Hey everyone. New to the forums and I just recently picked up my first project, a 1988 F150 Supercab. I've been looking for the right truck for a while now and I finally found it. A bit about me, I'm an over the road truck driver so this project might move along at a slower than normal pace but I'm really looking forward to it. I am also married and have two kids who are really excited dad brought home a really cool old truck. I would like this thread to serve as an educational experience for myself and anyone who may also be doing a similar project. Any and all advice would be welcomed. Some plans I have for the truck, I would really like to restore it to almost factory condition with a few upgrades. Those being a four inch lift, heavy duty front and rear bumpers, brush guard, and performance upgrades. I have also been considering putting on some roll bars and kc lights. I really like the factory color so will be going back to that. A bit about the truck in its current condition. Picked it up for $500, the truck will start but won't stay running longer than a few minutes, have to push up on the steering column to turn the key, it has some surface rust on the hood, rusted through on the rocker panels on both sides and above the rear wheels. It has a bad battery so after I get that swapped out I will see what codes it's giving me and start there. Looking forward to this project and I will get some photos of the truck up as soon as I get a chance.

 

Alright, finally getting around to getting some photos of the truck uploaded
























The truck is in fairly good shape all in all. I feel like I got a really good deal and I was really surprised when I saw it for the first time. But I have a feeling it's going to have a few surprises for me once I get into it. Can't wait. Until next time.

 

All in all, not a bad looking truck for the price. There are a number of places that sell patch panels to repair the rust. Simple cut and weld, then a bit of mud and sanding.

I had an extended cab long bed like that once, and noticed that the frame had a bit more flex than the regular cab had. I sold the extended cab to my brother and went back to a regular cab.

You and the kids should have a great time working on that. I've taught my son much while working on my wife's 89 F250 4X4...so much that he's decided to pick up a truck of his own and start wrenching on it.

Good luck, and have a great time with it!!

 

Was out messing with the truck today and found a wire that goes from the steering column through to the other side of the fire wall. It is split not to far from where it comes out of the fire wall. Followed it along the inside of the engine bay, across the the top of the rad support and it dead ends underneath the battery tray. Just wondering if anyone might know what it is or if maybe it was just to some sort of accessory the previous owner had in it.


Here's where its coming out of the steering column.



Here is the split in the wire. Wondering if this might be why it wont stay running.

 

That white wire looks like it connects to the white wire going to the relay. I don't remember ever seeing wires across the radiator. I would trace it a bit better
Trav