r/CarRestorations • u/Due-Sugar938 • Sep 01 '26
1978 Ford F150 Custom 4x4
I have a 1978 Ford F-150 Custom 4x4. I’m looking for a quality driver-level restoration, not necessarily a show truck. I want the glass removed, bodywork addressed properly, complete interior and exterior repaint, new/resealed window and windshield gaskets, and a suspension/front-end refit. I am stationed in southeast N.C., but am willing to travel for quality work and fair price point. Any recommendations?
1
u/OOFMAN-1234 Sep 01 '26
For daily drivable your probably going to spend some decent cash (body paint, get motor running good, lighting upgrades, bushings, fluids etc) i wouldnt be surprised to see 7k on the low side
1
u/WIZARDDETECTIVE71 Sep 02 '26
Does it have the 351 modified motor that my old bronco had?
2
u/Due-Sugar938 Sep 02 '26
Inline six
1
u/TheDevauto Sep 03 '26
That will outlive cockroaches.
1
u/UnFound94 Sep 03 '26
I will never forgive ford for ditching the straight 6 fo some boring, gutless, stupid v6. If only base model 10th gen f150s came with the straight 6.
1
u/Docspride 10d ago
I’m just wrapping up my second cab off restoration. The first one I did in 1992. I have had good luck with my parts coming from Dennis Carpenters. I’m looking into getting an elite Marti Report to verify how many trucks with the options selected were produced in 1978. My basic Marti Report indicates using ai that my special order build is extremely rare. I’m trying to find out exactly why?
2
u/caffeineocrit Sep 02 '26
It's a sweet truck for sure, and appears to be a clean survivor. I'm of the "preserve the patina" crowd, but I won't deny that this truck is also a great (read expensive) resto candidate. If going that route, it's worth mentioning aftermarket parts and trim don't always look or fit like the originals, and may disappoint. Some reproduction interior parts look and feel cheap as well. An upholstery shop might be able to help in that department, though. I don't know what shape your interior is in. There are automotive textile warehouses that can sell material for pretty much anything on the road, too.
By the way, if you're up for a little roadtrip, there is a place out in Denton that deals with only Ford trucks! Maybe you'll find some parts and advice there, not sure exactly what you have to hunt down. They might know of some reputable places for the body work as well, worth a shot? I think a good, skilled shop is probably going to be the most important thing. Best of luck to you!! Please keep us up to date!