Builing a 23 Base XL for the grandson.

[ulev1st]

So the grandson and I are working on a little truck for him to drive when he gets old enough. I discussed this with his mom....dad isn't actively participating so someone has to take up the slack.
Anyway, I presented him with the idea to learn to do mods and build something he can drive when he gets old enough. He's 13 now.
I let him pick the color and ordered a new 2023 XL Base truck with the extended cab not the crew and not 4wd. The idea was to limit pasangers and the temptation do do dumb shit off road.
The truck got here last month and we have started with necessary stuff. Window tint, we sprayed in Raptor line on the bed and a roll up bed cover.
Got some seat covers to help protect the cloth seats.
The plan is to make it look a little better. Lowering , tires/wheels etc.
I make him detail it every couple of weeks when he comes over to teach those skills and maybe keep it nice. He has chores he has to do and must keep his grades up and stay his ass outta trouble..
I think it will be good to teach him basic skills and when it's all done he will have a low milage truck that has been babied.
Updates to follow.

Sponsored

 

[ulev1st]

Here’s the day it came in.

 

[ulev1st]

I have seen some really nice builds on here and the idea is to gain as much inspiration and we can and build it the best we can..

 

[Joeiconic]

Being only 13, I guess the young man will learn patience above all else! I believe the Ranger has limited options for lowering, but there are some threads for reference.

 

[Bob902]

That is absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!!! Good for both of you!!!

Keep us posted so we can follow along!

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

That smile says it all. Looks like there’s gonna be some great lessons learned and habits formed.

Good work Pop-Pop! ?

 

[Wytchdctr]

My kids and grand kids are getting something with a headgasket leak and a missing wheel bearing..... and they will need to fix it on their own.

Grats on the kiddo getting what will be a new but not new truck in a few years. My first really running vehicle was a 95 Nissan Hardbody that needed a clutch.

 

[BS67]

This is a great thread, Don! Teaching that grandson these things will go far with him and the 'requirements' to keep that Ranger is a great idea! Wish you and your grandson many great memories and time together in your build!

 

[NoTacos]

Don. You are a awesome grandfather for stepping in if his dad isn’t actively participating. That will probably keep him from doing stupid shit in general - not just off road. Good luck over the next while doing this project with him.

My nephew (my wife’s side) had lack of an involved father. If it wasn’t for my in-laws and the rest of the family pretty sure he would have turned out differently (he turned out great). So again - it is awesome what you are doing with him. ??

 

[TheNorseman]

I gotta say that you have to be one of the best granddads ever. Good on ya, and good on your grandson. I hope y’all spend many happy hours fiddling and modding

 

[Grumpaw]

Since he's only 13, and can't drive yet....teach him the important stuff.....

 

[philanderer]

i made you a list of must have mods.

1. Tailgate Damper

 

[ulev1st]

This weekend he installed his tailgate dampener and did a “deep clean” on it.
he has some experience with helping me in the shop. With supervision he did a torque converter swap on my 69 El Camino. We also added a receiver hitch to pull the dirt bikes. Since I will be driving it for a while we couldn’t agree on a replacement grill. I like the Tremor grill he likes the Raptor style. I had enough Ford rewards point that I was able to get both with nothing out of pocket. We will install these later.

 

[Grumpaw]

Dave, these two deserve "extra special" T-Shirt awards !!!!!

 

[ulev1st]

This weekend we will be busy. BellTech 4/2 lowering kit arrived today

Sponsored