my third truck build!
This is Caly my 1996 F-150 Eddie Bauer! Caly was the third truck i bought.
Unfortunately for Caly, it gets all of the hand me downs from the other trucks haha. The truck is going to sit as is until body work and paint gets redone. #truckproject #ford #truckgirl
Building an OBS Ford F-150 is truly a labor of love, and my 1996 F-150 Eddie Bauer, Caly, is no exception! When I first got her, she was a solid base, but I knew I wanted to put my own spin on this classic truck. There's just something inherently charming about the Eddie Bauer trim that adds a touch of rugged elegance to these robust pickups. My goal is to achieve a truly clean OBS Ford look that honors its heritage while showcasing some modern custom touches. One of the first things I tackled to achieve my vision was adjusting her stance. I wanted her to look commanding and ready for anything, so a level kit was definitely high on my priority list. I remember the satisfaction the day we installed it – it made such a significant difference, giving her that perfect, aggressive yet balanced look without going overboard with a full lift. Paired with some aggressive 33-inch tires and those sleek black wheels, she really started to come alive and stand out. It's incredible how much a simple level kit can transform the entire presence of an OBS F-150. While some enthusiasts might lean towards a lowered OBS Ford for a different aesthetic, for my particular 1996 F-150 build, a subtle lift was the ideal choice to achieve that distinctive, clean OBS Ford appeal I was after. Next up were the finer details that truly make a truck stand out from the crowd. I decided to swap out the older, faded headlights and taillights for smoked heads and tails, which immediately lent her a more contemporary, yet still authentically classic, edge. A shiny new grille, crisp bezels, and clear lights followed, really sharpening up her front end and giving her a fresh face. It's all about paying meticulous attention to those seemingly small touches that collectively contribute to the overall custom build and reflect your personal style. I even played around with some early design ideas, picturing a bold 'MAKE FORDS TOUGH AGAIN' graphic – it’s all part of the creative and exciting process of personalizing your ride and truly making your Ford truck a unique extension of yourself. The journey of transforming an OBS F-150 from its original state into a custom masterpiece is incredibly engaging. Currently, Caly is patiently waiting for the next monumental phase of her transformation: comprehensive body work and a fresh, custom paint job. This is where the most dramatic aesthetic changes will unfold. I'm still meticulously debating colors and finishes, but I'm strongly leaning towards something that will both highlight her iconic classic lines and infuse her with a unique, modern flair. Custom paint jobs on OBS Ford trucks are absolute game-changers; they have the power to turn a well-worn pickup into an undeniable showstopper. I’ve been researching various painting techniques, durability of different finishes, and color palettes, trying to decide what will truly make her shine and stand the test of time. Many dedicated OBS Ford builds, like mine, place significant emphasis on the exterior, and I'm committed to ensuring Caly receives nothing but the best treatment. It might seem unconventional that Caly occasionally receives "hand-me-downs" in terms of parts from my other truck projects, but let me assure you, that doesn't mean she's getting any less love or quality! It's more about being incredibly resourceful, sustainable, and ensuring that every component I integrate into her build is thoroughly tested and proven. This 1996 F-150 build is a continuous, evolving learning experience, and I'm savoring every single step of bringing this Eddie Bauer F-150 back to its full glory. For anyone contemplating embarking on their own OBS F-150 build, whether it's a lifted OBS F150 or a more subtle restoration, I wholeheartedly encourage you to go for it! The passionate community surrounding these trucks is incredibly supportive and knowledgeable, and the profound satisfaction of building and customizing your own Ford truck is, in my opinion, simply unmatched. Watching her evolve from just another truck into a truly custom, cherished piece is an immensely rewarding experience that keeps me excited for what’s next.






