The first major project coming up at Maxx Mayhem Garage in 2022 will be the 1989 Ford F-250 resto-mod project. So what is a resto-mod, and why not do a full restoration???? A resto-mod is in a nutshell, restoring a vehicle while making modifications to it. This can take various forms. Not really considered a custom or hot rod, resto-mods are vehicles that are kind of stock, but with changes, additions, etc. Sometimes just the paint is changed to a different color or finish level. Sometimes the suspension or drive train are replaced with something more modern. Pro-touring cars are a good example of this. In the case of the “Kruezzemobille”, I have decided to take a somewhat different approach, where many of the changes reflect practical considerations such as extending storage and preventing rust, while others deal with many updates to the interior, all while preserving the “heart and soul” of the vehicle. Drive line components will be improved as will the engine, all while maintaining the vehicle as emission compliant and restoring its reliability. Of course, rust abatement and prevention are high on the list of priorities.

      The engine will likely be replaced, that determination will be made after thorough testing, and if needed, a new engine will be assembled from high grade parts, with a goal of increasing the HP by a significant amount. Beginning with a new short block and rotating assembly, high performance heads will ported and polished, sitting between the block, and a high performance intake/throttle body, and long tube headers, all still connected to EGR and a cat. All of the wear items in the suspension will be replaced, such as ball joints and tie rod ends, and every single bushing on the truck.

     All rusted areas on the body will be cut away and a variety of commercial and shop made patch panels will be fitted and welded, all done to a concourse level of fit and finish. All panel gaps will be welded and leaded. The frame will receive quite a bit of attention as well, with patches being installed into any areas of significant rust. I am also looking at boxing the back part of the frame, TBD.

     The truck is known to a large group of my friends, so the color will remain similar. There will however be a few improvements, to provide more shine and sparkle for car shows. The frame will be rust-stabilized, after being thoroughly cleaned and prepped, and finished in a semi soft rust preventative product(s).

     The interior of the bed is going to represent a departure from stock, or from what is common on the vast majority of pickups. All interior surfaces will be welded into one piece (excepting doors of course) of heavy gauge aluminum, and coated with Line-x or a similar product, before being sealed into the original side panels. Custom GT style filler caps will replace the stock doors, etc, and inside, numerous storage areas for everything from the spare to a variety of gear will really set this vehicle apart from others, all while providing for a larger interior space, and an unusual degree of luxury for a pickup bed.

     Inside the cab, a custom upholstery package will compliment a powerful in-car-entertainment package, as well as a full compliment of Auto-Meter gauges, and numerous fine details. Many up-fit switches, and ingenious show-lighting will compliment a variety of media screens connected to a variety of external cameras to aid in trailering and parking.

    This project will be shown here and on YouTube, so I do hope you’ll come along for the ride!!