1978 Ford F-150 Build Pays Tribute to a Friend
The most economical way to accomplish the goals for this build is with a donor truck. So that’s exactly what the OP secured.
“I picked up a ’77 F-150 LWB 2×4 in December because it had a rebuilt 460 sitting in it. Truck was stripped down and started as a 3″ chop-top build by original owner’s son-in-law. Due to time constraints he sold me what he had left of the truck. This was a rolling chassis with the rebuilt motor, trans, cab with 3” chop, and about 75% of the body work finished on the chop. And some boxes of parts. I couldn’t pass up the price.
Learned that the motor has zero miles, not even run for break-in yet. When his father-in-law took the truck to the shop to rebuild the motor, he passed away as they were wrapping up. So the son-in-law picked it up and brought it to his shop and began work before it sat for the last 5-6 years. The ’77 is pending sale/pickup this week. I’m gaining a new/reman grill shell for the ’78, and cash.
Plan to take the 460 and strip it back down just to verify internals and condition of work since it’s sat without oil. Motor does turn over freely without any sounds of rust/scale buildup from sitting, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. I’m also picking up another 460 this weekend. D3 block with C9 heads and all the parts needed to complete the swap into my ’78.”
A nice score, indeed. It wasn’t long before the OP had performed a full brake job on his truck. And soon, engine teardown began on the new/old engines. The 4-inch lift kit parts have already arrived, and the engine parts are at a local machine shop. And that’s where this awesome project sits for now. Be sure and follow along as this sweet 1978 Ford F-150 project progresses by heading over here!
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