Are you sure about that?




In a brand new Ford Fusion that gets great gas mileage and doesn't have 130,000 miles. lol.


If my truck was more reliable, I would be up there. :(

 

Looks like we're both going to be dads this year. Better get busy if it's gonna happen before 2018. Lol

Yeah, the Fusion definitely made that trip more manageable (and affordable). There's a chance we may be back to Florida in June depending on where we decide to go for vacation. It'll be in the Fusion again, though, since there will be 3 of us.

 

I know a great place in the middle of nowhere with a Mexican restaurant that is just to die for. Right Shaun?

 

Hell nah

 

2017 ain't over yet Sam!

 

I can barely take care of myself lol. Besides, I think they wrote Sam by mistake instead of Jacob so I'm good

Btw, congrats on the kid!

 

I think we're already safe for 2017. lol.

I've been thinking about getting something better on gas for the long drives where I'm not taking the truck to meets or to work on it. It would be nice to keep the mileage off of the Ranger.

No. lol.

 

Well, this thread took quite a turn. At least it'll get us through til I can actually get some work done. Lol

I did get some wire and lugs delivered today, so that should be all I need to get the fuse box done, which will be in addition to getting my battery drain fixed. Then on to mechanical stuff, which is always more enjoyable!

 

OH no, I ain't trying to be no dad I'm 17. I had to subscribe to this build, just spent two hours reading the entire thread

 

This thread was a good read! Hopefully my project doesnt turn into a multiyear event like this..

 

I started to read the whole thread... a lot of information, good build thread, got through about 14 pages but flipped to the end ! Always like to see how the story ends.

Do you still have the truck ?

If so post a pic or two about your gauges, how you ended up wiring them and fitting the panel.
I read about them in an earlier post and thought your idea was a good one.

Also, the STX Grill, what ever happen to that ? Did it get installed ?
I did a quick look at the project, got a grill from PC and only started measuring, didn't look like a goo fit but then I moved to SoCal, started a house remodel.
I read about your STX grill and started thinking about mine.

Post some finished pictures if Photobucket let you !

 

I guess this pic was right after all since I found out I'll be a dad again a few months ago. We're due in March!

Thanks!

IMO, everyone's truck is a project from the day they bought it. You may not install a huge lift, new engine, or anything major, but there's always tinkering to be done. I'll never consider my truck "complete."

Thanks! I still have the truck. I'll try to get some good pictures this week since I don't have anything very recent. Work and family take up most of my time these days, but I get things done as I can, even if it's at a slower pace than I'd prefer.

It sat in the garage with a bad alternator for most of the summer, but I just got that replaced with a Tuff Stuff 225A and also installed an Optima Yellow Top while I was at it. Been on a few short trips since then, and still enjoy driving it just as much as I did when I first swapped the engine.

I still have the STX grille, but have never got around to getting it installed. It'll require a trip to the body shop since I'll need the grille painted and the hood trimmed. I don't really have an excuse since I'm not the one doing the work, but it's definitely on my to-do list along with getting parts the rest of the parts I need for the lift.

 

OK on the House and Family, just finished an 2 year interior rebuild and still needs painting outside and the rear patio and new walks. Then there is the new shop that needs wiring. The list goes on and on and on !

I took a few minutes to check out putting the STX Grill in a -03 Shell, it looks like it would fit the contour but it is a lot higher than I expected. Wondering about '04 Grille Shell and maybe even a new hood.
Not sure but I like my '03 EDGE Hood so I may just either buy some Aluminum Tubing and make something or just buy a tube grill and get it over with.

All of my projects have been on hold for at least 3 1/2 years, no shop, all energy went to the house, so I am just now getting started. Then CA passed a new law about Assault Weapons, need to get time to install some osort of Mag Lock in both of my AR's. Was hoping Trump would have put an end to this BS but doesn't look good, although we have a six month extension tie July 2018.

My first project will be removing the seats, bringing to an Auto Upholstery Shop for new Foam and Terry's Seat Cover Install; then on the the Power Windows and Locks.

So many mods, so little time. Sometimes wish I was working again, seemed to have more free time.

Picture about your Mods, would go a long way for some of us to keep going !

Ltr

p.s. Got a view of the new Cummins R2.8L Turbo Diesel, no price but I hear it is available, now that would be a great engine swap ! Here I go thinking AGAIN !

 

Congratulations Justin!

I've managed to avoid becoming a father thus far. But there's still three months left of 2017.

 

I did an 04+ front clip swap on my 03 Edge. All I really needed was the header panel, 04+ hood latch, and an 04+ driver's side hood hinge. I personally opted to buy an 04+ hood since my original fiberglass powerdome was in pretty bad shape. But if yours is still in good shape, you could definitely have it modified to work with the newer grille.

 

So uhh, updates or nah?

BTW, no kids for me as of 2/1/2019. Haha

 

Yeah Justin where's the updates?

No kids over here playa

 

He probably sold it.

 

There's no way lol

 

I can't believe I haven't posted in here in over a year! Wow, time flies... Updates:

My daughter was born February of last year, almost a month early. Spent a week in the NICU, but she's a happy, healthy, crazy 1 year old now!

I've barely had time since then to do much with the truck. I did manage to install the aux fuse block awhile back, which allows me to control a few things off of "key on" power rather than always hot, as well as cleaning up the engine bay wiring a bit.

I was able to finally get a little work done on a parasitic drain a few weeks ago, but it isn't resolved. Got it narrowed down to the battery saver circuit, which includes the BSR, GEM, Restraints Module, and Instrument Cluster. BSR and GEM were checked and verified good, but haven't had a chance to go through the rest of the circuit. With a little one now and my oldest playing travel baseball, free time is at a minimum. Throw in the fact that I don't have a lit/covered area to work and it's seemingly rained every day for the last 3 months, and it's easy to see why I've neglected my truck so much.

As far as selling it, I've reached the point where I'd be okay with doing it if the money is right and I know the buyer would take care of it. I wouldn't just sell it to anyone. Maybe one of y'all could buy it? I know a guy who's interested in it, so there's a chance it could happen.

 

I should also add I'm looking to trade my Fusion in for a new F150. Just a matter of finding what I want at the right price. Already have plans for mods

 

K.N.E.W.I.T.

Just kidding Justin. Glad to hear you're doing good and congratulations on the little one! Priorities are important and I'm glad yours are in the right order.

 

Been awhile since the last update! Not much has really changed, but I had an off day during the week without any plans, so I was able to get the truck out for a cruise on the back roads near my house. Found this road leading to a cemetery that dates back to the Civil War era and decided to take a few pics.

I’m at a point where the Ranger is very low on the priority list of time and money, but I do have some things I’d like to do if the time and money do present themselves. I haven’t actively shopped it around because I do still like it, even though it makes zero financial sense to keep it, but I would sell it if the right buyer came along.

 

Still love the truck Justin!

 

Little something to ponder from someone with three kids that has “been there”. Don’t sell the truck. The travel ball kid will be 16 in about three blinks of an eye. And will love to get his dad’s project truck. Just try and incorporate him into any time you spend on truck. Hell, take off a perfectly good part, clean it and put back on. Just let him turn a wrench and explain what he’s doing. My three are girls. We have our own tradition. Wife’s first car was a Mustang. So.....
but I have told both kids so far;
”can drive car as long as you want. But, when your out of college and working and want a new car you can’t trade in yours. I get it back. I will fix anything wrong, keep it running, etc. because I know when your forty you will want your first car back. And I will then give it back to you. “
Don’t sell your truck!!!