2001 Ford F150 - Custom Truck Body Modifications

Out of the box, we found the most luxurious and well-packaged grille we've ever seen. Strut prides itself on making sure the grilles arrive in perfect condition.

Out of the box, we found the most luxurious and well-packaged grille we've ever seen. Stru

What bolt-ons can I add that will really make my truck stand out? This question, and many like it, is what we are bombarded with constantly. In this story, we'll show you several mods that no truck should be without. While putting our Project Sinatra F-150 together, several key parts were on our wish list. New HID headlights were at the top of the list, and one call to Xtralights.com quickly answered that question. For hundreds of dollars less than we had thought we were going to pay, we received and installed a set of 8,000K digital HID lights that perfectly complement the Lincoln Navigator front end. It also helped to make the front-end swap look more legit. In addition to the awesome lights, we installed a Strut crimped-wire mesh main and lower grille to the VIS Racing front end. This style of grille was a fresh alternative to the typical billet or race-style we usually install, and it added to the elegance of the truck transformation. Finishing off the basic bolt-ons, we called Sport Truck Direct for a pair of Matrix LED taillights and a third brake light. Having the latest in light technology on the front of our truck meant the rear had to follow suit. The power for all of this extra lighting came courtesy of a 200-amp high-performance alternator from Powermaster. Check out the photos below to see just how easy it can be to make your truck really stand out.

With the factory grille unbolted from the VIS Racing hood, we used a screwdriver to snap the out-slotted grille out of the chrome shell.
With the factory grille unbolted from the VIS Racing hood, we used a screwdriver to snap t
Using 7/16-inch studs, the new Strut crimped-wire mesh grille frame was installed onto the factory chrome frame.
Using 7/16-inch studs, the new Strut crimped-wire mesh grille frame was installed onto the
A symbol of luxury, the Strut badge replaced the factory Lincoln emblem by simply sticking it in place with double-sided tape.
A symbol of luxury, the Strut badge replaced the factory Lincoln emblem by simply sticking

The end result was a look that stands out in a crowd. Notice how well the lower grille matches the primary and completes the front end.
The end result was a look that stands out in a crowd. Notice how well the lower grille mat
Moving on to the Xtralights.com Xetronic digital 8,000K HID headlights, we opened the box and made sure all of the contents were intact. Xtralights.com included new HID bulbs, ballasts, wiring, terminals, and detailed instructions.
Moving on to the Xtralights.com Xetronic digital 8,000K HID headlights, we opened the box
After we removed the factory Lincoln headlights and set them aside, the halogen bulbs were removed and discarded. Then, a hole was drilled into the back of the screw-on bulb cover, which allowed the new wire grommet for the HID bulb wires to slide through. The rubber grommet keeps everything nice and watertight.
After we removed the factory Lincoln headlights and set them aside, the halogen bulbs were

Next up, the new 9006 HID bulb was inserted into the bulb housing. We made sure not to touch the filament with our hands.
Next up, the new 9006 HID bulb was inserted into the bulb housing. We made sure not to tou
With the bulb in the housing, we slid the wires through the supplied grommet and secured the grommet to the screw-on bulb cover.
With the bulb in the housing, we slid the wires through the supplied grommet and secured t
We were then ready to cut and splice the positive and negative wires of the headlight to the positive and negative wires coming off of the digital ballast.
We were then ready to cut and splice the positive and negative wires of the headlight to t

All it took were two simple connections to make sure the ballast received the proper 12.6 volts to engage the HIDs.
All it took were two simple connections to make sure the ballast received the proper 12.6
Xtralights.com made the next step easy because all we had to do was connect the two weather-pac connectors from the ballast to the bulbs.
Xtralights.com made the next step easy because all we had to do was connect the two weathe
Fortunately for us, the Lincolns came with an HID option and the headlights already had a designated location for an HID ballast. We simply notched the edges, so our wires could easily run through, then used double-sided tape to secure the ballast to the under side of the headlight.
Fortunately for us, the Lincolns came with an HID option and the headlights already had a

Making our Navigator headlights look awesome day or night, the Xetronic HID headlights give the F-150 a look of performance and luxury.
Making our Navigator headlights look awesome day or night, the Xetronic HID headlights giv
Sport Truck Direct was the supplier for our Matrix LED third brake light, and the installation couldn't have been easier. After using a Phillips screwdriver to remove the factory light, the new wire connectors were inserted into the factory harnesses. That's it, the new smoked LED unit was installed and ready to rock
Sport Truck Direct was the supplier for our Matrix LED third brake light, and the installa
With the brakes applied, 10 bright LEDs inform everyone behind us when we are stopping.

Out back, the factory taillights simply came out by removing two screws with an 8mm socket. The new Matrix smoked LED taillights simply plugged into the factory harnesses and even came with its own capacitors, which allows the LEDs to blink during turn-signal operation.
Out back, the factory taillights simply came out by removing two screws with an 8mm socket
At night and during the day, the lights look awesome
Applying the brake pedal ignites four rows of super-bright LED lights.

Keeping everything powered up is a 200-amp alternator from Powermaster.
Before the grille, lights, foglights, and new paint, our Project Sinatra was in desperate need of new parts
Before the grille, lights, foglights, and new paint, our Project Sinatra was in desperate
After three hours of work, minus the painting, the front end looked awesome.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Time Spent Working:	3 Hours
Degree of Difficulty:	Beginner
Tools Needed: Screwdriver (Phillips and standard), wire cutters, wire crimpers, standard sockets, and a ratchet.
Parts Used:
Matrix Smoked LED taillights for SuperCrew 09-2043-LS	$249.95
Matrix Smoked LED third brake light for SuperCrew 09-480-B	$99.95
Powermaster 200-amp alternator 47764 3G natural	$313.95
(Pricing from summitracing.com)
Strut Wear Manhattan crimped-wire mesh grille (upper and lower)	$4,500
Xtralights.com Digital Xetronic HID 8,000K 9006 headlights	$459.00
Total Cost:	$5,622.85

From The Driver SeatBeing big fans of lights, we knew this truck would be equipped with the best available, and after three hours of easy work, it is. The HIDs are super bright and crystal clear, without being too obtrusive to oncoming motorists. The install was a breeze and the weather-tight connections ensure there is no wiring problems. In regards to the LED taillights and third brake light, everything was simply plug and play. The third brake light was a little finicky, as the terminals had to be straightened out from the package after rattling around during shipping. Juice is no longer an issue, thanks to the killer Powermaster alternator. The voltage gauge doesn't even flutter under a full load. As far as the four month's mortgage, also known as the Strut Wear grille, it is really nice. It was a tough decision to blow the budget on a single item, all in the name of being different, but one we can live with after seeing the front end fully dressed up.

SOURCE
918 Designs	Sport Truck Direct www.sporttruckdirect.com
Matrix, GR Motorsports Inc. 9 Minson Way Montebello CA 90064 www.tunedbymatrix.com	Strut 208 Avenida Fabricante, Unit A San Clemente CA 92672 www.strutwear.com
Powermaster Motorsports 2401 Dutch Valley Drive Knoxville TN 37918 423-688-5953	VIS Racing Sports 400 E. Garvey Ave Monterey Park CA 91755
South County Auto Body 25081 Front St Lake Forest CA 92630 www.southcountycustoms.com	Xtralights.com 2088 No. 5 Rd Richmond B. V6X 2T1 www.xtralights.com