1981 Time Machine F-150 is One Bad Bullnose
Ford trucks built in the '80s might not get as much love as their older counterparts, but somebody poured a lot of money into making this one perfect.
Rare Resto
It isn't unusual to see a high-dollar, professional restorations completed on Ford trucks these days. But those pricey jobs are typically reserved for trucks built in the '70s and prior. Thus, we were a little surprised (but still delighted) to see that sort of treatment applied to this beautiful 1981 Ford F-150, which we recently spotted while perusing the Hemmings classifieds.
Photos: Hemmings
Nice Mix
The seller calls this job a professional, frame-off restoration with a few modifications added along the way. And that pretty much sums it up perfectly. There's a nice mix of original and non-original parts here, all of which adds up to a very tasty combo that we'd be proud to own ourselves.
Photos: Hemmings
>>Join the conversation about this radical 1981 F-150 right in Ford-trucks.com.
Better Than New
Reportedly, the four-wheel-drive pickup was in pretty good, rust-free shape to begin with. Which undoubtedly made the job easier. But that doesn't take away from the fact that even the undercarriage of this beauty shines better than new.
Photos: Hemmings
>>Join the conversation about this radical 1981 F-150 right in Ford-trucks.com.
Dressed Up
Under the hood, you'll find the original 302 cube V8, albeit an engine and engine bay dressed to the nines. The block has been resprayed in Ford Blue, and it breathes easy thanks to Doug's long-tube headers and a 2.5" Flowmaster exhaust. Other than that, we're assuming that the internals is stock.
Photos: Hemmings
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Mods Underneath
Underneath this beautiful Bullnose, you'll find a host of modifications, however. They include a BDS lift kit, full Fox Racing suspension setup, Warn hubs and a Skyjacker steering stabilizer. There are also a pair of rebuilt gas tanks under here, which is perfect for some longer distance cruising.
Photos: Hemmings
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Good Balance
Clearly, a lot of thought was put into this setup. But thankfully, the seller didn't go crazy with some huge, modern aftermarket wheels. In fact, they retained the factory Lariat 15-inches, which are now wrapped in beefy 33x12.50 Cooper STT Pro tires.
Photos: Hemmings
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Stay the Course
There are a few additional exterior enhancements, but nothing distasteful. They include a PTM grille, headlight surround, and rear bumper. The whole exterior of the truck was then coated in layers of custom paint that simply looks great. Add in some LED headlights, and you've got a nice mix of old and new without going overboard.
Photos: Hemmings
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Doing It Right
Rounding out the extensive list of upgrades and redos on this cool pickup are brand new brakes at all four corners, a new heater core, spray-in bedliner, and locking lug nuts. Overall, it's a truly attractive pickup. And proof that yes, something from the '80s can indeed be worth sinking some money into if you do it right.
Photos: Hemmings
>>Join the conversation about this radical 1981 F-150 right in Ford-trucks.com.
Next Trend?
So will restoring and modifying '80s Ford trucks be the next hot trend? We tend to think so. As older pickups dry up and get more expensive, folks will undoubtedly look to later, cheaper models as a blank canvas. And judging by the way this '81 F-150 turned out, that certainly won't be a bad thing.
Photos: Hemmings
>>Join the conversation about this radical 1981 F-150 right in Ford-trucks.com.
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