Restoring a 1957–1991 Ford pickup isn’t just a project - it’s a rite of passage. These trucks were born tough, worked hard, and survived decades of abuse, rust, and questionable “fixes” by shade-tree mechanics. Bringing one back from the dead is equal parts glory and headache and trust me — there are a few potholes you don’t want to hit along the way.

Here are the top 10 mistakes that’ll separate the weekend dreamers from the diehard wrench-turners. Avoid these, and your F-100 or F-150 will look good, drive better, and earn you that approving nod at the next cars-and-coffee.

Mark Worman, the passionate and meticulous mind behind Graveyard Carz, has spent his career breathing life back into the rarest and most iconic Mopar muscle cars. Known for his unwavering dedication to originality and detail, Worman has turned his Springfield, Oregon-based restoration shop into a beacon for car enthusiasts worldwide. Partnering with Classic Industries, a premier supplier of restoration parts, Worman has amplified his mission to ensure these legendary vehicles are restored to factory condition.

At the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, an impressive innovation for classic car enthusiasts took center stage: the 1974-77 OER Camaro Taillight Lens Assemblies (part # 5954137 LH side & part # 5954138 RH side), a product designed to combine modern technology with vintage aesthetics. Earning the prestigious 2024 SEMA Global Media Award, this product resonated strongly with both judges and attendees, showcasing the value of quality craftsmanship in the restoration market.