Hello everyone, allow me to introduce my self.

My name is Frank and i have recently purchased a Ford F-100 for my dad who is about to retire in couple of years and I would like him to enjoy his well deserved retirement.

The plan is for my brothers and myself to help him restore it to it's old glory.

Now I have a couple of questions to get started for now and i'm sure as the months keep going i will have a ton more.

1. Can some someone assist an deciphering the info i pulled off the driver's side door.

F10YL804148

1-15 JM F100 581 G 17
05000 172 4000 63

2. I'm looking to upgrade the truck to power steering (A/T). I've scoured the threads for info and i seem to have a good grasp on it. But I am a little tight on budget can this be updated using AutoZone parts or any other type of chain parts store? (This will only be temporary P/S unit for now.) If so what do you guys recommend?

I really appreciate the help and look forward to being a part of the Ford Truck Enthusiast Family.


Frank

 

Welcome to FTE! You will find a great deal of helpful members (guys AND gals!) and loads of information.

I think it is so cool for you and your brother to do this for him! However, may I suggest you get him in on this too? (Unless I misunderstood your intentions?) That way you get to not only enjoy time with your brother, but time with him too.

To your question:
To upgrade to power steering (or disc brakes, even though you didn't mention that one - yet!), you can get wear-out type parts from the chain stores very easily.
The only parts from one of them would be the power steering pump (not the pulley), the flexible rag joint between the steering column and the gearbox, the pressure and return lines, and the gearbox. The coupler between the flexible rag joint and the gearbox may not be available at the chain stores, and may need to be harvested.
Most of what you will need will involve Ford factory parts that for the most part are not available new or rebuilt, and need to be harvested from later trucks.
These include the engine brackets to mount the power steering pump, the pulleys for the power steering pump and crankshaft (at least 2), the driver's side engine perch, and the pitman arm for the gearbox.
You will also need to shorten the steering column or use one that came from a truck with power steering ('69-'79).

Note that 2 types of power steering were available, the Bendix type and the Ford (Saginaw made) type. The Bendix was used up to middle of '69, and the Ford type later.
My comments above apply to the Ford type; the Bendix type will make conversion easier, but in the long run the extra work is worth if to install the Ford box.

Most of us will recommend the best way to do upgrades is to bite the bullet and buy a complete donor truck. The amount of frustration and money you will save in the long run is unmeasurable.

Just my opinion.

Hope this helps.

John da picker -

 

IMO, this is not a very good idea, as some of these parts cannot be found at auto parts stores.

1966/68 F100/250 2WD and 1969 F100/250 2WD before serial number D96,001 used awful Bendix P/S. For example, how many autoparts stores will have a Bendix master seal kit?

The seal kit is obsolete, the obsolete parts vendors that have it want...at least 100 bucks for it. 1966's use two different rag joints. AFAIK, neither type is available from auto parts stores, but can be found NOS

Most people swap in Ford/Saginaw P/S: 1969 F100/250 2WD & F350 from serial number D96,001 / 1970/79 F100/250 2WD & F350.

As jowilker says, with an FE engine, buy a 1973/76 F100 2WD or 1975/76 F150 2WD donor and also swap in its disc brakes. Then sell the rest of the old rolling pile of miseries and recoup your investment.
Welcome to FTE

F10 = F100 2WD

Y = 352 2V

L = Michigan Truck Assembly Plant.

804148 = 1966, assembled January 1966.

115" Wheelbase.

J = Rangoon Red / M = Wimbledon White.

F100 2WD, 5,000 lbs. GVWR

581: 5 = Red Crush Vinyl & Red Wicker Pattern Vinyl / 81 = 81A Standard Cab.

G = MX Cruise-O-Matic.

17 = Ford 9" Rear Axle / 3.25-1 / No Limited Slip / 3,300 lbs. Rear Axle Capacity.

5,000 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

172 net HP @ 4,000 RPM

63 = Memphis TN Ford District Sales Office, where the original selling dealer ordered the truck from.

 

Welcome to FTE.



You bought him an old Ford F100 and want him to enjoy his retirement? That's an oxymoron. If my son bought me an old F100 truck two years before I retire I think I'd kick him in the shorts, if you catch my drift.


Restoring these old trucks is very expensive to do it right. Money best spent early on in life so there is time to recover from the shock.


Oh well, have fun...


.

 

By the way, could you clarify by what you mean as temporary?

John - da picker

 

Thanks guys for the responses.

To clarify some questions that were asked, the plan is to work on the truck as a family. My dad always has to be doing something so i figured this truck would keep him busy.

As far as temporary P/S goes, one of my siblings has the intention of doing a full resto-mod in the future and we just want to add power steering so my dad can drive it around with out hurting his bad shoulder.

NumberDummy, thank you so much for the information on the VIN and as well as the P/S info.

Sorry to keep this short, but i am currently at work. I will sit down later on in the day and take notes on what is needed to get started.

I really appreciate all the feedback. Happy Friday to everyone.

Frank

 

don't forget to take pictures! we love pictures.

 

I uploaded images to the 1966 Ford F-100 folder.

Ford Truck Picture by DadsFordF100 | 2734145 | Ford-Trucks

Frank

 

holy crap! that is a gorgeous truck!

 

If my son-in-law gave me an "old" truck this nice I'd write him back into my will!
I've been running 77 power steering and disc brakes for about 6 years and I love it! The steering column is from a 79 (tilt) and has been shortened 2". The smaller steering wheel is appropriate with the power steering. Be sure and add a sway bar in the front and heavy duty shocks. Take out a few leaves in the rear springs for comfort (I'm sure someone will object to that but it works).

 

Nice truck visually to start with . If your Dad likes old trucks, he couldn't have startd with much better truck. I was 65 when i got mine, and i really love it even if it needs things done
I might get flak for this but read Fordification.com, it has a lot of good ideas for the twin Ibeam suspension. all of this info is on both of these websites and it couldn't be better.

 

After seeing it, I agree. Looks like someone did most of the restore already!!





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