Not Hiding Anything...

Over the past 24 years and 226K miles this 2001 4.7L V8 SR5 slowly took its clear coat off, rolled up its fender flares, leaned over casually and said to me in its best FL redneck voice - "I'm jus' gitn' starded an' I'm ready... are you??!". Basically, it made me an offer I could not refuse so... it's mine!!!

I am still debating on whether to try to fix the paint and make it look like a botched plastic surgery or just let it age gracefully the way it is and wear its wrinkles, scars, and other old age signs proudly... I have a feeling if I fix the paint it's going to be "just some old truck" but if I leave it as is it will retain its true identity (plus I won't care if it gets scratched or something like that, lol). The camper/shell/topper... whatever you call this... has to go, tho. Anyone want it?

Suggestions are welcome, of course.

 

If it's running great, or great enough, leave it alone...Is my way of thinking. There are things that will eventually catch up though.

You've probably read it all though.

 

I'm glad you asked, because I took one look at that camper shell and thought, "Ah wont thayet."

 

Timing belt? LBJs - age and OEM? Radiator - Denso and not brown/old?

 

You may have a FL twin with @Bmktw2

Only his had considerably more rust.

On the paint, it’s just sort of a thing that happens, FL sun doesn’t help. You really need to keep a good UV-protecting wax on it and park in the shade sometimes, else that’s the end result. A selective repaint (hood, roof between rail provisions) may help? Truck does look good!

 

Welcome from OKC! Congrats on your find! I vwould keep the shell and tow a small trailer or make a big custom hitch basket for "truck bed" duties. That way you can adopt a cool pup or two too and they can have a seperate spot to ride along in.

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)!

 

Welcome from NY.

 

I'd probably have the hood, roof and doors painted if for nothing else to keep it from rusting. Looks like the roof is rusting. Was the truck standing in Florida flood waters or is that from something else?

 

Timing belt done ~60K miles ago. Radiator has been replaced with Denso. LBJs look acceptable for now but I will replace them when I get a chance. I watched a few videos and, if they are not rusted, seems like it could be a DIY job... idk, I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

 

Yes, the roof is rusted and I believe it's just because the clear has been gone for so long that the FL sun ate thru the paint. It has not been in a flood. I have decided to prep and clear coat the hood and doors (blend in) and will paint and clear coat the roof after I get rid of the camper so I can access it easier.

 

Welcome from NC