I'll be picking up my new project later this week and am looking for some advice. The project is a '54 F-100. It runs and drives. A 292 y-block has been put in that could probably use some work. The body definitely needs work (dents, rust, etc...). I'm looking to end up with a good looking truck that I'm not afraid to drive to work and back and maybe to the occasional show. This is the first vehicle restoration project I've taken on. I'm an aircraft mechanic, but have never really done too much with cars, so I'm looking to learn some new skills along the way. I would like to keep the truck in driveable condition while I bring it back to life, understanding there will be times where it will be down for maintenance from time to time.

So here's my question: Where should I start?

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

First thing is brakes and steering! It may run and drive, but if it don't stop and steer it's BAAAAAAAD!

Oh, and welcome to FTE!!

 

You've got the right idea....keep it running and driving while you work on it. So many people tear them apart and never get them together again.

Decide if you want to keep it original, or modernize every thing. Having a plan before you start will save a lot of time and money.

Also check out the tech tip threads at the top of the page, lots of good info there.

 

If all you're looking to do is have an occasional fun to drive truck, the fewer alterations from stock will help keep it on the road and money in your pocket. You don't have to rip out the suspension or drivetrain and spend 10 grand changing it all to have a fun driver. But if you want to, that's a whole 'nuther matter.

As mentioned, brakes and safety is paramount. Don't go anywhere with it until you check those things out and are sure it's safe. Next is your fuel system. Tank, lines, fuel pump, carb, etc. If the tank is rusty, it'll give you never ending headaches and likely leave you stranded someplace. And they're pretty cheap to replace with new if yours is bad.

After that, it's just working on one thing at a time until you've achieved your goal, whatever that may be.

Good luck, and have fun.

 

Another A&P, what kind of planes do you work on?

 

Ditto on keeping it together and running. Wish I'd done that on my 54 but too late now. It's a long way from being back on the road. Easier to keep it there to start with. Doesn't mean you can't have a great game plan but definitely makes it more enjoyable.

Welcome to the forum.

 

Welcome! and congrats. on the 54. I wish I had listened to my Dad when he told me not to tear my truck completely down. I would have really enjoyed driving it all of these years and working on it in bits and pieces. It will never be a show truck but I would like for it be a nice daily driver and still be able to use it as a truck!

 

Thanks for all the tips guys. That is kind of what I was thinking I should do, just wanted some assurance. Right now the guy I'm buying it from drives it to work and back on a pretty regular basis, but I'm sure the basics could use a little upgrading, or help. I'm thinking about going to a set of discs up front. It is all original as far as the front suspension goes. Can I put on some discs up front that I could maybe transfer to a different suspension set up later? I'm thinking a mustang II front will go up there eventually, but If I can avoid having to buy two different sets of discs that would be great.

{Another A&P, what kind of planes do you work on?}
I started working on Hueys and Cobras in the Marine Corps, and now I work on 747 and 777's at Boeing.

 

Look into the 03 to 07 crown vic front suspension for a Cheap but strong front end. I agree with the others to get it safe and drive the thing to see if you are a pickup man.

 

Welcome to the site, there is a ton of info on here. Great choice in year of truck. I also agree with get it safe,running and enjoy it then sort it out as you go.