We are looking for the sport version of this M-50.  No, really, there is a sporty version.  If you see it, please let us know.  Thank You!

 A customer brought her car in, after purchasing it about 4 months ago, with an engine noise. It wasn't good and upon further examination, the Stratus would need a major overhaul. It seems the car was neglected and the design of the 2.7 aluminum v6 doesn't take that very well.  Out of warranty, but still owing a considerable amount of money on the car, my customer had a problem. To replace this motor with a factory or re-man long block, she was looking at $5000.  So we found a low mileage used motor to cut her costs in half. Still expensive, but she has a reliable vehicle and saved $2500 on the repair.

Dropping out the engine assembly on 04 Stratus.

I purchased a truck from "High" after it was totaled. 

This truck required another frame and front end. The engine was not damaged, but needed a water pump, power steering pump and many plastic pieces.  We sourced as much as possible in the used market and even found the frame and front clip in red! 

 

Mike and I were on a bike trip to Key West, when we stayed the night at our Aunt & Uncle's B & B in Charlotte NC. Turns out they were getting rid of their old Ford truck and one thing led to another. Here's Martha and Will saying good bye to their truck.  They are the original owners and were happy to see it go to a new home.

So the F-100 had a good life in North Carolina, but it would rust away really quick, if we didn't get some fresh paint on it.  As most projects go, we spent more time and money, than originally planned.  This truck was very basic, no power anything, but does have the 302 v8 in it. I located power brake components and replaced all the hoses, many steel lines and got a new master cylinder. Everything at the wheels were replaced.  It stops good now.  

                The power steering upgrade didn't happen.  It would have meant eliminating the shift on the column and I know Dianne likes that.  I did do some column work, to tighten up the shifting,  so Dianne wouldn't have to get out and unstick the shift rods.

                 After the mechanicals were in decent shape, we stripped bumpers, emblems, lights and lens.  Then took it to JGK Custom Painting, in Leola. Here painter extraordinare Jesse Keeler, did much body work and applied the fresh silver paint.  We also sand blasted the bed, to get rid of the rust. 

Here's the completed truck.  Just in time for Christmas!