Hey all - just bought the F250 in the pics. First Ford truck for me. It's decent - just had an engine rebuild. But needs some work still - which is what I love to do.

Anyway just a few questions:

The rims are 8 lug, 16 inch and I'm not crazy about the look but wonder if they are stock to this year? Will any hubcaps fit them so I can get rid of the chrome rings? Seems like there's a lot out here on hubcaps so I will search the answer too.

Anyplace to buy s new core frame (part that holds the radiator and from assemblies like lights. Mine is pretty rusted at the mounts.

I plan to buy a brake booster and convert to a two reservoir system. Any thoughts on that?

I appreciate anything you can tell me that might be either interesting or of concern in the pics. Thanks!!!

Mark

 

Hi Mark,

WELCOME TO FTE!

NICE looking '65 you've got there!
Looks to be equipped with the Custom Cab package and some other desirable options to boot!

If you do a search on FTE, you will not only find lots of info on the types of hub caps but also info on upgrading to a two-reservoir master brake cylinder. Meanwhile, make sure all your brake lines & wheel cylinders are in good shape.

The radiator support frame is a typical spot to rust in these trucks, and a new support will likely cost more than you would suspect.

Personally, I like the look of your 16" black wheels, trim rings and chrome lug nuts, but its your truck, so make it as you wish! The 16" wheels were available in '65 and likely were originally equipped with it when bought new. I'd prefer the 16" wheels over the 15" wheels for the additional height and more abundant tire selections from current tire manufacturers. You should be able to install most any 16" full wheel cover on those wheels if that is the look you're going after. If you're looking for a hub caps, it will depend on the mounting tabs as to what caps will work on those wheels. The current tires look short in the pictures to me; I'd bet some taller tires would raise the truck and make it more 'truck like' and less 'car like' - regardless if you decide to change wheel size or not.

I noticed a new aluminum radiator and a MSD ignition system and that your windshield washer hoses are missing. I would suggest you at least put a stiff bungie cord to secure the battery and I'd also suggest you look for some type of rear bumper to protect your truck.

All in all, you've got a great looking Slick; not much visible rust (appears to have been repainted at some time - hopefully bad things are hidden under it), pretty straight body panels and a nice tailgate. Keep us posted on your progress!

BarnieTrk

 

A couple of other thoughts:

I see your truck has headers; I'd suggest you check / re-torque the header bolts.

If you don't know when the last time the automatic transmission fluid or rear differential was changed - I'd put them on your short 'To Do' list.

Also bleed the brakes again.

What shape is the box/bed floor under those boards? It may be on the long 'To Do' list.

BarnieTrk

 

8 lug wheels on a 6.50" bolt circle: 1953/98 F250; 1967/98 F350; 1969/74 E300; 1975/2014 E250/350.

Ford did not offer 16" wheel covers until 1979, so as a "stop gap" measure, came out with the 16" D2TZ-1210-A trim rings in 1972.

These were snapped onto the wheels of 1972/77 F250/350's, then the 1971/72 LTD 15" wheel cover (D2AZ-1130-J) was snapped onto the trim rings. But any 'ol 15" wheel cover will work.

1953/66 F250 wheels are innies .. as are some 1967/69's. Some 1967/69 wheels are outies .. as are all 1970/98's.

Innie: So called because the hubcap snaps over tabs located on the inside of the wheels center section.

Outie: So called because the hubcap snaps over tabs located on the outside of the wheels center section.

 

Super helpful - thanks all!! So if I'm reading it right I can put any 15 inch hubcap on this setup or go with innie/outie (depending). That's awesome. I do plan to eventually get higher profile wheels and remove the wood pallet bed to see what lurks beneath. Also will change out all fluids including diff and tranny.

 

If the truck has the stock drum/drum brakes, you need a master cylinder for the same. A disc/drum mc is different. Search the site. You should find info on what to get. Good luck.