Ok I will officially start a build/project thread. I enjoy capturing the journey with pictures so over time this will most likely get pretty thick. So it all starts with my 76 F100 4x4 360 4-speed w/ Dana 21. When I bought it, it didn't run so I started my struggle. A quick back ground up to date. It was wired wrong on the distributor cap. I put plugs, wire, cap and rotor button on. Then found the muffler was split open, replaced it with a flow master muffler and made a rigged up side dump exhaust out of an old Vette system I had when we did my wife's car (that is now GONE). I put in a new tank and ran new rubber lines, rebuilt the carb, and she was alive. I then replaced the bushings, shocks and springs in the front as well as all metal and flex brake lines. I put on new calipers and new rear shoes. I finally got to drive her over the weekend, which wasn't far but an accomplishment either way.

Now with a set of doors, bed and grill, that are new to me I started. The reason for this is because my bed has no metal below the tail lights or right behind the cab. The doors are rotten all the way across the bottom, and the tail gate looks like some one took a sledge to it. SO THE PROJECT BEGINS

















So as I sanded more I found more, therefore I just started cutting till I found solid metal. I dont think I will have any problem welding in on those curve and patching up all the holes that had resin and bondo slapped in them. I believe I ground more resin and bondo out of these two doors then I put on my entire Rx7

Well I will be a long road and may turn into a frame off project, but we will see how time and money work out. For now fixing the rust and body are on the list.

Thanks for looking and as always any advice, ideas or suggestions are welcome
Robby

 

Awesome start! Will be following the build for sure!

 

You have a great start and wish you all the best on your project.

 

Good luck on the project! I see XLT door panels...nice. Keep us updated!

 

I started trying to work on one of the doors this afternoon during my little girls nap. I started but its not pretty. With how my schedule is I only have a few hours a day to work on it and the weekends, so this may take a while. Here is what I started doing today, using 22ga sheet metal. Its been a LONG time since I messed with my welder so it was a rocky start on this thin stuff.
These patches are UGLY I know

I guess the best way to look at it is, its better to have metal behind a little filler then it smashed through rusted crap




Plan on filling these with more then the gob of bondo that was there tomorrow


I also am in need of advice on these holes. I plan on putting the trim back on and Im not sure how its attached. Do I need to fill these small holes or will they be used when installing the trim?


Robby

 

Been a LONG TIME for me, close to a year probably. Figure I would update with what little has been done....

Please forgive me for the lack of photos and the crappy cell phone pictures.

A little after I got the doors and bed to prep for paint I started hearing an exhaust leak. On the way back from the gas station which is only 3 miles it got extremely worse. Pulled in, popped the hood and found the exhaust gasket blew out on the driver front just behind the power steering pump. I thought to myself, could be worse, only a few bucks for gaskets.


The way it was

I soaked the manifold bolts with PB blaster for a few days and start to remove the manifold......broke 3 bolts off..... no problem I work in a machine shop I will just pull the head and drill them out...... Nope, not with my luck..... Huge wear step and needing a rebuild...



The way it turned out

Sent it to the re-builder that my grandpaw has used forever. Waited....collected parts....waited.....and waited.....
Got it back and started getting things ready to reassemble. Luckily I have a guy I work with that is a Ford nut, he was a HUGE help. This was a completely new thing for me. Its fully rebuilt, mild cam, new pressure plate & clutch, resurfaced flywheel and new ring gear, new alt and water pump. I put on flowtech headers, thrush mufflers, and 2.25" tubing. Right now I have on a stock starter but will have to replace with a gear reduction for header clearance....






Fired it up Friday night about 10pm which was a good feeling. I wrapped up a few loose ends and put the hood on tonight. Now time for a little front axle work (worn out knuckle) and maybe a new set of wheels and tires. Then hopefully I can continue with the body work.



Hope to be a little more regular as things happen but for now Im out of funds.

 

Thats a good looking truck. Really love that green. Just fits these style trucks so well.

 

x2....Could not agree more.

 

At first the green was a little uneasy for me but the longer I have had it the more I have found that green is what it needs. The interior is also green but lighter which I like as well

 

For me, I would black out the interior to match the glovebox, dash, etc.

 

The dash and seat are dark green. But black interior isn't a bad idea being this is going to be a work farm truck

 

I just dont enjoy two different tones of color on the same vehicle. Just something about it doesnt seem right to me. I like distinct differeces on interior color and exterior. Now if it was the same color green, I would be digging it.