Took the plunge, guess dismantling an 69 F250 in the boneyard got to me, started remembering all the old Fords we had in the family... so searched craigslist and found a 1970 F250 2WD 390/Auto 8 bolt hubs pick 'em up. 2 tone, tan(?) over white, Ranger XLT, It ain't much for pretty, but it's hell for tough, has all the original trim on it (less the R/H side bed trim, which fell off as I was patting the side of the truck as it rolled onto the tow truck) The grandfather came out to watch it go up on the tow truck, he'd had it since 1996, used it as his gardening truck, he didn't seem happy to let it go. I'd only dealt with his kids buying it, he shook my hand, told me it was a good truck, and asked me to take good care of it. Only had it towed home because the brake lights and rear turn signals weren't working, it'd fired up fine when I looked at it. Paid for it at noon, had it towed home at 8pm, fixed the lights (pin pushed out of the square connector under the dash), checked the plugs (almost new) and points (ditto), checked the oil (nice and clean) trans (ditto) water (fresh antifreeze, wow, they really did take care of this truck), loaded it up with parts, (hot d*mn, the cargo light works) and took off for Pomona (50 miles) at 2AM. My brother figured I was crazy, but then, as he put it "This ain't even in the top 25 of dumb *ss things you've done". Got on the freeway, tried to light a cigarette, too windy... no problem, roll up the window, turn the crank... "dang that's a CLEAN window" yeah, no window in the door, but I've got a heavy jacket on. Got to Pomona just fine, 3AM is too late to get a vendor space Shut the truck off to talk to the manager, it's a little loud, and then it wouldn't start... I'm backing up all the entrance traffic, we push it out of the way, get a tow truck and jump it, and I'm *almost* back in business. One heater hose had been 'repaired' by twisting wire around the hose instead of a clamp, and it picked right then to start leaking. No parts houses at 3AM, and can't go ask the vendors (stupid rules) So I drive it 2 miles to a Kragen, they open at 7:30, sleep in the cab (this is a big truck, I can stretch out in it, and I'm 6'2"). Truck starts fine when it's cooled off, turns out it's the cheap imitation quick disconnect battery terminals, they might be fine for a lil honda, but they won't carry enough juice for a warm 390. Anyhoooo.... made it back to the swap meet, had a great time, and then drove it home. Was running reallly rough and wouldn't idle by the time I got home, gas coming out the accelerator pump. Parked it at 6pm, went in the house, and woke up at 6AM. Pulled the carb, got a new power valve gasket, new accelerator pump diaphram, and it runs fine. I forgot how much fun these ole sumbitches can be. Guy at the shop say's "it's just an old truck"... I told him... "This is a TRUCK, not a d*mn limosine with a pickup box on the back" Hell, ah think ah'm in love. Anyway, I could get a little better gas mileage (yeah right, I think I used half the gas in L.A. going to pomona and back), and a lil better rear end gear, it'll climb trees, but won't go much over 65/70. I remember my brother's 72 F150 with a 360 would rock along at 85 all day. Also, what's a good carb/manifold/header combination for this truck? And don't even think about going to Autozone, they only had 5 spark plugs, and 2 quarts of Type F transmission fluid in the place, and the kid at the counter looked at me like I was from Mars when I said "you got a set of points for this?" I don't think he knew what those were. Didn't even try to explain to him that you can set them with a matchbook cover (which is a lot of fun when it's about 30 degrees and freezing rain, midnight and your friends truck just quit running in front of the police station on the way home from a party) Any other 70 owners get the "ok a 74 what?" when you say "I got a 70 Ford pickup"? I plan on having fun with this truck. Oh yeah, fuel gauge doesn't work, on either tank, so I'm thinking it's the gauge, not the sending units, or am I wrong? I've got 2 extra dashes, so a gauge shouldn't be a problem, I hope.
Last edited by rogueinla; 10-20-2009 at 01:12 AM.
Reason: add picture
rogueinla,
"Oh yeah, fuel gauge doesn't work, on either tank, so I'm thinking it's the gauge, not the sending units, or am I wrong?"
Try toggleing the fuel gauge switch on the dash back and forth firmly and quickly 10-20 times. I spent the time metering out my gauge thinking "it couldn't be as simple as the switch" but I was mistaken.
Good Luck,
Gene
__________________
'68 Mustang Coupe 5.0/T5
'03 Miata SE
'69 F250 360/AT
'56 Chebbie 3200
1/2-'68 Mustang Coupe
wow, this gets better, finish work, decide to clean out the truck, I'd seen a bunch of papers in the glove compartment, top one was a tire receipt, no biggie, the rest are probably gardening invoices and such... pull out the pile, bottom piece is rolled up tight, but says on the back "Ford's Diamond Luster Paint and Two-Tone Options"... holy *****, it's a 1970 sales brochure, listing all the trucks and options, I *WANT* an underhood generator!!!!, I'm being a LOT more careful with these papers now. Next item is a 1970 Ford Warranty Facts booklet, this is cool, and then, there it is, the original owners manual... TADA, wow. Obviously I gotta brush up on my spanish, there's registration papers going back to the early 90s here, I thought they said he owned the truck since 1997, since that's the issue date on the title, but wait... the title is E. Caldero, the old registration cards are J Caldero, I gotta call these people... it was the Grandfather's truck, the gentleman who came out to say goodbye to the truck was the Father, this thing's been in the family since it was new... wow. I'd noticed when I first looked at the truck there was a blanket on the dash, and chain saw blades and tools on it, so I figure the dash is toast, wrong, under the blanket is a *pristine* black dashpad, not a mark on it, after I paid for the truck, I *very* carefully took all the chains and such off the dash, and gave them to them, however, they must have decided it'd be nice to clean up the truck a lil more, and they took the blanket off, and somehow put a hole in the speaker cover well, not a hole, but a crack, anyone know where I can get this fixed? The vinyl is still soft, the blanket must have been on the dash since it was new. This truck is getting better and better. No wonder it looks all original.
Nice fine, send pictures. Got mine on the road not to long ago. fuel gauge shows 1/2 tank when it's full. did checked the ground and gauge, so for now I have a small 3' dole I put it in tank to read the amount of gas if I know it's getting low. Works for now. Plan to get to it soon though. Good luck, sounds like your going to have fun!!!
Andersonsc I'm from Seneca!! Good to know there are some other folks from this area on here. Didn't think I'd find someone within 30 minutes from here though. Rogueinla, finding something that has meant something to someone no matter what model vehicle, makes it worth more than you can put a dollar figure on. Something about it makes it more than just a ride with 4 wheels.
Anderson, I am gonna have fun, heck, I'm having fun Crewcab, you're right, being able to connect back to the begining does make it special, knowing they had the truck all these years, and took good care of it, it was obviously a work truck, and it's worn, but it's not 'beat', they're pretty sure it's 186,000 miles, not 286. Major score today, stopped by one of the boneyards I regularly get parts from, noticed 3 or 4 early 70s Fs sitting in a back corner... well, I'd seen them before, but not really 'seen' them, if you know what I mean, having one always makes you see more of them. Asked if I could go look them over, they said sure, watch out for spiders. First up a 19?? F250 (no grille) Dash is toast, nice lil tach on the steering column, about 2" in diameter, that's gotta go with me, cool steps under the doors (ditto) pull up the hood and oh yeah, 390 with a 4 barrel manifold and carburetor, that is DEFINITELY going home with me, there's a water injection setup under the hood too, cruise control (not factory) that has possibilities, and why does this thing have 2 oil filters? there's an add on where the stock filter goes for an oil cooler and filter, and they plumbed in another filter up on the passenger inner fender? Gotta check this out when I have more time. #2 is a 1971 F100, nothing special, 6 cyl, 3 speed, beat up dash, but it has a shortbed with wood floor (not that I'd put it on mine, but it's nice to know it's there) real plain cluster with idiot lights, and srangest of all, a radio delete plate with "FORD" on it, haven't seen one of those in ages. This was one low budget stripper truck. #3 is a 72 F350 with a big camper built on the chassis, *nice* mirrors, gotta get those, inside, no instrument cluster, but the paint just gleams, and wonder of wonder, all the switches look like they just came out of the showroom, Headlight, Wiper, Emergency, and Lighter, pull out the lighter, it's never even been used, bases and knobs just *shine*, yeah, these are on the list, notice it has nice white door switches, which I haven't even seen any at all, in any yard I've been in today... check the interior light (I can dream).... and on a scale of 1-10, it's an 8, because some of the chrome is peeling off the plastic, the lens is a nice clean white. So now my cigarette lighter works (put my old element in the new socket, can't stand to mess up a brand new looking lighter) my interior lights work, and the lens is real purty. Gonna do before and after pictures of all the switches... but then I may save them and put them in after the dash is done, or put them on a wall as art, these suckers are pretty. I'll do before and after on the mirrors and manifold too. Now if I can just find one with headers...... One question, the sales brochure and manual were rolled up really tight, I guess A/C trucks have tiny glove compartments to clear the ductwork? Anyone know a good way to get this straightened out? I've got them between towels with weights on right now, but not sure if that's the best way. This truck is more fun than I've had in ages.
Congrats on your truck, It sounds like you're having a blast. That's what it's all about.
When I first got my 69 Camper Special, the fuel gauge didn't work. After pulling/checking the sending unit from the tank behind the seat, I did continuity checks from the sending unit to the dash. There's a connector on the left side of the dash near the fuse box. That's where my problem was. Word of caution, when you pull the instrument cluster, DISCONNECT THE BATTERY FIRST! There's a hot wire to the cluster and you'll fry it deep in to the harness if the connector touches ground!
On straightening the manual, I'd try a steam iron. Put the manual under a towel and try a little at a time. Low heat
I am having fun with it, got a headlight switch out of another truck, and now all the dash lights work. Finally got the story on the truck straight, one brother bought the truck new, he sold it to the second brother, who sold it to the third brother, who sold it to me, so if it's not a 'one owner' truck, it's a 'one family' truck. They took good care of the truck, as it was their work truck, and it made them money. They had it repainted in the late 80s (their uncle had a body shop). I've got my fingers crossed, they said there's a box of papers somewhere for the truck, and the brothers saved everything, as evidenced by the owners manual and the sales brochure in the glove compartment. They think they *might* have the original sales paperwork on the truck, window sticker, whatever, like I said, I'm keeping my fingers crossed. They're glad someone got the truck who's going to fix it up, not just use it to death.
rogueinls, thats what I'm talking about haveing some fun. Check out my album. Best improvment was installing new type of head lights got from summit. Seems most classic car show's these days are to be so perfect. but my truck may not be a #10 and has a mustang scoop on it but with that always have people smile and say ,I had a truck about that year long time ago, and say nice looking truck with a smile. Did changed out front end with a 79, she rides and handle great. I been having more fun with this truck. I have a home improvement business and I use it sometimes for work. . just keep it fun
One thing to check on the gas gauges are the floats. They're brass, and develop pinholes. Mine slowly went down with every other fillup. But you can still get 'em from Ford for about $5.
__________________
formerly BCF
1970 F100 4x4 300 I6 4 spd
This forum is owned and operated by Internet Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation. It is not authorized or endorsed by the Ford Motor Company and is not affiliated with the Ford Motor Company or its related companies in any way. FordŽ is a registered trademark of the Ford Motor Company.
Shut the truck off to talk to the manager, it's a little loud, and then it wouldn't start... I'm backing up all the entrance traffic, we push it out of the way, get a tow truck and jump it, and I'm *almost* back in business. One heater hose had been 'repaired' by twisting wire around the hose instead of a clamp, and it picked right then to start leaking. No parts houses at 3AM, and can't go ask the vendors (stupid rules) So I drive it 2 miles to a Kragen, they open at 7:30, sleep in the cab (this is a big truck, I can stretch out in it, and I'm 6'2"). Truck starts fine when it's cooled off, turns out it's the cheap imitation quick disconnect battery terminals, they might be fine for a lil honda, but they won't carry enough juice for a warm 390. Anyhoooo.... made it back to the swap meet, had a great time, and then drove it home. Was running reallly rough and wouldn't idle by the time I got home, gas coming out the accelerator pump. Parked it at 6pm, went in the house, and woke up at 6AM. Pulled the carb, got a new power valve gasket, new accelerator pump diaphram, and it runs fine. I forgot how much fun these ole sumbitches can be. Guy at the shop say's "it's just an old truck"... I told him... "This is a TRUCK, not a d*mn limosine with a pickup box on the back" Hell, ah think ah'm in love. Anyway, I could get a little better gas mileage (yeah right, I think I used half the gas in L.A. going to pomona and back), and a lil better rear end gear, it'll climb trees, but won't go much over 65/70. I remember my brother's 72 F150 with a 360 would rock along at 85 all day. Also, what's a good carb/manifold/header combination for this truck? And don't even think about going to Autozone, they only had 5 spark plugs, and 2 quarts of Type F transmission fluid in the place, and the kid at the counter looked at me like I was from Mars when I said "you got a set of points for this?" I don't think he knew what those were. Didn't even try to explain to him that you can set them with a matchbook cover (which is a lot of fun when it's about 30 degrees and freezing rain, midnight and your friends truck just quit running in front of the police station on the way home from a party) Any other 70 owners get the "ok a 74 what?" when you say "I got a 70 Ford pickup"? I plan on having fun with this truck. Oh yeah, fuel gauge doesn't work, on either tank, so I'm thinking it's the gauge, not the sending units, or am I wrong? I've got 2 extra dashes, so a gauge shouldn't be a problem, I hope.
GO HUSKERS!!
Crewcab, you're right, being able to connect back to the begining does make it special, knowing they had the truck all these years, and took good care of it, it was obviously a work truck, and it's worn, but it's not 'beat', they're pretty sure it's 186,000 miles, not 286. Major score today, stopped by one of the boneyards I regularly get parts from, noticed 3 or 4 early 70s Fs sitting in a back corner... well, I'd seen them before, but not really 'seen' them, if you know what I mean, having one always makes you see more of them. Asked if I could go look them over, they said sure, watch out for spiders. First up a 19?? F250 (no grille) Dash is toast, nice lil tach on the steering column, about 2" in diameter, that's gotta go with me, cool steps under the doors (ditto) pull up the hood and oh yeah, 390 with a 4 barrel manifold and carburetor, that is DEFINITELY going home with me, there's a water injection setup under the hood too, cruise control (not factory) that has possibilities, and why does this thing have 2 oil filters? there's an add on where the stock filter goes for an oil cooler and filter, and they plumbed in another filter up on the passenger inner fender? Gotta check this out when I have more time. #2 is a 1971 F100, nothing special, 6 cyl, 3 speed, beat up dash, but it has a shortbed with wood floor (not that I'd put it on mine, but it's nice to know it's there) real plain cluster with idiot lights, and srangest of all, a radio delete plate with "FORD" on it, haven't seen one of those in ages. This was one low budget stripper truck. #3 is a 72 F350 with a big camper built on the chassis, *nice* mirrors, gotta get those, inside, no instrument cluster, but the paint just gleams, and wonder of wonder, all the switches look like they just came out of the showroom, Headlight, Wiper, Emergency, and Lighter, pull out the lighter, it's never even been used, bases and knobs just *shine*, yeah, these are on the list, notice it has nice white door switches, which I haven't even seen any at all, in any yard I've been in today... check the interior light (I can dream).... and on a scale of 1-10, it's an 8, because some of the chrome is peeling off the plastic, the lens is a nice clean white. So now my cigarette lighter works (put my old element in the new socket, can't stand to mess up a brand new looking lighter) my interior lights work, and the lens is real purty. Gonna do before and after pictures of all the switches... but then I may save them and put them in after the dash is done, or put them on a wall as art, these suckers are pretty. I'll do before and after on the mirrors and manifold too. Now if I can just find one with headers...... One question, the sales brochure and manual were rolled up really tight, I guess A/C trucks have tiny glove compartments to clear the ductwork? Anyone know a good way to get this straightened out? I've got them between towels with weights on right now, but not sure if that's the best way. This truck is more fun than I've had in ages.
. just keep it fun
