Well, my family has had this truck since I was a kid, that's all I know right now. My mom was driving it in the 80's and it was too low on oil and either spun a bearing or threw a rod. I know, huge difference, I'll have to get the details or pull it to the garage.

It's been in a barn for 23-24 years since then. It's all original, 3 speed on the column, and that old Ford green. The interior is almost mint looking, the seat has hardened up and is probably disintegrating. Solid body, too.

I want to move it in the garage and start restoring it. I know the first thing is to find out if I can rebuild the engine or not is if a rod went through the block or not. I think I remember my dad telling me years ago that's what happened. Let's assume it is.. Should I keep it a 292 Y-block powered truck? I want a reliable design engine. Keeping it 'originial' is a plus, but not if these engines were never any good.

I'm more than likely going to have to replace all the brake lines and probably the whole brake system after sitting this long.

Paint is the last thing I'm concerned about. I've never painted a vehicle, so I'll probably have to pay a shop for that, I want to do everything I can by myself.

I think I will pull it to the garage today and take some pictures, just wantes to hear any input or wisdom you guys may have to offer. I'm kind of excited about it, but more nervous as I'm afraid it may need sooo much work that the cost outweighs everything else.

 

Well you sound like you have a good starting position. Getting an engine even if you have to should not be hard, and the 292 is a good engine. As for changing it or leaving it stock that is an entirely personal thing. I know there are many Mod guys on here who would say great do it. I am more of a purist. I want everything on my truck to look stock. I have made some small mods, but nothing noticeable. You will most likely have to add a cross member if you want to put a later model engine in it. I had a 64 years ago, and I put a 312 out of a Thunderbird in it. It would beat anything on the line and pass anything except a gas station.

 

Glad you are getting a "family ", truck. That's always a good thing. You will encounter many surprises along the way of redoing it. I don't want to spoil them by telling you. Just be patient as you go. Take your time and label parts you remove. Plan on spending more than you think you will, oh oh, I let one of the surprises out!
'64, last of the straight front axels in the F100 2 wheel drive!

 

I'd advise you do a "rolling restoration" instead of tearing it completely apart and trying to restore it from a bare frame. If the body is really solid, no need for that. Start and finish one task before moving on to another. Get it running and driving, and safe. Worry about the cosmetics later. "Patina" is in right now, so you may find people appreciate the weary paint just as much as a fresh job.

Nothing wrong with Y blocks but they are not the easiest engine to find and rebuilding one will cost a bit more than other engines. However, swapping to something newer is not always a bolt-in affair and if you're not experienced at working on vehicles may be more than you should bite off at this stage. Much easier just to install another Y block and get it running.

These are very easy vehicles to work on even for beginners. Good luck with it!