"We continued to clean and strip the truck to prepare it for paint. We had tried several methods to achieve that flat-black primer look we were after (with a sealed finish, though). After several failed test panels were sprayed, Mike talked with the local PPG rep. Upon hearing his recommendations, we decided to use PPG's Flexed "N" Flat clear (developed for use on plastic-type bumpers and body panels-Ed.) over the black epoxy primer.
"By the time the fabrication, bodywork, and paint were completed, we'd already burned up half of the scheduled time. We persisted, forging through the reassembly process. But with each new part came a new challenge. There were times we had to reorder another item to help finish a particular installation. Time started to run out, and it looked like I wouldn't be making the reunion in the manner I'd planned-but we kept at it every weekend. Mike ran the wiring, the plumbing, and stayed focused on the details. Finally, it was time for upholstery.
"Auto Interiors in Lansing, Michigan, stepped up and made everything we needed to stick with the old-style hot rod theme. From there, Mike took the truck to his work, where Mike Kukala (the dealership painter) laid out the silver flames with red striping. Unfortunately, my 50th class reunion would come and go before the truck was finished.
"The '54 was completed in 18 months, just weeks shy of the '05 F-100 SuperNationals. At the truck's debut, we were met with a very good response from fellow enthusiasts young and old. The encouraging words made the entire process worthwhile. Best of all, I now get to drive the hot rod I wanted to build 50 years ago. Just goes to show that you're never too old to fulfill your dreams."