So, just to add a new post to this section, here's some random shots of stuff I've done to the 98 since the winter. I've shown the truck for several years now, but it also gets used quite a bit - it doesn't just sit until the winter to protect it from salt and snow here in PA. So, it takes a lot of work to get things in order and keep them there.

Here's the replacement bed. Yes, it has to get painted yet...

#ad


The inside of the bed got painted with Herculiner paint-in liner, which for this truck's use pattern should be fine. If it fails, we'll replace it with LineX or something more substantial.

#ad


By the way, this is why the bed is getting replaced - one example anyhow. Holes all thru it.

#ad


One of the things I've done this year is add some color details to the undercarriage. Here's an example - sway bar links and brackets painted to match the prairie tan metallic...

#ad


Also, the truck sits on a 6" lift but I was using lift blocks. This year, I'm switching to BDS Suspension's "glide ride" springs, which eliminates the blocks. This was prior to bolting the springs up, but I do like what this looks like over stacked blocks.

#ad


I'll probably add more pics along the way if there's interest to see what I'm up to.

 

She is looking a lot better Bill and your hard work shows.

 

It'll have a tonneau over it, so that should help protect against that.

 

Good looking truck Bill! Keep the photos coming. The rust you guys have to fight up there just freaks me out!

While my 1998 never was nor intended to be any sort of show truck I did make a bit of improvement to it. I think Bill will appreciate it.
Just a series of photos:
#ad

#ad

#ad

#ad

#ad

#ad

#ad

#ad

BTW, THIS is what the bed came off of. Another cruise switch fire!
#ad

I hope I haven't overdone it here on Bill's thread. I just know where he's been!

Do you have tan interior by chance, Bill? I have a decent tan leather steering wheel and tan radio/switch panel I didn't use, if interested.

 

IIRC it was $350. This was in 2006 though.

 

Don't know much about the 6.0L diesels. The 7.3's were tough from what I know. There should be some decent beds still around for $350-$500. What color?

 

www.car-part.com is helpful. I sold my 98 several years ago.

 

Thanks. Rust is a constant battle. Even with the "show status" of this truck, I have been spending a lot of time cleaning up the frame yet again to get rid of rust bleed-through. I think I'm close to finally killing it all. The cab is fortunately pretty solid, maybe one spot on the rocker that needs attention but that's for next winter.

As for the steering wheel, if it's in nice shape and has cruise functions, I would definitely be interested. Not sure what you're talking about with the radio panel though - is that the bezel around the deck?

A better shot of where I am. Praying for a miracle with my paint guy to get the bed shot so I can head to Ford Nationals in June.

#ad

 

By the way - my bed was $900. Florida bed, brought up from down south by a local guy who sells parts in the area from primarily Ford trucks from 1990 and up. Not a spot of rust on it at all. You can bet that thing gets undercoated THOROUGHLY at some point very soon...lol.

 

#ad

An old friend sending off beds to Canada, eh! Not where I got my bed though.

Yes on the bezel. I'll have to dig them out for pics.

 

Cool. If you would do that please I would appreciate it. My steering wheel is a bit beat, especially. I have a cover over it now.