1996 Ford F-350 Teaches Life Lessons

A 1996 Ford F-350 XLT diesel pickup was the first new vehicle that Jermaine B. Atkinson's father ever purchased. It's what he learned to drive on as a teenager. After his father parked the F-350, Atkinson bought it and restored it. It now brings back memories for both men.

[@jonoslund4077]

Dad raised a good son.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

He certainly did.

[@mackmcmillan9905]

Well said. I agree. Side note, that era of truck was the best ever built, too.

[@heyherb]

Probably one of the best trucks ever built.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Trucks today don't look nearly as good.

[@judee00]

As a mechanic and a chevy truck toyota car guy. Your statement is absolutely true.

[@joshuaryanferguson3702]

older trucks are better

[@Ecchier]

They’re pretty good, my 95’ has 440k on it all original.

[@mattmorris3693]

I had a 97 F350 w/the 460. Best truck I ever owned.

[@bddmhopp5]

It all starts with having a father present. Everything else falls into place. Nice to hear about a dad in this community.

[@mikeelliott9067]

Hello Jermaine, I ordered my 95 F-350 in 94, it came in 7-17 95. I love it. Powerstroke, automatic, dark blue. It now has just shy of 448,000 miles. It's like family now!

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

That's a lot of miles...

[@mikeelliott9067]

Yes it is a lot of miles, with only minor repairs. Your black F-350 is a beauty!@@ride-ct-classiccars

[@chriskatz1152]

Your 7.3 ran that long with no major catastrophe! That's awesome

[@mikeelliott9067]

@@chriskatz1152 The most inconvenient repair was a water pump and universal joint at the same time, (approx. 110,000 miles) while on vacation! Torque converter at (397,000 miles) but it didn't affect drive ability. I installed glow plugs a couple of months ago. Fuel injectors have never been touched. Have changed oil plus filter every 3-4,000 miles and the trans fluid every year or sooner. It's all in my records. My Ford mechanic told me many years ago that these 7.3 engines will last at least 500,000 miles. A Cummins probably around 1,000,000 miles. I am more than satisfied with my 7.3.

[@chriskatz1152]

@@mikeelliott9067 Wow that's pretty good! Sometimes I wonder if that's why they stopped the 7.3 due to lack of return business and went to the 6.0 then the horrible 6.4?!?! Man when I saw that truck I almost cried I never kept mine, lol. God bless

[@BruceDragon-sf1tr]

Good Lord , best diesel engine you can find in a pickup truck. FORD 7.3 , the sound of 30 sewing machines 😎

[@budstep7361]

If only the new trucks were this reliable 😭

[@workingcountry1776]

Bet that old pickup will never leave the family now. Love the lessons imparted.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

An inspiring tale!

[@mikescaffo4850]

Beautiful truck his father raised him right

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

You hit the nail on the head!

[@craigcreer5645]

Great examples of good people! We need more people like this in America.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

There are a lot more than we realize.

[@mikehenry4743]

My 97' 7.5, just hit 45K original miles and it's like factory new.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Must be gorgeous.

[@kerrygibbs8198]

A good man, truck and story.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Thanks for the compliment.

[@kd2239]

An old truck, father and son. Love that story.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Thanks!

[@atomicsmith]

It’s gorgeous. Great story as well. Good dad’s are gold.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

I certainly enjoyed telling the story.

[@kevinkerner5318]

Beautiful restoration, I have the exact same truck. It was my welding and repair service truck since 2000 . I have upgraded service trucks. But I still have my old 96 and love to drive it

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Glad to hear!

[@johnm4579]

You can't beat old school pickup trucks. They are the best for sure. I have to say it's a nice truck, but the storey behind the truck about your dad is the best. It's making memories with your father will last a lifetime.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

So glad Jermaine alerted me to his truck.

[@tboots2p911]

It still looks brand new. Wow!

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Jermaine took six years to get it roadworthy again. The result is awesome.

[@mackmcmillan9905]

My Papa, Aunt, and Uncle bought 3 95 F-150s off the same semi that was parked waiting in the lot to unload on the same day. MAN do I miss those trucks and those folks...

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

They sure do look good.

[@mikebas7325]

Beautiful ass truck, that body style will never get old.

[@andycox1793]

What a sweet truck. I had a 93 f350 std cab 4x4 7.3 idi in high school. Back when you could tell a 350 from a 250. Your dad had good taste in trucks and it’s clear he did a nice job raising you with your work ethic and the way you present yourself.

[@l.d.8310]

I'd love a truck like that...your story reminds me of my Ole Pop in the late 78' when I got my license in MO always driving together to the farm back to the nursing home they ran...back to the farm...always working and a little town fir country breakfasts...Saturday sale barn all day

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Very cool!

[@jamesdamiano1145]

Great story and more important your dad got to ride again in a truck he worked hard for and you worked hard to show your pops what a good job he did to raise you and provide for his family . VERY NICE TRUCK !!!!

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Glad you enjoyed the story.

[@1975EATON1]

Wonderful story. Still have my 1997 F350, purchased May 1st 1997

[@johnlupucyjr.7675]

Love the OBS Fords,built to last a lifetime.Your dad bought a diamond in a showcase,beautiful truck.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Thanks to you and another commenter, I learned "OBS." Had never heard it before, but I'm not a truck guy.

[@2H2521]

Some of the best damn trucks ever made.

[@ek6648]

Black Beauty is indeed a beauty! I have a 97 Chevy C1500 ext cab stepside and thanks to the garage/seller its called "Black Betty". I liked it and kept the name :) I even placed a sticker on the backwindow saying "Black Betty". I also like the fact the truck is about 1 month older than I am.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Good story.

[@aaronsoutherland364]

A beautiful family story surrounding a love of great American trucks. Beautiful restoration job! My favorite Ford body style other than the mud 70’s models

[@GA08GT478]

Great truck and even better story!

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Thanks. Great guy with a great story.

[@captainmo3064]

That's the perfect truck. And Dad. Well done. 👍 God Bless.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Thanks 👍

[@dantecoviello8505]

Jermaine, You have a phenomenal story associated with this truck. The close relationship you have with your father is heartwarming, as I too have the same close relationship with mine. I remember doing side jobs with him and him instilling in me a hard work ethic, as well as always taking care of vehicles you own which has paid off! I recently acquired a 1995 Ford F-150 and due to his teachings, I have been very adamant about taking care of it! I'd love to see your truck in person! I'm in the Waterbury, CT area as well! Dante

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

I'll let Jermaine know. I'm hoping to meet with Jermaine and his dad soon at the diner.

[@Bayareabbq]

Beautiful story and truck ...loving that diesel ⛽⛽⛽❤

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

I'm amazed how many views the video has gotten - nearly 42,000 so far.

[@johnvilleneuve7944]

Awesome truck and story. We all remember dad’s old truck. He’s blessed that his dad kept it and that he found enough good parts trucks to restore it. Thanks for the video I loved it!

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Thanks. It has to be one of my favorite stories in all the years of writing about classic cars and trucks.

[@lilred-emax2027]

Beautiful truck. Love that powerstroke clatter. Great work ethic reminds me of my father and i. Truck is just stunning thank you for sharing.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

You're welcome!

[@notchback93]

I’m rolling in a 97 f350 powerstroke same exact truck! Mine is just a different color. I live in Wolcott right next door to Waterbury! It’s cool to see another clean obs out there. They are getting to be rare sight these days. Awesome truck 😎, with a great story behind it!!!

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Thanks for the compliment. It was fun doing the story.

[@LionWithTheLamb]

A guy I knew had a 78' F-250 in 8/10 condition back in the early 2000's gave to him. It was 4x4 C6 Auto, NP205, Trac-Loc, 35" tires, 4" lift, 390 4BBL Dual Exhaust.

[@Wheelman151]

Nice Jermaine. Great thrill for your Dad! I bought a '95 F250 extended cab, Powerstroke 8 years ago..now in similar condition to yours at 180K miles. Wonderful truck. Got window sticker of a nearly identical truck recently...about $33K. I was told by an OBS expert it had a market value over 90% of MSRP. Not a bad investment! Very reliable, as you well know. I appreciate your effort to spiff it up and keep it on the road!

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

You are a wise man.

[@jeffreypinder9398]

Well done, Sir. That Powerstroke F350 looks amazing.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Jermaine did a great job, and so did those who did the heavy lifting.

[@hillsidecnc9833]

Right on... awesome story.... love these OBS trucks!

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Great styling!

[@rednekf350]

Awesome story about hard work and what it will get you! I still have my 97 F-350 5-speed 351 gasser in that body style with only 129,000 miles and it is in great condition. I'll never part with it. Both my sons learned to drive it. I still have a 7.3 2002 F-350 daily driver that I want to drive until the wheels fall off with 290,000 on it but the body will fall off before the wheels do. Sad.

[@hoodoooperator6769]

Good looking truck. Awesome to see a man keeping something this father loved, alive. Respect

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Thanks for reading the story.

[@jakenough2753]

“This is the one” absolutely what I always thought about my dads ‘99 Powerstroke. She’s in my hands now and we’re slowly bringing her back. New bed, motor bored 20 over, injectors, turbo, exhaust, and all that. Just A LOT of bodywork left

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

The good news is you're making progress.

[@Soggys0up85]

Reminds me of my dad

[@brandonh5180]

My God sir, that is a beautiful machine. Thank you for bringing it back into the world

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

He was a man on a mission.

[@paulr-ct1dl]

Stumbled across this video in anticipation of buying a PSD this week. I lost my Dad in December, and he retired from FORD after 20 years of service on heavy trucks. Happy you and your Dad could enjoy that rig together! Looks amazing!

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Sorry for your loss. A great restoration job.

[@jeremyrock9305]

Your dad was alot like mine instilling values and work ethic in you 👍🏻

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

A great reminder for all dads.

[@raycecil4643]

Beautiful truck. Ive got two sons. 11 and 13. They both have earned $1500 and purchased beater old fords. We are restoring them together now.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Tell me more about the beater Fords...

[@raycecil4643]

@@ride-ct-classiccars Well, my 13 year old has a 1991 Bricknose F150, 300 I6, E4OD, 2wd, regular cab long bed. I bought a 5 speed 300i6 4x4 parts truck to do a 4wd conversion on it. My 11 year old has my old 1986 Bullnose F150 302 C6 auto 2wd that I sold to an uncle 10 years ago....then he gave it back to me after about 7 years of daily driving, so I gave it to a friend who needed wheels for a while. He had it for a couple years. Then he gave it to my son. My truck is an F250 4x4 Supercab long bed 7.3 idi, C6 auto, and a Gearvendors OD unit. Also, we have a 73 International Loadstar 1600 we are going to restore. Might do a turbo 345 in it.

[@Bronco1977]

Great truck great story my friend ✌️

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Glad you enjoyed the story.

[@trevortodd6060]

Beautiful truck!!!

[@seanpalmer6639]

Great story to hear on a Sunday morning finally a nice piece of news

[@VonW0lf3N5t31N]

Gorgeous truck!

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

It sure is!

[@williamarrowsmiith8380]

Really great story. Hard work and perseverance to make your dreams come true! 🙌

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Thanks for the compliment.

[@sergio23537]

beautiful story beautiful truck I love this just a man with his old man and a reliable truck :)

[@budstep7361]

CT has amazing culture, thank you for sharing your passion! 😎

[@thepitpatrol]

What a gorgeous truck.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Sure is!

[@kevinlindstrom4924]

Great story Jermaine. Your father made a good choice and you did a great job of restoring it. Hope you get many more miles out of Black Beauty.

[@kenxiong6830]

Gorgeous beast!

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

That it is.

[@user-he8cj6jr8x]

THIS MAKES ME HAPPY

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

You, and so many others.

[@user-he8cj6jr8x]

@@ride-ct-classiccars HAVE A GREAT DAY MY FRIEND

[@WE500CD]

Awesome. Great story.

[@jbworkman2218]

What a good-looking truck I can see why his dad bought it.

[@NMTrucks]

Wonderful story!

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Thank you.

[@fresnokidsr]

Love the truck. Love the story. Love this little video. Thanks for sharing it. May you and yours have a good one. Have fun take care

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Thanks. You, too!

[@MementoMori83]

Great story, man! And such a beautiful truck. It’s everything a truck should be.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Sounds good, too.

[@MementoMori83]

@@ride-ct-classiccars I bet it does. I’ve always driven fords and loved them. But I found a bone stock 2007 6.7L Cummins with 69K original miles from the original owner in Oregon and I couldn’t pass it up. Nothing like the sound of a powerful and healthy diesel. But that 90’s Ford is such a classic beauty and such a solid and capable truck without being too big. 😎

[@JohnChoateChristoval]

Beautiful truck!

[@tdmallet]

Wow, what a great video. Got in my feels a little bit.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Thanks. It was one of those stories that really told itself.

[@jaceski5806]

Beautiful truck, be proud of it!

[@Nick_B_Bad]

Beautiful truck man great work restoring it! Those 7.3’s are king status.

[@greggpaul8053]

My favorite truck! Nice job and be proud, I've got my 79 250 still 30 years later

[@Terminxman]

My dad had a 79 that he bought new and kept till about 2008 or so when he sold it. Wish he'd kept it because I'd love to have it now. I have a 76 F100 4x4 short bed but it's got some rot

[@fj400007]

The '97my has always been my dream truck. Beautiful.

[@erocker78]

Very cool old truck. ❤

[@gj1234567899999]

What a sweet story. Made me tear up. 😭

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Glad you enjoyed it. Jermaine is amazed by the response.

[@robertnelsen6149]

Thanks for sharing this beauty. Sounds as good as it looks. 🇺🇸👍

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

You're welcome. Nice guy with a great truck and a better story.

[@bobmartin6055]

Classic workhorse!

[@Justforfun-ek7et]

Beautiful story and a beautiful truck.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Thanks.

[@markstephens5120]

Beautiful truck bro! My favorite F series body style ever. I have a 2016 F150 FX4 and I'm so envious of you. Awesome story too.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

It's a story that I couldn't wait to share...

[@dwhallon21]

Great story behind this save

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@adjacentchannel]

Awesome story, makes me look back on my early years and remember how my left while I was an infant and started another family.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Thanks.

[@vwharman]

Beautiful truck. Great rig. Good on you.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Glad you enjoyed the story.

[@jrgv1566]

Beautiful truck 💯

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

It sure is!

[@jacobgriggs2495]

That is a beautiful truck! Great story!

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Thanks. Glad you liked it.

[@dankcoyote]

Last legit body style. Awesome looking truck, really nice stance on it. Not overdone. Modern trucks may have more power and comforts but no modern truck rivals the looks of any 20th century truck. The more external gas tanks and plastic off road lights and snorkels they add… the weaker they look.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Agree totally.

[@jesustarango6224]

Beautiful truck

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

It certainly is.

[@barnyardbrio7597]

beautiful truck

[@landonromero8324]

Beautiful truck that 7.3 sounds excellent

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Sure does!

[@John3_16Q]

What a rig! I had one exactly like that but white and a ZF5. It was pretty mint. I got with 197k miles and sold it at 218k a few years ago. It went from rust free world in the central valley here in northern California to rusty Wyoming 😢

[@timpottenburgh5407]

Awesome story Awesome truck👍

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Thanks. Appreciate the compliment.

[@stefanfful]

What a beauty!

[@1975normal]

This will make some of us buy an older Ford pickup

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

If you can find a good one...

[@SEEKANDDESTROY717]

That’s a beautiful truck man. Cool story

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@charlesflaco7976]

That looks new beautiful truck

[@chadbuell8615]

Dream truck 😎

[@genedandy]

Sweet ride! ✊

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Sure is!

[@oscarsanchezmendoza2274]

beautiful Truck! I love my 97!

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Lucky you.

[@mikewest712]

That is probably one of the best looking ford trucks ever built. Sounds great.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Have to agree...

[@haveaday1812]

Had the exact same truck, ‘96 F-150 with a 5.0 and stick shift. Drove it through high school, 01-04. My brother took the truck when I left for the army and wrecked it 6 months after I left for basic . Miss that truck everyday.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Have you forgiven your brother?

[@haveaday1812]

@@ride-ct-classiccars Of course. No love will ever be lost between us.

[@theysayisagorilla]

That's truly a thing of beauty.

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Sure is...

[@evocati6523]

A monster in its day and now dwarfed by a modern 1/2 ton pickup, crazy

[@SurlyriderBilly]

Outstanding!

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Thanks. Great subject(s)!

[@CodySimoncelli-of7xx]

I’ve been a GM guy for a long time. But I’ve always loved the 7.3, those 90’s 7.3’s are the real deal. Beautiful truck

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

The F-350 is cool.

[@douchebagout]

What a beautiful story. An American story 🇺🇸❤

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Thanks for noticing.

[@trackpackgt877]

My dad owned his own business and has had 2 different 7.3 power strokes. Drove 1st one to 400k miles had trans rebuilt at 350k sold it for a lower mile one identical to his 1st one. 2nd one drove to 350k miles had trans rebuilt at 290k towed a lot more with this one and had an edge performance programer on level 3. He sold it when he retired the guy that bought it is still using it as a toy/camper hauler to this day other than trans rebulds them trucks only ever had normal maintenance. The 7.3 was the best diesel Ford or any company ever built. great video brother that is an absolutely beautiful truck don't let her go!!

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Glad you enjoyed the story.

[@ImpulseScooterTeam]

Great video

[@ride-ct-classiccars]

Glad you enjoyed it