new guy, first post, few questions
#1
new guy, first post, few questions
hello all... I just traded my 1930 pontiac hotrod I built for a 56 ford f100. Absolutely in love with the truck, it has a chevy motor /th350/ford 9", toyota power steering, and a disc brake conversion. most of the work is pretty clean, but the wiring seems to be a nightmare. this is also air over leaf in the rear, which I might 4link and maintain the air.
My major question is, how do I remove the ignition/interior light/headlight switches and cigarette lighter to aid in my rewiring of the truck? Seems a bit crazy to do all that work from the backside, do they come out easy?
Also, what causes the big door gap I have up top when the door is shut? Is there an easy place to adjust the striker?
Here are some pics of the truck. I just got paint to blend in the primer areas. I am a metal fab guy/metalshaper so none of the building/fab stuff scares me. Heres some pics of it.
My major question is, how do I remove the ignition/interior light/headlight switches and cigarette lighter to aid in my rewiring of the truck? Seems a bit crazy to do all that work from the backside, do they come out easy?
Also, what causes the big door gap I have up top when the door is shut? Is there an easy place to adjust the striker?
Here are some pics of the truck. I just got paint to blend in the primer areas. I am a metal fab guy/metalshaper so none of the building/fab stuff scares me. Heres some pics of it.
#2
#3
Welcome to FTE!
That's a great looking truck! And your hotrod is nice also. That trade must have been a hard decision to make.
I am not familiar with the door adjustments on the "newer" trucks, but on the Bonus Builts, the adjustment in the Shop Manual is basically forcing the errant door into position by bracing against a mallet or such. For example, if the top is out too far, you stick a mallet head down low and force the door against it.
Here's the info from the 48-52 Shop Manual. You really should get one for your year.
That's a great looking truck! And your hotrod is nice also. That trade must have been a hard decision to make.
I am not familiar with the door adjustments on the "newer" trucks, but on the Bonus Builts, the adjustment in the Shop Manual is basically forcing the errant door into position by bracing against a mallet or such. For example, if the top is out too far, you stick a mallet head down low and force the door against it.
Here's the info from the 48-52 Shop Manual. You really should get one for your year.
#6
#7
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#9
Note: 48-52 use old technology/parts info not applicable to 53-56. I wrote a detailed response to this that went POOF! into cyberspace when I tried to post it and the forum once again decided I took too long to write it! THAT IS SO FRUSTRATING!!!
If I get enough time and over my aggravation I will rewrite the door adjustment part (you DONT bend the hinges on the 53-56 like in the 48-52 manual!), but to answer the dash **** question applicable to the 53-56:
Light switch: reach up to the top of the switch mechanism and find the spring loaded button near the dash. While holding it down, pull on the **** until the **** and shaft comes out of the dash.
Rest of *****: locate set screw on bottom of **** near dash. loosen set screw (don't remove or lose!) until **** can be pulled off switch or cable.
Bezels to free switch or cable: If you look there are two slots in bezel near center. You can buy a special spanner wrench to unscrew them or make your own by cutting a 3/4" deep notch of appropriate width in an appropriate width and thickness piece of light flat stock ~ 6" long. Put the last 3/8" of the notched end in a vise and bend to near right angle. Use as wrench in slots and unscrew bezel. Or finally if you don't plan on reusing them or are very careful you can place the end of a flat screwdriver in one of the slots at a shallow angle and tap with a light hammer to loosen/turn the bezel until it can be unscrewed by hand. Now the switch/cable can be removed from behind the dash.
Quality 12V universal color coded wire with the circuit name printed on the wire every 6" wiring harnesses can be obtained with 12-21 circuit fuse blocks for < 175.00 From EZ Wiring, Rebel, Speedway Motors and several others. It is not necessary to spend the "big bucks" from the heavily advertised "name" manufacturers. Wire is wire, let someone else pay for the advertising. It is a very good idea to replace all the 60 year old deteriorating wire and connectors with completely new, and it's not very difficult to do. Better and cheaper than breaking down on the side of the road or watching your truck burn to the ground when an old wire shorts out!
If I get enough time and over my aggravation I will rewrite the door adjustment part (you DONT bend the hinges on the 53-56 like in the 48-52 manual!), but to answer the dash **** question applicable to the 53-56:
Light switch: reach up to the top of the switch mechanism and find the spring loaded button near the dash. While holding it down, pull on the **** until the **** and shaft comes out of the dash.
Rest of *****: locate set screw on bottom of **** near dash. loosen set screw (don't remove or lose!) until **** can be pulled off switch or cable.
Bezels to free switch or cable: If you look there are two slots in bezel near center. You can buy a special spanner wrench to unscrew them or make your own by cutting a 3/4" deep notch of appropriate width in an appropriate width and thickness piece of light flat stock ~ 6" long. Put the last 3/8" of the notched end in a vise and bend to near right angle. Use as wrench in slots and unscrew bezel. Or finally if you don't plan on reusing them or are very careful you can place the end of a flat screwdriver in one of the slots at a shallow angle and tap with a light hammer to loosen/turn the bezel until it can be unscrewed by hand. Now the switch/cable can be removed from behind the dash.
Quality 12V universal color coded wire with the circuit name printed on the wire every 6" wiring harnesses can be obtained with 12-21 circuit fuse blocks for < 175.00 From EZ Wiring, Rebel, Speedway Motors and several others. It is not necessary to spend the "big bucks" from the heavily advertised "name" manufacturers. Wire is wire, let someone else pay for the advertising. It is a very good idea to replace all the 60 year old deteriorating wire and connectors with completely new, and it's not very difficult to do. Better and cheaper than breaking down on the side of the road or watching your truck burn to the ground when an old wire shorts out!
#12
Note: 48-52 use old technology/parts info not applicable to 53-56. I wrote a detailed response to this that went POOF! into cyberspace when I tried to post it and the forum once again decided I took too long to write it! THAT IS SO FRUSTRATING!!!
If I get enough time and over my aggravation I will rewrite the door adjustment part (you DONT bend the hinges on the 53-56 like in the 48-52 manual!)!
If I get enough time and over my aggravation I will rewrite the door adjustment part (you DONT bend the hinges on the 53-56 like in the 48-52 manual!)!
I find it best to write long comments in word, notepad etc. Once I'm done, checked it out, and make any adjustments I copy and paste it into a reply!
#13
Welcome to the board!!
That's a great looking truck! those wide whites really set off the paint scheme.
When I wired up my truck I used a harness from EZ Wiring. I used the 21 circuit harness and was (am) very pleased with it. It was a reasonable price, very good quality, the wires are all color coded and labeled, etc. Well worth it.
Bobby
That's a great looking truck! those wide whites really set off the paint scheme.
When I wired up my truck I used a harness from EZ Wiring. I used the 21 circuit harness and was (am) very pleased with it. It was a reasonable price, very good quality, the wires are all color coded and labeled, etc. Well worth it.
Bobby
#14
Welcome to FTE
Great looking truck. And pictures so soon.
Agree that changing the 55 plus year old wiring is the way to go. And it's pretty simple. If you need parts MidFiftys is a good start. If your looking for wiring (Fle)eBay has several different sets most of the time. You might want to do a search as to who has the best tech staff. Enjoy the Ride
Great looking truck. And pictures so soon.
Agree that changing the 55 plus year old wiring is the way to go. And it's pretty simple. If you need parts MidFiftys is a good start. If your looking for wiring (Fle)eBay has several different sets most of the time. You might want to do a search as to who has the best tech staff. Enjoy the Ride
#15
I prefer the panels that are not "prewired" so that you only have the wires there that you need, and you don't have to clip and terminate any that you don't.
My favorite panel is the old "Enos Black Box", which is now sold by RacersRods. </title> <meta name="robots" content="index,follow" /> <meta name="GOOGLEBOT" content="INDEX, FOLLOW" /> <link rel="canonical" href="http://www.racersrods.com" /> <script type="text/javascript" src="//ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.4.2/jquery To connect to the board, you strip the wire and insert it under the terminal clamp. No need to crimp or solder an end on them, just at the end that connects to the device that needs to be powered.
They also have GREAT instructions that help you wire your vehicle circuit by circuit.
My favorite panel is the old "Enos Black Box", which is now sold by RacersRods. </title> <meta name="robots" content="index,follow" /> <meta name="GOOGLEBOT" content="INDEX, FOLLOW" /> <link rel="canonical" href="http://www.racersrods.com" /> <script type="text/javascript" src="//ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.4.2/jquery To connect to the board, you strip the wire and insert it under the terminal clamp. No need to crimp or solder an end on them, just at the end that connects to the device that needs to be powered.
They also have GREAT instructions that help you wire your vehicle circuit by circuit.