Hi just to introduce myself.. I am from South Africa and bought my first Ford a couple of months ago. Now in the process of restoration. As I have very little experience in restoring cars as this is my first project. But always wanted to own a classic. I bought this truck that was in storage for 6 years. It has the original straight 6 motor with 78000 km on the clock build in South Africa.

Some work needs to be done but I am really looking forward to getting the Truck finished for a classic car show in Feb next year.

I am planning to fit slightly bigger tires, lift it a bit, respray it gloss black and replace and upgrade all that necessary. Space is a bit of problem but I can work around it. I will add some more pics as I get along.

This forum is very help full and would just like to share a experience with all you guys!

The day I bought the truck.


The Interior was down by the previous owner. Which I kinda Like!

 

Wow, I've never seen a reversed interior like that. Good luck with your restoration.

 

Interior looks great, not sure I like the white door panels, but none the less, looks good and clean! I really like that dash pad though!

X2, it took me a second to realize what was wrong lol

 

cool truck. It looks pretty clean. Although if the headlights are original I believe that's a 79

 

Its manufactured liked that. All South African build's are RHD. Well at least I think so because here is no LHD cars...

@ F250custom78: The registration papers it says 78, but its filled in by some one long time ago, so it might be a 79...also the previous owner did some modifications to it like changing column shift to floor shift, fitted a sunroof for what reason I don't know so maybe he swapped the headlights.
But when I removed the loadbin it had a plate that said 1979 with the color code and stuff. So you might be right!!
I tried to figure out what the VIN stand for but could not find any details regarding it. Non of the codes that is explained on the internet corresponds to the codes on the VIN. Maybe the SA built trucks have their own codes...

But its my first truck so have still a lot to figure out and a lot more to learn!

Thanks for the replies!

 

Not all '78s had round headlights. Rangers had square lights, as did Explorers, I believe. Number Dummy has explained the trim changes in '78/'79s several times recently.

 

I would kill for a right hand drive truck in the states!

 

Plenty of right hand drive trucks here in Aus too!

 

one prob with right hand drives in the states Drive-Thru's just sayin!

 

Just and Update:

This is the engine in process of stripping it. I am not too sure what size it is, the 4.1 or the 4.9? From the info I can find I think its the 4.1... Any Ideas how I can determine the engine size?



This is the wheels I will be fitting onto the truck, with a 3" suspension lift. If I want to go bigger than than the truck has to sleep outside...

 

Hi Justin, I think the VIN numbers are unique to South Africa only !

I also checked the Internet, and my Haynes manual, and nothing matched my numbers ! (1979 F350)

So basically I'm not being of much help to you ! LOL

 

Its a 4.9 .. i have a 78 f100 2wd and have the the 4.9 300 in it aswell and there was never a 4.1 option in the 70s model fords.. only 4.9 300 , 302 5.0, 351m 5.8 and then big blocks hope it helps

 

i never see cluster gauge is it after market cluster gauge? or that how ford make way is?

 

I WANT THAT TRUCK

 

derk001 it does help thanks!

@ Neek. I have been looking everywhere...If I do find something I will let you know! 1979 F350? Thought my F100 will be a problem driving around Cape Town streets...

Thanks for all the help and replies!

Justin