I finally hung the key on the wall and dry-docked the ole girl for refit.

She is going to get some new decking and have some rust issues that will be dealt with.

There are some upgrades that I want to think about but now sure of how to do the modifications. some of the ideas I am toying with;

1. change out the 223 for a new version of a six or jump whole hog and go with a v-6/8? w/new motor mounts and such, or even go with an automatic instead of the 4 sp.

2. If I do a complete change of engines, then I should probable do an upgrade on the front suspension. I heard that a crown vic can be a possible donor vehicle. Power steering would be a nice touch for an old man like me. (still looking at how this would lay out and work)

3. in doing #2, this would also entail changing out the steering column.

4. mount the spare tire under the rear end while the bed is off.

5. new hood hinges and realignment of the front end. seems the front clip has/was shifted to the port side by 1/4" from the last dry-dock.

6. new decking, the old pine is, well seen better days. I will lay down a new deck in the bed.

7. an a new squirt of paint, to freshen the look of the turquoise green.



I am not planning on pulling the cab off the frame but I am going to clean up the frame and give it a good coating of Black paint. We will see how much I get into the project.

There are a lot of the mod's that I have not done before. I am sure that I have the capabilities to complete them with some guidance. Just need to pick up a better welder then what I have now. my little 110V wire feed will not handle that heavy of a job on the suspension.

Decisions, decisions, what to do.

Any suggestions and guidance from the Chapter will be helpful on this refit and on what will happen the rest of the summer and into the fall.

I figure a full 6 month refit. The Ole Girl is in dry-dock now and the bed is off her.

 

As for motor combinations, you can't go wrong with a 302/351w hooked to a 5spd T-5 from a 5.0 Mustang GT from any year from 82-94.
Plentiful and cheap to find, and a world of aftermarket goodies support the SBF motors.

 

If you're going to do any real work with the truck, that 302 will let you down.

Orrrrrr, maybe I just expect too much from too little.

"There's no replacement for displacement."

Pop

 

My Avatar (62 Uni) had a I6 and 4 speed. When I got her it had a 390/C6 dropped in.
We pulled the engine to replace the front C6 pump seal and freshen everything up.
I towed several 50's cars across the country on an auto transport or a tow dolly
without any problem at all. There should be pic's in my albums that show the mounts and stuff.

 

Well, Marv, the 302 should be a monolithic step up from the 223.
But you are correct, if you are going to work it, go 351w and never be sorry.

 

Heck he could go with a junk yard running 292 V8 that will bolt in. Won't it?

Still be way more engine than the 223.

And I must say way cooler

But ya ain't gonna find parts at the local parts store as easy
as for a 351W for sure.

 

Yes, and there's that rocker shaft lubrication augmentation thing to deal with, too.

Pop

 

A pipe "T" at the oil sending unit and some Napa fuel line, an other "T", a couple holes in the rocker covers and two clamps will fix that.

 

I have seen on the site here about thw Crow Vic swap, and I have seen on here in Prineville done; looks good and doable. If you go that way, find a exc cop car with the 4.6 engune still in and running and use it all.

 

Good idea.........If you are into ECUs and wiring harnesses and electronic this and that.
I know I ain't, the simpler, the better.

There's a lot of people smarter than me about all that new stuff.

 

Good morning, If you are like Dave sell the 4.6 and just keep the front suspension.

 

It's a truck Walt.......Keep the front suspension and install a 300-6. Great combination...

 

^^^ This suggestion probably makes the most real world, common sense.

 

i would like to keep the straight axle but how would I get a power steering unit to do the job. I thought of setting up some kind of a power steering unit to make driving it around town a little easier. any ideas there

I would like to stay with a 300 cu in I-6 with an auto to make things easier to push the girl around in. I am sure the 300 would be plenty to make her do what I want. especially if I stick a 4 br holly on her with dual exhaust headers. she should set the tires turning easy enough. I got 4:11 gears in back already with a limited slip.

I got the bed off and wood is ordered, staying with tight knot Doug fir. that should last a few dozen years. going to replace all the bushing in the rear leaf springs while I got the bed off as well mount the rear spare tire under her.

found some rust hole in the inner corner of the cab, going to do some welding to replace lost steel. about the size of a quarter on both sides. so I am going to have to splash some paint on her. I will keep the turquoise green.

 

got a lead on a donor truck. 1974 ford 1/2 ton with a 351 auto in her.

would that be a 351W? if I have the whole truck to pull parts off to transferr the engine in to my 62, would that be a wise move? Or should I wait for a 300 cuin donor truck and a little newer year?