Written by Sarah White
Some people discover their passion later in life—but for me, it started before I could even walk. I was just a few weeks old, tucked into the back seat of my dad’s Mustang, cruising with my family. That early exposure to cars didn’t just spark a passion – it shaped who I am today.
Growing up, I spent a lot of time in the barn with my dad. What started with him teaching me how to sort bolts turned into hands-on lessons about how engines work, how tools feel in your hand, and eventually, how to wrench on our own vehicles. Those moments weren’t just about fixing things—they were about bonding, learning, and laying the foundation for a lifelong love of these classic vehicles.
The High School Dream
By the time I was in high school, I had my heart set on one thing: driving an old Ford truck. The kind I saw upperclassmen cruising around in—late sixties to early seventies, all attitude and character. My parents had one rule: I could get any vehicle I wanted, as long as I bought it.
At 16, I started my first job and started saving every paycheck. I was on a mission to buy a 1973-79 Ford truck. After months of searching and saving, my dad spotted a 1977 F-150 on eBay in Petaluma, California—over 2,000 miles away. The catch was it had a blown motor, but I knew that was something that I would have to replace when the truck arrived. On December 21, 2015, this truck rolled into my life.
More Dents Than Promised
When the truck arrived, reality hit hard. It had more dents than advertised, a dried-out interior from the California heat, chipping paint, a “well used” transmission, and a whole lot of character (a nice way of saying it needed everything). But rust? Surprisingly, not a speck. The plan was simple: get it drivable by March 2016, drop in a new motor, and enjoy it for a while until I could do a full restoration.
Two winters passed before it hit the road, however, it made it just in time for my senior year prom.
On prom day, my friend came over to check out the truck and have lunch before we got ready – and then the engine overheated. Thankfully we were still able to make it to the dance, and I’ll never forget pulling up in the truck that I built.
A Summer Cruiser
Since then, that F-150 has been my go-to summer ride—taking me to work, local car shows, and countless hangouts with friends. For three years, I drove that truck 250 miles each direction for the 4×4 Jamboree that was hosted in Indianapolis. It’s not fast, it’s not fancy – but it’s got attitude, grit, and it makes people look every time it rolls through.
This old truck became more than transportation—it became part of my story.
Upgrades, One Bolt at a Time
I’ve made small upgrades here and there, like swapping in a period-correct bench seat, adding chrome over the wheel wells, and freshening up the dash for more visual punch. Each upgrade was a way of making the truck more mine.
Last summer, AutoMeter released the InVision Digital Direct Fit Dash (7402), designed specifically for 1973-79 Ford trucks and 1978-79 Broncos. As soon as I saw that it was a direct fit panel, I knew I needed it. Installed in my truck, it looks like it was right at home—clean lines, classic shape, and a modern feel when powered on.
Installing the InVision dash was straightforward with the easy-to-follow instructions, so I knew where every connection needed to be made. Once it’s powered on, though, it transforms. The soft glow of digital readouts brings a modern touch that doesn’t clash with the vintage vibe. Having four selectable screens allows me to change depending on the mood or style I’m in.
Functionality of the InVision has proven its worth. With the truck’s less-than-stellar gas mileage, having a fuel alert is a game-changer. I’ve also gotten helpful alerts for battery voltage (thanks to an old battery I’ve since replaced), keeping an accurate reading of my engine temp during long parades, and—hopefully never—a warning for low oil pressure.
Sharing the Journey
What started as a personal project turned into something much bigger. I began sharing my journey on social media—restorations, road trips, upgrades, and just the simple joy of driving. It has been a way to connect with other enthusiasts and inspire anyone with a dream and a wrench.
From a baby in a Mustang to cruising in a rebuilt ’77 F-150, my story is still being written—one bolt, one mile, and one memory at a time.
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