That booster seat is very affordable from Target.

https://www.target.com/p/graco-affix-youth-booster-car-seat-with-latch-system-atomic/-/A-14419317

 

Sounds like a plan!

 

Today I loaded my @tltech 93 Perf Tune, v5. This is a tune with transmission tuning too, so Todd had me disable transmission adaptive learning using Forscan first. Then I loaded the tune. It's on-and-off pouring down rain today, so I will wait for dryer roads before testing this tune out.

 

I have had several trips now running the latest 93 Perf and transmission tunes from Todd at @tltech and I am a very happy camper. He really nailed the transmission tune allowing me to abandon Sport and run consistently in Normal mode. Crisp shift points and no low speed lugging.
He also has tweaked the 93 Perf tune a bit; even my wife noticed the responsiveness of the truck. Most of my driving is on local 45-55 mph roads and this tune gives me great jump when needing to get through or in front of traffic. Overall an A+ ! Thanks Todd!

 

Today I installed the cigarette lighter assembly from the Ford Ash Cup Coin Holder - With Lighter Element - Ford (5L8Z-7804810-BAA). I occasionally use the ash cup holder as a change holder when on road trips. I decided to install the lighter assembly for a few reasons.
1) I have it.
2) I bought the tool to remove the old socket and its been sitting around unused and
3) I now have a backup source to light a fire if I am ever stuck somewhere (unlikely, but who knows!).

Super easy install. Use the tool to pull the old socket out (Amazon says it's for GM's but it worked fine), remove the wiring connector, slip the new trim ring on the new lighter socket, press in using the flat slot as a guide. I will keep the lighter (the part that gets red hot) in my console or glove box for emergency use. I can still use the socket for 12v adapters, if needed.

5L8Z-7804810-BAA 2005-2023 Ford Ash Cup Coin Holder - With Lighter Element | Fairway Ford Parts

Amazon.com: Dorman 56457 Lighter Socket And Removal Tool Compatible with Select Models : Automotive
PS - if anyone wants to borrow this let me know.

 

It's okay @Boatwaco, lots of wives won't let their husbands smoke cigars in the house.

 

Never in the house, never in the truck either. Now, cruising around in the old Mercedes roadster - yes!

 

I need to get around to replacing the bed rail trim. This bulge on driver’s side has bugged me for a lonnnnnnng time.

 

Man... Those spots on vehicles that only you notice... And only you cannot un-see! My lower windshield trim is doing that same lift, and I see it EVERY TIME I walk out to my truck.

 

Ain’t that the truth, Brother!

 

They're like liverspots.
I don't know how or why they get there, but they are inevitable at some point.
I'm going to learn to live with them.

 

I hope this is a step in the right direction!
Pre-owned KR tailgate with step!

 

Anyone know if the KR emblem is just glued on, or is there a pin too? Looking online it appears to be just glued. Maybe.

2018-2020 Ford F-150 Nameplate HC3Z-9942528-G | FairwayFordParts.net

HC3Z-9942528-G 2018-2020 Ford F-150 Nameplate

www.fairwayfordparts.net

 

I have never removed one. So hard to know.
But you are going to remove it regardless, right?

If there's a pin hole, you'll come up with something clever to deal with it.

 

I don't know. A buddy suggested I leave it, just to add to the confusion. A group of my neighbors think it's a Harley edition truck, others think it's an early generation due to the offset front plate (I moved it because I could move it). Maybe the KR emblem will add to the mystique!

PS. I already have the Sport / Special Edition tailgate decal stripe in my inventory, as well as the 3D raised letters for the tailgate F150 indents. I've been working to get the right pre-owned tailgate for some time now. I hope it will all look good. I've mentioned I really missed the tailgate steps that my '13 had!

 

New tailgate with steps is in good shape. I took off the inner panel to inspect it and clean out dirt, also worked the step assembly to ensure it is working as it should. I’ve decided to self-spray some textured bed coating on the inner surface. I also need to apply the stripe along the outside bottom edge. These tasks will wait for warmer temps. For now, I’ll wrap it back up.

 

Gonna be cool!

 

Thanks! It amazes me how dirty parts are that come off wrecked trucks! Dirt and dust everywhere when you open them up or take off panels to inspect.
Good news - exterior is very good shape, paint is a great match too! And at $1700 delivered (frieght was $250 from MS to TX) it is at least 1/2 the cost of ordering all parts and having to paint the tailgate.

PS. I’m outta room to store the old one once I swap it out. Have you got a corner in the barn I can stash it?

 

Bed rail trim!

 

Today I replaced the bed rail trim. A beautiful end-of-February Monday around 82*, sunny and a slight breeze. I had to remove the bed stake D-rings and the tonneau cover and rails. Popping off the trim pieces was simple once you get the tailgate end started. The loud "pops" had the guys across the street resting in the neighbor's yard (they are tiling a bathroom) craning their necks to see what the noise was. Amazed me how dirty it was under the rails. Spent a lot of time cleaning that up too.
Pictures may not show - if not - they'll be back one day, I hope...
The right side "after" photo highlighted a few waves - a few fist poundings took care of the clips needing to be seated more.

 

Nicely done.

 

Here is my list of queued up projects / mods:

• Upfitter switches OH console
• Third brake light camera
• Install new tailgate with steps
• New rear door sill plates with Ford Performance logos to match front door sill plates
• Spray tool box drawers with rubberized coating
• Try to find / install a retractable antenna

 

Four screws and 2 trim clips per side to pull back the wheel well liner, (did I mention per side?) in 90* temps with 85% RH, on really hot concrete without any shade…

and I installed new low and high beam bulbs today.

Now, to check aim: https://www.f150ecoboost.net/threads/how-to-aim-your-headlights-diode-dynamics.88893/

 

Updates (threads elsewhere) -

• Swapped in a preowned tailgate with steps
• Added a McGard tailgate hinge lock
• Replaced waterlogged passenger headlight assembly

 

Here’s what I am waiting on or have on hand:

Waiting for:
New wiring harness for tailgate
New harness splice kit for above
Driver side headlight assembly
Tailgate to be repainted

On Hand:
New tailgate lock mechanism
New TG emblems
New TG stripe decal
New TG 3D letters
Old TG camera, light, rods and locks

 

Tailgate swap documented here - https://www.f150ecoboost.net/threads/2018-tailgate-no-step-to-step-swap.90072/page-2#replies

 

Started to install the Upfitter OH console and wiring. Was also wanting to replace my driver side headlight assembly but the wrong side was sent to me.
Here is a picture of the Upfitter parts ready to go in.
I’m taking a Texas football is on TV break them will finish the install. I won’t be able to connect the relay box under the hood today - I need a step drill / tap to install the mounting plate for the relay box. But I hope to have the console with switches installed and lights working.