table of contents
If you're into trucks, you know that there's just something about the classics that draws you in. For me, it’s all about the story behind the build. I recently caught up with a fellow enthusiast who’s been working on a pretty sweet project—a 1981 Ford F100. This isn’t just any truck, though. It’s a real diamond in the rough that was brought back to life after years of sitting idle. And the story behind it? Well, it’s exactly what you’d expect from someone who loves classic trucks.
Getting Started: The Truck That Stood Out
It all started with a childhood connection to trucks. “A close family friend had a new '96 OBS, and I thought it was the coolest truck I had ever seen. Also, my first truck was an '85 F150.” That first truck experience seems to be something that sticks with a lot of us. Whether it was the first one we drove or one we worked on with family, these trucks have a way of leaving a mark. That’s how the love for these old Fords started—something as simple as seeing a truck you thought was badass, and wanting to get in on that action.
The Work: From Hobby to Dream Project
When it comes to working on these trucks, it's all about the passion. “It’s just a hobby, but I would love to someday make a living from these old trucks,” he says. This isn’t just about wrenching on something for fun—there’s a bigger picture. The dream is to turn this love into something that’s not just a weekend project. But for now, it’s all about the process of taking something old, forgotten, and turning it into something that feels new.
And the community around these old trucks? Well, it’s unlike any other. “Some of my best friends live hundreds of miles away, and I’ve met them through these old trucks,” he adds. That’s the beauty of this whole culture. It's not just about the truck itself—it’s the people you meet along the way. It's a brotherhood, where everyone shares the same love for the work, the sweat, and the grind that goes into restoring these machines.
Night Moves the 1981 F100: A Truck With a Story
Now, let’s talk about the truck. This ’81 F100 was far from perfect when it was found. It had been sitting for years—locked-up wheels, flat tires, and last registered in 1994 due to the clutch locking up. That’s the kind of truck that really gets a true enthusiast’s blood pumping. One that has to be winched on a trailer have the most potential. It’s a project, and projects like this are where the fun really begins.
A friend found the truck sitting and told him about it. After a few months of negotiations, the deal was made. “He wanted $1500, but I thought that was a little high for the condition, so we left it at that. About 8-10 months later, he messaged me and said, ‘Bring me $500 and get it before the weekend or I’m scrapping it.’” You can imagine the excitement at that point—$500? That’s a steal for a truck with potential.
Getting to Work: Making It Happen
Once the truck was home, the real work started. “We stripped the camper off—it was past the point of repair—and started with a lot of cleaning. Then we sat it onto a 4wd chassis that we had already,” he says. The body swap was done in an afternoon, with the help of a good friend, Garret. This is what it’s all about—getting your hands dirty, making things work, and seeing the progress right before your eyes.
The suspension was beefed up with a Dana 60 front axle, which is a solid upgrade that adds some serious durability. “We bolted the Dana 60 in at this time,” he adds. For those who aren’t familiar, that’s a big upgrade for a truck like this. The Dana 60 is a solid front axle mainly used by Ford in F350 1 ton trucks with far fewer moving parts and much larger ball joints, etc. it make the front end far more durable for whatever you want to do with your truck. And then there are the wheels. “The wheels are a set of Weld Mountain Crushers that have been widened 6” by Weldcraft, and the false beadlock has been milled off and polished by VanBeelen Polishing in Michigan.” A custom touch like that adds a unique look and is a testament to the care that went into this build.
What’s Next: Keeping It Fun
As for future plans, the owner is all about keeping the truck enjoyable and reliable. “The truck is really perfect for me. We have several shiny paint bullnose trucks and a Bronco, but the enjoyment I get from this one, being able to jump in and drive without worrying, is priceless.” This truck isn’t about being a showpiece—it’s about getting in and enjoying it, without having to stress over keeping it spotless. That’s what makes it special.
There’s still room for a little more work, though. “I believe I would like to build a mild, pump-gas small block for it.” That’s down the line, but the goal isn’t to overcomplicate things—just make it a fun, reliable truck that he can enjoy for years to come.
The Collection: More Than One Project
And of course, this isn’t the only classic Ford in the collection. “My wife Sarah and I own 5 bullnose trucks currently,” he tells me. From a 1980 F250 to a 1986 F250 undergoing a full restoration, it’s clear that the passion runs deep. “The ‘84 crew cab shortbed (originally a crew cab dually long bed we cut down), and a ‘86 F250 regular cab long bed that is currently in pieces undergoing an in-depth restoration with a smooth and filled frame, SuperDuty coil-sprung axles, and a stroked 351.” That’s dedication right there.
Why We Love Old Trucks
At the end of the day, it’s easy to see why so many of us are hooked on these old trucks. They’re not just vehicles—they’re projects, memories, and pieces of automotive history. Whether you’re restoring one or just admiring the work that’s been put into it, these trucks bring people together. For this owner, the 1981 F100 is just another chapter in a never-ending love story with classic Ford trucks. It’s a truck that may have been left for scrap, but now it’s a truck that will keep running for years to come, all thanks to the passion and care of someone who truly loves these machines.
Get yourself a Night Moves T-Shirt HERE
