The Dream Realized

For Robert Espino, this 1979 Ford F-150 Lariat 4×4 wasn’t just a project; it was a dream years in the making. Nicknamed La Nemo, this Coral Orange and Pearl White beauty stands as a tribute to craftsmanship, perseverance, and love for the Ford truck legacy. Built over the course of five dedicated years, Robert didn’t just restore a truck; he brought his dream into reality.

Built for the Collection

As a member of the Las Foringas truck club, Robert wanted a standout classic in his collection, something he could be proud to show and cruise. “It’s a truck I dreamed of having in the collection,” he says. And true to that dream, every inch of La Nemo is a blend of period-correct charm and modern functionality.

The truck retains its original Ford frame and factory F-150 body lines, but it’s packed with upgrades to bring it into the modern age. The Coral Orange paint was custom mixed and flawlessly applied by Jesus in Hollister, California, and wraps around a perfectly straight body, complemented by crisp Pearl White accents. The result is a color combo that pops just as much as it commands respect.

Power with Precision

Under the hood sits a rebuilt Ford 351 V8, massaged back to life by the experts at Proficient Auto Care in Santa Clara. An Edelbrock Performer aluminum intake manifold and Holley 4BBL carb fuel the power plant, and a custom 3-inch dual exhaust system lets it breathe deep with electric cutouts for when Robert wants to turn things up a notch. The original ignition and drivetrain were left untouched, keeping true to the soul of the truck.

Backing the motor is the original rebuilt transmission, cared for by Redwood City Transmissions. Everything from the axles to the driveshaft was meticulously restored and reinforced—no corners were cut. Wilwood brakes with Hydratech assist bring the beast to a halt with confidence, aided by drilled and slotted rotors on all four corners.

Lifted and Loaded

The suspension is handled by Rancho and Fox with a 6-inch lift that allows the truck to sit just right on 37×13.50×20 BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires. Special-ordered KMC 5-lug 3-piece wheels tuck perfectly under the factory-original wheel wells, creating a muscular stance that matches its capability.

Other off-road-ready touches include 6-piston Wilwood disc brakes, Fox 2.0 shocks, Warn hubs, a Painless wiring harness, dual KC HiLites Daylighters on a Go Rhino single double chrome roll bar, Amp Research electric side steps, and even custom undercoating with painted axles. Everything has been thoughtfully chosen to create a showstopper that’s equally at home on the trail or on the boulevard.

Interior Comfort and Sound

Inside, the truck feels every bit as custom and high-end as the outside. Freddy’s Upholstery in San Francisco wrapped the original bench in a tasteful combo of black leather and cloth, adding matching trim to the headliner, visors, and dash. Fat Fender Garage custom door panels were also added into the mix. Dakota Digital gauges live in the dash, while JL Audio amps, subs, and speakers crank out crisp sound through a hidden Alpine head unit tucked into the glovebox. A tilt steering column and faux wood accents preserve the vintage vibes while elevating comfort.

Unique touches like dual XD Power batteries, LED interior lighting, and a ceramic-coated finish (inside and out) complete the package. It’s no surprise La Nemo was awarded “Best Hauler” at a recent Goodguys show.

Trials, Triumphs, and Takeaways

Like any proper build, La Nemo wasn’t without its challenges. Robert cites “getting the shops to finish the work” as the most frustrating part, which he ultimately solved by going to a different mechanic who followed through. Despite discovering a few shortcuts taken along the way, Robert and his team fixed every issue to uphold the truck’s standard.

His advice for anyone dreaming of a similar build? “Get a mechanic who is reliable.” And his biggest lesson from the process? “It’s not as easy as it looks.”

A Standout in Every Way

The most unique feature of La Nemo may surprise some: it’s not the paint, wheels, or stereo; it’s the undercarriage. While this area is often neglected, his truck’s underbelly is fully painted, ceramic coated, and detailed to the same level as the body. It’s this attention to detail that elevates La Nemo from “cool truck” to “next-level build.”

TRUCK Specs

Owner

Robert Espino

1979 Ford F-150 Lariat 4×4

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN

Original rebuilt Ford 351 V8
Edelbrock Performer RPM aluminum intake manifold
Holley 4BBL carburetor
Original Ford ignition
Custom 3-inch exhaust with electric cutouts
Original rebuilt C6 automatic transmission
Original rebuilt NP205 transfer case
LMC replacement fuel tank
Original rebuilt axles and driveshaft
Dual XD Power batteries

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

1979 Ford F-150 frame
Rancho 6-inch lift kit
Fox 2.0 Performance Series shocks

WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES

KMC 5-lug 3-piece custom-ordered wheels
37×13.50R20LT BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3 tires
Wilwood 6-piston, 13-inch disc brakes with painted calipers
Wilwood master cylinder
Hydratech brake assist system

BODY & PAINT

Coral Orange (custom mix) and Pearl White paint by Jesus, Hollister, CA
OEM grille and bumpers rechromed
AMP Research electric steps
Go Rhino double single roll bar
CVF billet hood hinges
Painted axles, fully undercoated, and detailed
HID headlights
LED taillights

INTERIOR

Original bench seat reupholstered in black leather and cloth by Freddy’s Upholstery, San Francisco, CA
Leather-wrapped headliner and visors
Fat Fender Garage door panels
OEM-style faux wood dash trim
Original-style tilt steering with leather wrap
Dakota Digital Vintage Series gauges
Alpine head unit hidden in glove box
JL Audio speakers, subs, and amps
Painless wiring harness
Restomod Air HVAC