Universal Truck Accessories Blog

Restoring a Legend: Ford F-350

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 21:49:23 GMT

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

Preparing Your Truck for Winter

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 16:23:01 GMT

TOP ACCESSORIES FOR SAFETY AND CONVIENIENCE

As winter approaches, it's crucial to ensure your truck is ready for the cold, snow, and icy conditions. Proper preparation not only enhances your truck's performance but also ensures your safety on the road. From improving traction in the snow to keeping your vehicle protected from harsh elements, we’ll explore the top accessories for winter safety and convenience that every truck owner should consider.

Why Prepare Your Truck for Winter?

Winter driving brings a unique set of challenges—snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can compromise your truck’s safety and performance. Prepping your truck with the right accessories can help you avoid breakdowns, keep you safe, and make your winter drives more comfortable. Let’s take a look at the top accessories to consider this season.

Top Truck Accessories for Winter

Winter Tires and Chains

Winter tires are essential for maximizing traction in snowy and icy conditions. Their deeper treads are specifically designed to grip snow, ensuring better handling on slippery roads. For extreme conditions, adding chains can provide an extra layer of control.

How to improve traction in the snow: Invest in a quality set of winter tires and consider chains if you’re driving in particularly harsh conditions. These will give you the best grip and control on icy roads.

Tonneau Covers and Truck Caps

Winter snow and ice can wreak havoc on your truck bed and its contents. A tonneau cover or truck cap protects your cargo from the elements, ensuring that snow, ice, and slush stay out of your truck bed. Additionally, it helps with fuel efficiency by improving aerodynamics.

Check out tonneau covers and caps here .

Engine Block Heater and Battery Warmer

When temperatures plummet, starting your truck in the morning can be a challenge. An engine block heater keeps your engine warm, preventing cold starts and reducing wear. Pairing it with a battery warmer ensures that your battery stays functional, even in freezing temperatures.

How to prepare a vehicle for very cold weather: Consider installing an engine block heater and a battery warmer to prevent engine damage and ensure easy starts during cold mornings.

Splash Guards and Mud Flaps

Winter conditions often mean slushy roads filled with salt, ice, and dirt. Installing splash guards and mud flaps will help protect your truck's undercarriage and exterior from rust and corrosion caused by road salt.

How to keep your truck from rusting in the winter: Regularly wash your truck, especially the undercarriage, to remove salt and debris. Adding splash guards and mud flaps also helps minimize the exposure to salt and road grime.

Find splash guards and mud flaps here .

Sub Zero Winter Kit

Having an emergency kit in your truck is essential for staying safe in unpredictable winter conditions. The Sub Zero Winter Kit includes cable ties, tow rope, a flash light, an emergency blanket, first aid supplies, and other items designed to help you stay safe if you’re stuck on the road in freezing temperatures.

How to take care of your truck in the winter: Make sure to check fluid levels (such as antifreeze), keep emergency supplies in your truck, and ensure all lights are working properly for maximum visibility.

Get the Sub Zero Winter Kit here .

All-Weather Floor Mats

Winter means bringing slush and dirt into your truck every time you step inside. All-weather floor mats are designed to trap water and dirt, protecting your truck's interior from damage. These mats are easy to clean and provide excellent coverage against winter grime.

Towing Equipment

Winter conditions can lead to unforeseen towing needs, whether you’re helping a fellow driver out of a snowbank or towing a trailer yourself. Equipping your truck with reliable towing accessories ensures you're prepared for any winter-related challenges.

Check out towing accessories here .

LED Lights and Spotlights

Visibility is key during winter storms and long nights. Upgrading your truck’s lighting system with LED bulbs or spotlights ensures maximum visibility, helping you see further and making your truck more visible to others on the road.

Shop lighting upgrades here .

Winter doesn't have to be tough on your truck

With the right accessories, you can ensure your safety, improve your truck’s performance, and protect your investment from winter’s harsh conditions. From truck bed covers and splash guards to emergency kits and LED lights, Universal Truck Accessories has everything you need to prepare your truck for winter.

Make sure you’re ready for the season—visit Universal Truck Accessories to explore these must-have winter accessories today!

Best Truck Accessories to Upgrade This Summer

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 19:54:16 GMT

BEST TRUCK ACCESSORIES TO UPGRADE THIS SUMMER

Summer is the perfect time to upgrade your truck with accessories that enhance performance, safety, and convenience. Whether you're planning a road trip, tackling off-road trails, or simply want to get the most out of your truck, the right upgrades can make a significant difference. In this guide, we'll highlight the best truck accessories to upgrade this summer and answer some common questions about truck enhancements.

What Accessories Should I Get for My Truck?

Upgrading your truck with the right accessories can enhance its functionality and aesthetics this summer. Here are our top recommendations:

Truck Bed Covers

Why You Need It: Protect your cargo and gear from weather elements and theft while out on the road, all while improving your truck’s aerodynamics. Find our truck bed cover line-up here . Store inflatables, luggage, and more with peace of mind.

Trailer Hitch

Why You Need It: Whether you’re pulling a boat to the lake, towing a camper, or hauling heavy materials for a summer project, you may want to consider upgrading to a trailer hitch with higher weight capacity this season. We have a wide variety of towing products that will ensure that you have the power you need to make this summer a breeze.

Hitchfire BBQ

Why You Need It: Grill anywhere with the Forge-15 Hitchfire . From the beach, to sporting events, to the backcountry - grill wherever your vehicle can go. Quick and easy setup allows you to get cooking in just a few short minutes.

Truck & Rooftop Tents

Why You Need It: Turn your truck bed into a comfortable sleeping area for camping adventures. No camper? No problem! Explore the backcountry with our variety of truck tent options , while enjoying a sturdy structure to sleep in each night. Try adding an inflatable mattress for extra comfort!

How Can I Make More Room in My Truck?

Maximizing space in your truck is crucial, especially for long trips or when carrying a lot of gear. Check out a few of our accessories that can help you make more room:

Crossbars

Why You Need It: Truck racks allow you to carry bulky items like bikes, kayaks, and extra luggage, freeing up space inside your truck. We love this crossbar kit , with a weight capacity of up to 500 lbs.

Truck Bed Organizers

Why You Need It: Organizers help you keep your gear sorted and secure, making the most of the available space. Our decked drawer system will help you keep tools or gear sorted and accounted for. This type of organization system allows for two levels storage and prevents a disordered pile-up of expensive gear. This system can be used commercially, or recreationally. Perfect for storing tools and site materials, in addition to hunting, fishing, and backcountry gear.

Bike Rack

Why You Need It: Bike racks are the perfect accessory to add to your truck for quick and easy transport. Perfect for day or weekend trips out to one of Manitoba’s beautiful provincial parks (or beyond)! This budget friendly option is perfect for lighter travellers. Explore here , and see more today!

What is the First Thing to Upgrade on a Truck?

When considering upgrades, the first thing to focus on should be enhancing your truck's utility and safety. If we had to suggest just one item to start with, we would highly recommend that your first upgrade is a truck bed cover . A truck bed cover provides protection for your cargo against weather damage and potential theft, while optimizing your fuel efficiency.

Upgrading your truck with the right accessories can significantly enhance your summer adventures. From improving cargo protection with a truck bed cover to increasing storage capacity with roof racks and organizers, these upgrades ensure your truck is ready for any challenge. Visit Universal Truck Accessories to explore more options and find the perfect accessories for your truck. Make this summer unforgettable by gearing up with the best truck accessories available.

Happy upgrading!