Restoring a Legend: Ford F-350
Restoring a Legend: UTA’s 1995 Ford F-350 Project
In the heart of Westman, our restoration projects aren’t just about rebuilding, they’re about preserving history while upgrading performance for today’s roads. At Universal Truck Accessories, we’ve kicked off our very first restoration feature by showcasing a build that has everyone in the shop excited: our 1995 Ford F-350 restoration.
This truck, sourced out of Winnipeg, is more than just another project. It’s a vision to take a well-used workhorse and give it a “refresher look” - not flashy or overbuilt, but refined, functional, and ready for anything from daily driving to weekend car shows.
THE BACKSTORY
Jon was on the hunt for a reliable truck that checked all the right boxes. When he came across this F-350, it was already safety certified and drivable, but with high mileage and plenty of wear. The bones were solid, making it the perfect starting point for a project that could blend originality with a fresh new edge.
From the start, the plan wasn’t to strip it down and turn it into something unrecognizable. The idea was to keep it true to its roots, restoring what was there while upgrading the essentials to bring out the truck’s full potential.
Challenges Along the Way
No restoration comes without surprises, and this F-350 threw a few curveballs. What began as minor engine work quickly escalated into a complete motor rebuild. The engine had to be pulled, dismantled, and built back up from scratch. On top of that, bodywork revealed more issues than initially expected, forcing the team to dig deeper and tackle repairs to bring the exterior back to life. For anyone who’s been through a project like this, you know these setbacks are part of the journey, but they also make the final product that much more rewarding.
The Vision: Original, But Better
The guiding philosophy for this build is simple: keep it close to original but improve it in all the ways Ford might have if they had pushed the design a little further in ’95. Think of it as “what the truck should have looked like” - a cleaner, sharper version that balances rugged work capability with modern comfort and style.
Key Upgrades & Modifications
This isn’t just a cosmetic refresh, the F-350 is being equipped with upgrades to make it stronger, more comfortable, and more versatile.
Suspension Overhaul
Reinforced specifically to handle more towing capacity.
Engine Upgrades
Beyond the rebuild, performance mods give it more power and reliability.
Interior Refresh
New leather upholstery paired with modern tech, including an upgraded touchscreen audio system.
Lighting
Updated headlights for better night driving and safety.
UTA Accessories in Action
As with any UTA build, the truck wouldn’t be complete without a lineup of accessories designed to boost performance and functionality:
Auxiliary fuel tank
Installed for extended driving range.
Fifth wheel hitch
Up-leveled for heavy-duty towing.
Upgraded rims
Included to improve both looks and performance.
Vent visors
Installed for better weather protection.
Tonneau cover
A must-have to secure and protect the truck bed.
Every accessory comes from UTA’s own product lineup, showcasing how our gear integrates seamlessly into even the toughest restoration projects.
Looking Ahead
When complete, this F-350 won’t be tucked away in a garage. Jon plans to use it as his daily driver, proving that a restored truck can still pull its weight on Manitoba roads. At the same time, it’s destined to make appearances at car shows and automotive events across the region, turning heads with its refreshed, original style. While there’s talk of selling it down the road, Jon plans to hang onto the F-350 until he moves onto his next big project. Until then, this build will showcase what’s possible when you combine quality restoration work with UTA’s lineup of performance-focused accessories.
The 1995 Ford F-350 restoration project represents exactly what UTA stands for here in Westman: a commitment to quality, performance, and the truck lifestyle. For enthusiasts, builders, and everyday drivers alike, it’s proof that the right mix of original design, thoughtful upgrades, and trusted accessories can breathe new life into a classic workhorse.
Stay tuned as we share more updates on this build and future projects. In the meantime, explore the products used in this restoration at utashop.ca