First time having a 61-66 body style. Super excited to get it back on the road. I am the third owner. It has not been started since 1997.

 

Got the leaky camper and bulky mirrors off. Found the original through the door skin mirrors under the seat.

 

1st and Foremost Welcome to FTE!! The truck is definitely a keeper. Recently rescued my 65 after I allowed it to set out in the elements for the past 7 years. Once I towed the truck home I covered the alternator, carb intake, and cautiously gave the engine a bath. Recommend drain fluids, change filters, to include the filter in the fuel pump. There were a couple issues with the fuel delivery; primarily the fuel had set for so long it morphed into a turpentine type of substance; however, after sorting them out the engine started right up. While I was prepping the engine, removed the plugs, added a penetrating oil to each cylinder then reinstalled the plugs and let set. I then removed all the plugs and took a compression test for future reference, couple cylinders with just below rec. limits but improved once I put a few miles on the engine. Almost had a community barbeque, I was in a hurry and wanted to test the engine but failed to install the air filter on the carb, and between the fuel leaks arching between old plug wires the engine lit up like the firing inferno and got my immediate attention.

For info purposes, my biggest regret was giving the camper shell away, the bed to cab fit like a glove but thought it would be too labor intensive to recondition and have not found a replacement. Anyhow, food for thought.

Again, welcome to FTE, looking forward to your input!!

 

Thanks for the welcome!!!

Anyone have information on stock power steering& power brakes?I would like to find units that would have been installed in 1966 if possible

 

shayster72 Welcome to and the Slicks Forum.

What you want is a 73-76 F100 FE 360/390 donor and use the I-Beam set, steering gear & column for a power steering, power disc brake upgrade. It is bolt hole exchange and is a great improvement.


John

 

Did they not have Power steering and brakes in the 66 model? Was hoping to keep it as correct for the year as possible.

 

Welcome to the forums. I really like the camper shells on these old trucks. I wish I could find one for my short bed. The dentside trucks will be a good donor canidate for all the upgrades you are asking about. The f100 didn't have disc brakes until the dent era so that won't be a "factory" install.

 

Not worried about adding disc brakes. The master cylinder is shot so I figured it would be a good time to add a booster for power brakes.

Did 1966 f100 ever come with power brakes / steering from factory?

 

Yes, both were options in 1966.

.

 

looks like a decent truck to start off with, good luck with your project,

 

Bro I would like to say respectfully as I can, you have an ol Ford truck not a Lamborghini, keeping it year correct wont buy you a cold Pepsi on a hot afternoon. You gonna run period correct bias ply tires or modern radials?

The dentside donor is bolt hole swap, and much better braking. I urge you to think on it and get it in your plan for back on the road. You are probably several weeks away yet.



John

 

^ x2 chances are you will need to go through all these parts anyways and rebuild/replace them. You mise well take advantage of the benefits of swapping in these parts and get the best bang for your buck.

 

Never drove an F100 so can't comment on their brakes or steering. I have a '65 F250 with no power steering and the 4 corner manual drums. I've towed a lot...and hauled a lot with it...never felt the need for power steering or power brakes.
As long as you're barely moving the large steering wheel makes it feel like power steering.
Once you've redone (or at least checked) the brakes, try it and see if it's okay for your needs. You could check out Wilwood for a beefier master cylinder if you feel the need. I've never bought there but some of the insane racing guys like Wilwood and prefer manual disc brakes on their race cars. If you redo the drum brakes, they will be weak for the first few uses until the shoes get seated. I've locked the back tires on dry pavement with 2000 pounds on the axle...they do work.

 

That's how I see it pretty much. To each his own but drum brakes are perfectly acceptable if setup right and are maintained in good condition. If not, not. My experience is these old trucks are not too much fun to drive if you're in a real hurry and stressed out, stop and go traffic jams, etc. People follow too close, and stop or pull out in front of you, etc. This is supposed to be fun, and relaxing. Remember?

These old trucks were almost universally rode hard and put away wet! Don't judge anything tech wise - steering, braking, engine performance, handling etc just on the basis of a clapped out farm truck. Simplicity has certain advantages, though worn out isn't one of them.

 

[QUOTE=Tedster9;My experience is these old trucks are not too much fun to drive if you're in a real hurry and stressed out, stop and go traffic jams, etc.[/QUOTE]

That's for sure. When I got my '65 almost 12 years ago I went through it bumper to bumper with all new springs, bushings, king pins, brakes including all hydraulic components, u-joints, seals, and eventually tranny rebuild and motor. Cruises the freeway at 70mph real nice with heavy load or trailer...not much fun in heavy traffic though...in those situations I prefer my crown Vic.