or high horsepower numbers, but it’s found its way in every conceivable application because of its unparalleled durability. By 1985, it also touted more than 250 ft-lbs of torque available at just 2,000 rpm. It’s just made to cruise. The torque-happy I6 is perfectly at home in the relatively light truck. It’s mated to an automatic overdrive transmission, perfectly suited to daily driving. The motor is livened up a bit, albeit sensually, with a Flowmaster muffler. The unique rumble of the inline motor is a welcomed accompaniment of the classically styled truck.
From the ground up (literally) this flare-side screams “custom.” But it’s an odd reality considering the exterior is largely untouched. So how does Jesus’ build achieve the understated styling? For starters, the truck is thoroughly restored. Proper restoration of paint and body is one of the most underrated components of an attractive build. OEM styling is carefully designed. When preserved and highlighted it stands out effortlessly. All of the chrome trim has been restored to its original luster. The bumpers, mirrors, windshield trim, front fascia and handles dazzle. The wheels beneath, of course, accentuate these factory features.
The paint is Jesus’ favorite part and arguably its most unique. The custom mix is proprietary metallic green. It’s so dark, it could easily be mistaken for black at first glance. It’s an effect akin to the original Bullit Mustang made famous by Steve McQueen. But this example maintains even more metallic mystery. The humble customization continues throughout the truck’s interior. The original tan color remains but was brought back to life. It complements the exterior beautifully. New tan loop carpet stretches over the floor pan. Custom vinyl upholstery wraps the bench seat and door panels. The original instrument cluster is all intact. The comfortable cabin makes for enjoyable cruising and easy upkeep. The final color scheme of green on tan, accented with chrome is timeless. This ’85 step side wears it perfectly.
“His hard work over the last two years has culminated in a gorgeous example of the ’80s classic. The owner originally purchased this 1985 Ford F150 custom Stepside back in 2015, when it was essentially only good for parts. Over the years, dedication and craftsmanship have transformed it from a collection of components into a stunning tribute to a bygone era.
The journey from a mere parts vehicle to a showpiece is a testament to both patience and passion. It underscores the owner’s commitment to preserving and enhancing a piece of automotive history. Each step in this restoration process contributes to the truck’s renewed glory, reflecting both skill and an eye for detail.
Whether you’re an enthusiast of vintage vehicles or simply appreciate the art of restoration, this story is a celebration of what can be achieved with vision and perseverance.”
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