since my truck has been sitting for 10 years, i want to make it road worthy before i start driving it. (makes sense, right? ) i am making a list of things to do when it gets warmer. please tell me what i am missing

1. replace/rebuild starter motor (it's shot)
2. replace passenger side window (where can i get one?)
3. get new tires (thinking about bf-goodrich all terrains)
4. windshield wippers
5. check wirring and lights
6. replace all fluids
7. replace spark plugs
8. check hoses
9. BRAKES (important)
10. gas tank floater (stuck at empty)
11. new air/fuel filter
12. replace suspension bushings
13. temporary fix on bed (will restore with a new wooden bed when i have more $$)

general information you might need to know:
1966 F-250 stepside 300-I6 (not original engine) sitting outside for atleast 10 years

plans for truck:
get it running as strong as possible first, then make it look good/more power

 

You might also want to replace the shocks, the wheel bearing grease, look at the emergancy brake cables, rear end oil, check the tire side walls, grease the driveshaft unversals, drain the fuel tank, and inspect the brake line and hoses. Hopefully this will complete your list.

 

Hey don't forget the cap, rotor,and a new set of wires, points and condenser. I'd have the radiator flushed and checked to make sure it's ok. Good luck, May want to check on maybe a different distrubitor set up, electronic, unless you like to keep the old style.

 

Wait a minute here Fellas. This young man is on a budget, has limited experience and few tools. Lets get him on the road safely at the least cost. Frank, us old Guys live for these projects. I'll build my list and post back later.

 

i have the tools and the time, just not the money or the experience. thanks for the replies. even though it's not the original engine, i'd like to keep it looking stock as possible.

another thing i have to add to the list is new seat belts, the old ones are all rotted away.

 

I'm sorry Frank, hey if your'e like the rest of us you just want your truck ready to cruise around in and listen to what everyone esle has to say or ask you. To get your truck road ready I guess some of the simple basic things to do would be, CHANGE OIL, DRAIN FUEL TANK, CHANGE FILTERS, CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM, GREASE YOUR TRUCK, CHECK REAR END GREASE AND TRANNY, REPACK WHEEL BEARING WITH GREASE, IF U NEED TIRES BUY SOME GOOD USED ONES UNTIL YOU CAN AFFORD TO HAVE FRONT END CHECKED OUT, GOOD TUNE-UP I WOULD THINK, 10 YRS LONG TIME, YOU CAN DO A DO-IT YOURSELF RADIATOR FLUSH UNTIL U CAN HAVE SHOP CHECK RADIATOR. I think this will put your truck on the road and make you feel good about yourself, knowing your on your way to improving the apperance and other things you wish to change. Getting it drivable is important, changing the way it looks is something you can decide on, people ask, simply tell them what your'e doing ,or what you hope to do next.. Just have fun doing it Frank, you'll be proud of it alot more. Got an questions I'm sure u want have a promblem finding any answers I'm sure there may be a few more simple things u may have to do, but this will get you started and save u money, while driving your truck, look, listen, and feel how it drives then make your choices... Again, good luck Frank...

 

Wayneo gives good advice! Here is the list I promised.1.replace/rebuild starter motor (it's shot) The starter maybe shot, but first, be sure you have a fully charged battery, that the battery cables are in good condition, tight and that the solenoid to starter cable is good. I always pull these cables and look closely at the wire cover just past the connector. If the cover is swollen and there is green corrosion present its time for new cables. These battery cables corrode and if the current can’t flow the starter will not work. Cables are not expensive and if in doubt replace them. Try turning the engine over using a breaker bar and socket. The engine may have seized while the truck was parked.
2. replace passenger side window (where can i get one?) Windows are available in the junk yard. You are going to need to find a junk yard that will let you “look around”. They also provide an opportunity to see things already disassembled so you can learn how things work and go together.
3. get new tires (thinking about bf-goodrich all terrains) Wait for a tire sale and for now buy inexpensive tires. Later when the budget allows you will be shopping for a nice set of wheels and different tires anyway. Manage the budget! Junk Yard tires on Ford rims are a really inexpensive option for now.
4. windshield wipers The wiper system on these old trucks is usually badly worn especially in the north. I always grab good transmission arms and pivots when I find them. The single speed motors and switches are a waste of time. If yours work leave them for now, later you can move up to an intermittent two speed system.
5. check wirring and lights Pull all the fuses and clean the receptacle with fine steel wool. Spray electrical parts cleaner on the fuse block and install new proper size fuses with liberal amounts of dielectric grease. Grease all bulbs and plug in connectors with this stuff while you have them apart. Plug boots and rotor tip gets the same treatment.
6. replace all fluids Yes! I would drain the fuel tank and dispose of the old fuel. Just put in 5 gallons for now. Install a metal canister fuel filter in front of the pump either by the pump or in the rubber line under the cab.
7. replace spark plugs Pull and inspect the plugs. If they are worn and caked with carbon OKAY replace them, if not reuse them. Put a little anti-seize on the threads so they come out easy next time and don’t over tighten them, snug is good.
8. check hoses Good one rotten hoses will leave you stranded.
9. BRAKES (important) Brakes are a complete new post.
10. gas tank floater (stuck at empty). Not a problem carry a gallon can of fuel. These sending units can be repaired and you may find one in the junk yard. Look for Fords from 61 thru 72 with a behind the seat tank.
11. new air/fuel filter Yes.
12. replace suspension bushings No! Not now. Get it up and running first. Later you will be doing king pins, maybe disk brakes and you can get the bushings then.
13. temporary fix on bed (will restore with a new wooden bed when i have more $$) Throw in a sheet of plywood.
Look at getting the engine running. You want to be able to go out and start it whenever you feel like it.
Then do a safety inspection, especially the brakes and steering. Look at the tires, lights, glass, mirrors, gages. Check for exhaust, oil, coolant and fuel leaks.
Post back!

 

Frank Will's list is god but be sure if you clean the fuse box that the battery is disconnected! Other wise the steel wool will act as wires and fuses and can glow and start a fire.

Best of luck.
TAKE PICTURES !!!! Before during and after.

Tony
aka 44dwarf

 

I like the way you think Will, real good advice..

Good luck Frank....

 

thanks for the replies!

there aren't many junkyards here on long island. i only know of 2. i will check them out.

i plan on rewiring the entire truck because i have a friend who is a wiz with wires. (plus i got the wiring diagrams from motor haven today)

the engine runs fine, no strange noises or anything. i have to keep my foot on the gas for about 5 minutes after i start it or it will stall. should i raise the idle a little? there is a small exhaust leak where the manifold meets the down pipe but it doesn't seem to be affecting anything. is this a problem? should i just leave that for now?

as for the wipers, i believe they work fine, but they have no blades on them. i was thinking about getting that rain-x stuff, it works great.

the only driving i plan to do with it is going to school, and cruising around town, it can't really go on the highway because of the 4.56 gears.

today, the engine started as soon as i turned the key.

there seems to be a lot of play in the shifter. and sometimes i have a hard time getting it into 1st. it helps if i brin it down to 2nd and then up into 1st. it goes into all the other gears smoothly.

i'll hopefully get some pictures up tomorrow.

 

Guy's great advice as usual from the seasoned users. May I pitch a couple pennys for the engine. I would change the oil and filter, gas filter etc. get new plugs, points, and wires. With a tube & funnel or squirt can try to get at least a tablespoon of oil into each cylinder. Some Marvels Mystery Oil would be good to use. With the plugs out and after you have the engine turnable, new battery hooked up, gas line disconnected, turn the engine over for a couple of min until the oil pressure guage comes up to the operating range. I wouldn't care if you let oil set overnight. What you are trying to do is lube the bores without damaging them. Doing this with the plugs out lessons resistance on the starter motor.

Don't forget to check the freeze plugs.

 

I would not rewire the truck! Test each circuit you are having trouble with and just repair the damaged part. Most of the problems will be simple, like a bad ground, blown fuse, burnt bulb or bad switch. We can help! As for the wipers buy a 15 inch set from Wal-Mart. That rain-X is fine but save your money. If you havent already, put in a new set of points and set the timing. Hard cold start and stalling is usually choke or ignition. Do you have a manual choke? Post back.

 

Sounds like the truck is already running. How is the carb ? No leaks ? I would spray some carb and choke cleaner in it. After my truck sits over the winter the carb is touchy I guess because the gas evaporates and leaves gunk in the carb . A few squirts of the cleaner helps allot. For the fuel float stuck on empty. My truck had the same problem it needed a brass float. the ford dealer still carried it. Was like 5 dollars plus 40 cents for the coark gasket around the sender. Be safe when opening up the gas tank. I have a friend that can take a whole care apart and put it back together but he always tries to set timing by just turning the distributer. He messed with his truck for weeks. I got out the timing light, unplugged the vacuum advance, plugged the hose and set the timing to what the book said for his truck. He was amazed at the results.
There is no other like your first vehicle no matter what it is. Enjoy your Truck.
Andy63...