The Truck That Started It All

After building out a full lineup of parts for the 3rd Gen Ford Raptor, we decided to go back to the beginning. Back to the truck that changed everything. The 1st Gen Ford Raptor isn’t just another platform, it’s the truck that redefined what a factory off-road vehicle could be. Raw, capable, and purpose-built straight from the factory, it set the tone for everything that came after and now, it’s time to build one the right way.

Finding the Right Truck Wasn’t Easy

This wasn’t a rushed purchase. It was intentional. Jeff had been searching across multiple states, targeting dry climates where trucks are more likely to be preserved:

  • California
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico

Nothing felt right. Until one morning, a listing popped up in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“I looked at the background and thought… that looks like Arizona.”

A quick message. A same-day visit. And it became clear that this was the one.

Why This 1st Gen Raptor Stood Out

What made this truck different wasn’t just how it looked — it was how untouched it was.

  • Original paint in exceptional condition
  • Clean firewall, fender wells, and under-hood components
  • No signs of off-road abuse
  • Factory spare tire never used
  • Interior that looked almost brand new

“There wasn’t even dust underneath the truck.”

For a 2013 Raptor, that’s rare. This wasn’t just a good starting point, it was the perfect foundation.

The Plan: Build It Right From Day One

This isn’t just another project truck, it’s the start of a new product line. The goal is simple:

Use this truck to develop real-world parts for the 1st Gen Raptor platform in the same way Westcott Designs™ approaches every build.

That means starting with the basics:

  • Front and rear bumpers
  • Rock sliders
  • Chase rack or bed rack options
  • Suspension upgrades
  • Preload collar systems

And building from there.

Why Start With a Clean Platform?

Jeff could have bought a pre-built truck. But here’s the problem with that:

  • Poor welds
  • Questionable design decisions
  • Inconsistent quality
  • Hidden shortcuts

“I realized I’d have to cut so much of it out and redo everything… so I might as well start fresh.”

Starting with a clean, untouched truck means:

  • Total control over design
  • Consistent build quality
  • No compromises
  • No rework

And ultimately, a better end product.

The Vision: From Stock to Full Long Travel

While the truck will begin as a product development platform, the long-term plan is much bigger.

This build will eventually evolve into:

  • Full long-travel suspension
  • Custom fenders
  • Roll cage integration
  • Complete off-road performance setup

But first it needs to serve a purpose.

It needs to help create bolt-on products that real customers can use.

Breaking Down the Details That Matter

Even in its stock form, this truck already tells a story.

Factory Fox Shocks with Adjustability

The OEM suspension includes multiple clip settings for ride height — something many people overlook.

“Low, medium, and high… that’s preload built into the factory design.”

This directly supports how modern preload collar systems work, including Westcott’s own designs.

Real-World Wear (And Why It Matters)

The truck has:

  • Minor dents in the bed
  • Small imperfections in trim
  • Slight wear from real use

And that’s okay.

Because this isn’t about building a showroom truck.  It’s about building a real truck for real use.

Simplicity Over Complexity

This Raptor was spec’d without:

  • Navigation
  • Sunroof
  • Excess electronics

Which is exactly what you want in a build platform. Fewer systems. Fewer problems. More focus on performance.

Why the 1st Gen Raptor Still Matters Today

Even with newer generations on the market, the 1st Gen still holds its place.

Why?

  • Proven platform
  • Simple, reliable engineering
  • Raw driving experience
  • Endless aftermarket potential

It’s not just nostalgic. It’s still incredibly capable.

What This Means for Westcott Designs™

This build marks the beginning of something new.

A return to the roots with everything we’ve learned building modern platforms.

Expect:

  • Purpose-built products
  • Clean, factory-level fitment
  • Real-world tested performance
  • No shortcuts

Because whether it’s a 1st Gen or a 3rd Gen Raptor, the standard stays the same.

Follow the Build

This is just the beginning. We’ll be:

  • Breaking down the truck
  • Designing new parts
  • Testing real-world performance
  • Sharing everything along the way

If you’re into Raptors, off-road builds, or just doing things the right way… You’re going to want to follow this one.

Final Thought

The Raptor legacy didn’t start with the newest truck (3rd gen raptor parts), it started right here and now, we’re building it again, from the ground up.

The journey continues… but this time, we’re going back to the beginning.