1969 Ford F100 / 2002 Ford Lightning "Thunder's Truck"

[V8TV]

Aluminum parts like the supercharger and transmission were cleaned and masked, then they were sprayed with Eastwood nano ceramic high temperature engine paint. They were sprayed in satin silver to keep an aluminum look, but now they will stay this way without corroding the way cast aluminum does.

[V8TV]

With most of the pieces painted, it was time to start putting the truck back together. The crew began by reinstalling the wiring harnesses, ECMs, relay centers, Vintage Air equipment and ductwork in the dash.











Next, the inner fenders were reinstalled and the crew installed as much wiring as they could before the engine and transmission were dropped in place.

[V8TV]

The supercharged 5.4 liter V8 was reassembled with it's freshly detailed parts, including new gaskets and wrinkle coated valve covers, new gaskets for the supercharger assembly, and other detailed pieces. The supercharger has been upgraded with a higher RPM pulley for increased compression. The goal was to install as many connectors, harnesses, hoses and hard lines as possible while the engine was on the stand to make installation go quicker.











The radiator core support was built on a stand before it was installed in the truck as an assembly. The core support assembly consists of the support, radiator, electric cooling fans, fan controller, steering reservoir, AC condenser core, oil cooler, and coolant reservoirs. The supercharger heat exchanger would be attached after the core support was installed.

[V8TV]

The transmission was bolted to the engine and the whole assembly was lowered into the truck including all the wiring and the headers.


















The core support assembly was installed, and then the heat exchanger was added. The new brake lines were put back in place, as well as the master cylinder and Hydratech hydraulic brake booster unit. The factory 2002 Lightning anti-lock brake module and hardware was installed, which remained functional in the 1969 truck.

[gofastwclass]

Nice update, the truck is looking great!

Is it bad that each time I read one of your posts I hear you narrating it like on your You Tube channel?

[V8TV]

Originally Posted by gofastwclass

Nice update, the truck is looking great!

Is it bad that each time I read one of your posts I hear you narrating it like on your You Tube channel?

Ha, too funny. I'm not sure I ever wanted to be the voice in someone's head... but I promise not to steer you wrong!

[Jimbo1367]

Originally Posted by V8TV

Ha, too funny. I'm not sure I ever wanted to be the voice in someone's head... but I promise not to steer you wrong!

LOL. Glad I'd not the only one. I'm betting this is because I've watched his videos and know his voice. LOL

GREAT JOB!!!

[V8TV]

Originally Posted by Jimbo1367

LOL. Glad I'd not the only one. I'm betting this is because I've watched his videos and know his voice. LOL

GREAT JOB!!!

Thanks Jimbo! The team did some nice work on this one.

[V8TV]

Underneath the truck cab, the 4R100 electronic overdrive sits comfortably on it’s new mount.








Topside, the pieces are coming back together, like the power steering and hydroboost lines and the fabricated cover for the radiator and coolers.





Wiring is hidden below the inner fender, which will all be tidied up and protected with a the new splash shields. AC and heater lines route through as well.





The driver side hides the forward harness lines in a similar fashion.





Here, the painted air intake is reinstalled, along with the throttle and cruise control cables.





Hoses are kept tight with Gates heat shrink clamps.

[V8TV]

The inner fenders and grille assembly are reinstalled.











Inside, the Dakota Digital VHX gauge system is reinstalled in a restored dash bezel. Heat and sound deadener is installed.