Hey guys (and ladies too). I just picked up a 2010 Raptor which had been rearended and pronounced dead by the insurance company. I guess I should backup and start with some background...
My career is in a high stress field and I travel 3-6 days each week averaging anywhere from 4-10 flights in a single week. When I am home and have down time I like to work with my hands where I can actually create something and see the physical results of my efforts. For the past 30 years I have been building/rebuilding vehicles. On two different occasions during that time I have turned my hobby into a successful business and consequently lost interest and sold out. I now only rebuild 2-4 vehicles a year and do so for myself, family, or friends. I usually keep a sports car and a 4x4 of some type. Eventually they all go away because inevitably someone comes along that wants it more than I do or (more commonly than I would like to admit) I get bored and want a new project...and that brings me to my current project, the 2010 Raptor.
I buy most of my vehicles at the insurance auctions like IAAI or CoPart. This past summer I rebuild a Jaguar F-Type V8 S convertible and while I loved the 520HP and the drop top, I got bored and started searching the web looking for something I had never owned but always wanted. I found this Raptor at a salvage reseller. Like I mentioned, I usually save money by sourcing mine directly from the auction, but I sold the F-Type and bought this one from 74auto.com.
I started the teardown yesterday and have ordered all the parts necessary to rebuild her. I located a used bed in upper NY which has been purchased and is currently in transit. I also want to go back with a factory front bumper but have decided I like the white monochrome look so will be color matching the bumpers and flares. I located a take-off front bumper and it is in-route via Greyhound from PA.
From the dealer I bought a new rear axle housing, front left fender, right rear spring hanger, and new rear bumper components.
In addition, I have ordered Kooks headers, JBA SideSweep exhaust, Volant CAI, and a SCT tuner from Stage 3 w/ 5 Star custom tune.
My career is in a high stress field and I travel 3-6 days each week averaging anywhere from 4-10 flights in a single week. When I am home and have down time I like to work with my hands where I can actually create something and see the physical results of my efforts. For the past 30 years I have been building/rebuilding vehicles. On two different occasions during that time I have turned my hobby into a successful business and consequently lost interest and sold out. I now only rebuild 2-4 vehicles a year and do so for myself, family, or friends. I usually keep a sports car and a 4x4 of some type. Eventually they all go away because inevitably someone comes along that wants it more than I do or (more commonly than I would like to admit) I get bored and want a new project...and that brings me to my current project, the 2010 Raptor.
I buy most of my vehicles at the insurance auctions like IAAI or CoPart. This past summer I rebuild a Jaguar F-Type V8 S convertible and while I loved the 520HP and the drop top, I got bored and started searching the web looking for something I had never owned but always wanted. I found this Raptor at a salvage reseller. Like I mentioned, I usually save money by sourcing mine directly from the auction, but I sold the F-Type and bought this one from 74auto.com.
I started the teardown yesterday and have ordered all the parts necessary to rebuild her. I located a used bed in upper NY which has been purchased and is currently in transit. I also want to go back with a factory front bumper but have decided I like the white monochrome look so will be color matching the bumpers and flares. I located a take-off front bumper and it is in-route via Greyhound from PA.
From the dealer I bought a new rear axle housing, front left fender, right rear spring hanger, and new rear bumper components.
In addition, I have ordered Kooks headers, JBA SideSweep exhaust, Volant CAI, and a SCT tuner from Stage 3 w/ 5 Star custom tune.
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