1979 F-? project-please help!
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New User
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Central illinois
1979 F-? project-please help!
Hi, Im currently trying to get my 1979 ford pick-up back in driving condition and i could use some help, i figured some of you would know what to do.
Things i know about the truck:
-1979
-Dad says its a 400ci motor (6.6L)
-its got an automatic transmission
-4X4
-single cab(not that its that important)
-the glove-box says ranger but is a little big to be a ranger so im thinkin f-150?
About 10 years ago my dad stripped most of the parts on the body and around the truck so he could get it painted and after it was painted he brought it back to our house and it hasn't ran or moved since. http://images.ford-trucks.com/forums...ies2/angry.gif
After several talks with my dad i was given the truck as my project to get running. http://images.ford-trucks.com/forums...s2/biggrin.gif
i could really use some help/a push in the right direction. i have tools to work on it and Ive worked on cars before just not such a huge project. I love this truck and id really like to be driving it one day soon. Also if anyone knows a good parts source for this kind of truck itd be real helpful, rockauto.com wasnt incredibly useful to me.
Things i know about the truck:
-1979
-Dad says its a 400ci motor (6.6L)
-its got an automatic transmission
-4X4
-single cab(not that its that important)
-the glove-box says ranger but is a little big to be a ranger so im thinkin f-150?
About 10 years ago my dad stripped most of the parts on the body and around the truck so he could get it painted and after it was painted he brought it back to our house and it hasn't ran or moved since. http://images.ford-trucks.com/forums...ies2/angry.gif
After several talks with my dad i was given the truck as my project to get running. http://images.ford-trucks.com/forums...s2/biggrin.gif
i could really use some help/a push in the right direction. i have tools to work on it and Ive worked on cars before just not such a huge project. I love this truck and id really like to be driving it one day soon. Also if anyone knows a good parts source for this kind of truck itd be real helpful, rockauto.com wasnt incredibly useful to me.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,402
Likes: 10
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums Here is a link to the page for your truck. Maybe post your truck details there.
Try lmctruck.com for parts.
Good luck.
Try lmctruck.com for parts.
Good luck.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
Welcome to FTE.
In '79 "Ranger" was a trim level on the F series. The "little" ranger didn't come out untill the early '80's (1983 I think).
First thing, get it running, whatever that takes, new battery, change all the fluids and filters probably flush the fuel system.
Once its running and you're satisfied that its worthwhile to put more money into it (and what dentside isn't?). Check whats needed to make it safe to drive. Check the brakes. I would seriously consider going through the entire brake system regardless just to be on the safe side. Then check the steering and suspension.
After its running and safe to drive then you can start on the comfort and appearance stuff.
These trucks are "dirt simple" to work on. Very little in the way of electronics to go bad.
Keep us posted and we LOVE pictures (truck ****)!
In '79 "Ranger" was a trim level on the F series. The "little" ranger didn't come out untill the early '80's (1983 I think).
First thing, get it running, whatever that takes, new battery, change all the fluids and filters probably flush the fuel system.
Once its running and you're satisfied that its worthwhile to put more money into it (and what dentside isn't?). Check whats needed to make it safe to drive. Check the brakes. I would seriously consider going through the entire brake system regardless just to be on the safe side. Then check the steering and suspension.
After its running and safe to drive then you can start on the comfort and appearance stuff.
These trucks are "dirt simple" to work on. Very little in the way of electronics to go bad.
Keep us posted and we LOVE pictures (truck ****)!
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 16
From: Ideeho
First off, back in '79 Ranger was just a trim level designation. It was not what is now currently the Ranger model. Rangers were available in F150, F250 and F350 models. As far as obtaining parts, most hard parts ie: engine transmission axles suspension etc can be obtained from any reputable auto parts store. Trim parts etc can be purchased from LMC, Jeffs Bronco Graveyard, Dennis Carpenter and others. Google them and you can find their websites. Most of them will ship you a free catalog if you request it. Sounds like you have a good start with the bodywork and paint already done. This is a great forum and everyone is glad to help out with any problems you encounter. Welcome to FTE!!!!!!!!!!
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New User
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From: Central illinois
thanks guys!
To mike - ive just finished draining the oil and suprisingly it wasnt sludge, looks like i got about 7qts out of it.
so far ive removed the battery, oil filter, air filter, and oil from the pan. ill try to take some pictures and keep this updated!
To mike - ive just finished draining the oil and suprisingly it wasnt sludge, looks like i got about 7qts out of it.
so far ive removed the battery, oil filter, air filter, and oil from the pan. ill try to take some pictures and keep this updated!
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New User
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Central illinois
alright awesome.
today i only had a little time to work but heres what i got done:
-removed battery
-removed air filter housing and recorded part number
-took the hood off, which was incredibly heavy!
-drained oil, i got about 6-7qts. (ill take the pan off tomorrow, just to be sure theres no sludge or anything)
-removed oil filter and got part number from that.
and im pretty sure thats it...
Any suggestions on what i can/should do tomorrow?
today i only had a little time to work but heres what i got done:
-removed battery
-removed air filter housing and recorded part number
-took the hood off, which was incredibly heavy!
-drained oil, i got about 6-7qts. (ill take the pan off tomorrow, just to be sure theres no sludge or anything)
-removed oil filter and got part number from that.
and im pretty sure thats it...
Any suggestions on what i can/should do tomorrow?
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,188
Likes: 5,792
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Mikeo0o0o0's list (post#6) is just the order you need to do it in, great advice.
But.....do not let water/rain get in the carb with the hood off, at least bag the top half. IMO
Start cleaning the grounding cable areas in the eng bay, that is notorious for causing elec issues.
Get a Chilton's?Hayes ect manual to help you out.
But.....do not let water/rain get in the carb with the hood off, at least bag the top half. IMO
Start cleaning the grounding cable areas in the eng bay, that is notorious for causing elec issues.
Get a Chilton's?Hayes ect manual to help you out.
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New User
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Central illinois
the truck is in the garage, but just to make sure nothing would get into there i put a plastic bag over it then a blanket and come cardboard, haha. my dad has a ton of ford service manuals so im thinkin i could use those to help out, he used to work at ford when he first bought it.
New User
Joined: Dec 2010
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sounds like quite the truck! i have a 77 F250, with the 400m and C-6 auto tranny.. 60 and HF44, its a solid truck.. shouldnt take much to run but yes check the brakes first thing once its running, dont want an accident.
PICS ARE GOOD!
PICS ARE GOOD!