Hi,

I finnally bought the truck ive been looking for! I need some help getting her started. It last ran and drove three years ago and it was started last year. I have cleaned out the old gas swaped on a better two barrel that works. Cleaned the spark plugs. The dist and rotor are new. wires and plugs are older. It has a duraspark box which i forget how to check it. Any advice on how to get her running?

Thanks,
AJ

 

Looks like its in pretty good shape for being a plow truck! I'd love to see more pictures!

What kind of problems are you having getting it started? Is it cranking? Not cranking? Sputtering?

I can't tell, but is one of those lever things on the left side of the column a manual choke? That might be part of the problem.

 

No 1973 came with DuraSpark as original, because it was not introduced until 1974.

1974: One year only module / 1975: One year only module / 1976/79: There were three different modules, one was CA only.

 

It looks like you've got an FE (360/390) motor and a later style grill which would lead me to believe the truck is a 76 model rather than a 73, but obviously anything could have been swapped out at some point. Do you know the original/correct VIN# ?

 

Ya, the truck is in very good condition. It has been sitting for 3 1/2 years before i got it. As an update. The day after i posted this theard, i had it running. carb was shot. I swaped on another one and put new plugs and wires on. She runs mint! really not bad. Another than old gas in the crankcase. I freeed the rear brakes and replaced the front wheel clyinders/brake lines. She stops and drives now. When i get a chance I'll post some more pictures of the work i have done to it!

 

I'll have to give you the vin number, and its a FE360 pretty sure. The guy told me it was an 73..but ill have to verify that. I can possibly get the title for the truck. If the previous owner can find it!

 

I don't think the race track trim came out until later years, but I'm not sure. Looks good.

 

You are correct!

Race track style trim came out in 1977. They also moved the F-XXX emblems from the front fenders to the cowl panel above the fender. The windshield trim was changed as well.

But, the FE engine (360 cid in 4x4's) was not available in 1977. All 1977's (4x4's) with the V-8 option had either the 351-M or the 400.

So someone has swapped cabs or engines...

If the front axle has drum brakes (as you indicated in your second post) that would be commensurate with a 1973 as the change to an open knuckle/disc brake configuration was made for the 1976 model year.

 

And what about the dash board bezel in woodgrain and the dash trim glove box also in woodgrain I'had never seen a 73 truck with those.

 

I'm pretty new to this vintage trucks,I had mostly 80-86 trucks. According to my mechanic at work, it has the old style dana 44 up front. It looks like a big brake booster housing with the ujoints encased. And after all these post..im going to have to do some research. Does anyone know where i can decode the data plate for this truck online?

 

Here is a handy site for decoding your VIN:

Decoding '73-'79 Ford Truck VIN Tags - FORDification.net

However, if your cab has been swapped, obviously the door tag won't be correct for your actual truck. There should be a stamped VIN on the passenger side frame rail, inside the front wheel well. Might take some digging to find...

 

Seems like it may have a 77 cab swapped on. The frame VIN is stamped in 2 locations on top of the passenger frame rail. One, as mentioned above, is somewhere between the firewall and radiator support usually about in line with the alt. The other is under the cab directly beneath the seat. You can get to it with the cab on, but it can be difficult. Best try and find the easy one if you can. Time for a wire brush, some rust remover, and a little elbow grease.

Does the VIN on the title match the one on the cab?

 

Sorry guys, been really busy at work. I have done alot of work to the old girl..replace front brakes and lines,painted rear frame and just recieved the backing plates for the dana 60! She runs great with a newer 2 barrel carb. I have taken her down the street and drives staright...but way to loud open headers....soon to be fixed! Pics soon..