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Hey there everybody, this will most likely be an all-in-one thread for this truck, unless in the future I make a separate build thread for it. Anyhow, we bought this truck in late august, and after some life getting in the way, we finally got a garage space for it.
We are going to strip it down to the frame, get it sandblasted and coat it real good (NJ salty roads). We have lots of mechanical experience (my father and I) but have never done a full truck restoration. If you have any suggestions or tips on what do to first or how to do things, they are very welcomed. Its a '78 F-150 Ranger Explorer, 460 that is in great condition and runs better than we could ask for. It came with an extra cab from a '74 and only has one rusted through spot by the rear window frame that can be filled or welded easily.
We know its going to be a big project but we don't mind. I'm going to throw in some general pics below, once again any words of advice are welcomed.
Thanks for the read and enjoy your day.
The passenger door was replaced at one point. 460, runs great Extra cab, all rust is surface in this pic.
After a little clean and quick wax to bring out more of the true color and rehydrate the stripes a bit.
Sounds like a good project to me! My only advice is to take tons of photos throughout the tear down process. Even if it seems trivial, take lots of shots of everything you do. I’ve often looked at the backgrounds of pictures to help me out because I neglected to take a photo of something.
Also, bag and tag all hardware. It makes reassembly a whole lot easier.
Sounds like a good project to me! My only advice is to take tons of photos throughout the tear down process. Even if it seems trivial, take lots of shots of everything you do. I’ve often looked at the backgrounds of pictures to help me out because I neglected to take a photo of something.
Also, bag and tag all hardware. It makes reassembly a whole lot easier.
Good luck!
Agreed! Didn't post it here but I have probably 250+ photos of all over this truck haha. And many more to come along the way.
the outside shell is in good condition, but the floors are rusted out. Since we are doing a full paint job we figured may as well use the extra cab. Here’s the floorboard, the part that looks red is the ground below, you can put a finger through the corner/side
Took the panels, grille, and hood out in one piece!
Also to anyone reading this, any opinions on paint? Not trying to spend 10k but also would rather paint it myself than get a $100 mako paint job. Any opinions on self painting?
Very similar to my truck, except with a 351M. Looks like you are knocking it out fast. If you don't plan on reusing those front and rear sway bars, pm me. I might be interested.
Very similar to my truck, except with a 351M. Looks like you are knocking it out fast. If you don't plan on reusing those front and rear sway bars, pm me. I might be interested.
We are indeed! We have lots of people that offered to help plus machinery so it helps out big time. We don’t know if we’re reusing them or not but if we don’t I’ll shoot you a message! Should find that out here soon.
02-15-2021, 05:04 PM
