hey guys im looking to start my first restoration project and i am going to need some direction. i am an aviation systems tech (aircraft maintenance engineer) so i know how to turn a wrench but we work off step by step directions out of the manuals. i know i can get engine overhaul manuals and general manuals for the truck but is there anything out there that outlines in a sense how to restore a vehicle? kind of a stupid question but i want to do things right the first time around and do it myself. thanks guys.

 

Not a stupid question, you're looking for direction.
First, do you need to drive it while you're working on it or can it be out of service for a long time?
If it's a driver, make a priorities list. Decide what NEEDS to be done to make it safe. First and foremost brakes. Check them very carefully and see what needs to be done.
Same with the suspension and steering.
The appearance items can wait, get it safe to drive first.
If it's strictly a project that isn't going to be driven while being restored the first thing you need to do is sit down and think about how far you want to go, cosmetic make over or a full blown body off restoration.
Decide what needs to be done, how much work will need to be farmed out, what level of quality you want. Then set a realistic budget.
Make a list of what you want to do and then prioritize it.
Start a thread here, post lots of pictures. It will help keep you on track and give you lots of feedback. The posts will give you a chance to look at different perspectives.
I'm in the middle of a full blown body off restore on a '73 Explorer. My build thread has been really good at keeping me focused and not lose interest in my project.
Here is a link to my build thread:
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/87...with-pics.html
BTW welcome to FTE

 

well i would like to go down to the frame and start there but i will be doing all of the work at the auto club we have on base so the farthest down i could take something is to a rolling chassis. i want to have it be the best quality possible but this would be a show truck for me a sunday driver take to work on a sunny summer day type of truck so i want it to be nice. im thinking i want a 75-79 F250 4x4 lift it bigger tires nice rims put a 460 in it that sort of thing so i guess when i finaly find my truck and start i will be posting alot on here.

 

A few words of advice..............buy the nicest truck you can afford. You will be money ahead in the long run...................Then you can start figuring out what needs to be done to make it into the quality of vehicle you are wanting. Too many folks decide to do a resto and start off with a pile of trash, I'm not saying it cant be done (I've got an uncle who bought a '66 Vette years ago and hauled most of it home in 5 gal buckets...........It's now one of the nicest 66's in the country BUT, it took him 20 years) but the majority of people don't have the focus to keep at it till its done. Especially if it starts out as a basket case turd. And all of the little things that when you are buying a vehicle that you think to yourself "Oh that's not too bad or that wont cost too much to fix...............add up in a hurry. So, my suggestion is start with the nicest one you can afford and don't get in a big hurry shopping for one. Find the right one, there are still some out there. A restoration is a labor of love and once you have poured your resources and time into one, it becomes a member of your family.............just dont let your family suffer while building it. Good luck with your hunt for the right truck and keep us posted...........

 

Best advice youll ever get. Ever notice how many completed "projects" are for sale? Ever wondered why someone would pour years of their life and 5-20K into something then just get rid of it for 1/3 of its value? If its not one of the 3D's of buying...its because the thing has been such a money pit and headache, that by the time they are done, they dont even want to look at it.

Or you get lucky like me and find a good guy who is moving onto another project and doesnt drive his previous project much anymore .

If you want a truck to enjoy, get one that is roughly 90-98% what you want, and finish it off with the personalized touches youd make to it to make it "yours." That stuff is the fun stuff...the rest of the restoration may get you "cool" or "man points" with those too scared to try the more "difficult" tasks (cause if they werent theyd see anyone could do it)...but it isnt that fun and is a lot of work. (and you already know how to work with your hands, so its not going to be much of a learning experience anyway)

 

I also agree to get a truck that is pretty decent first to limit the amount of work, time and money. I had one of those "basket case turds" and since have poured a bunch of money and time into it. I love it now, but hind site being 20/20 I would have traveled across the country and got me one of those cheap Southern Cal trucks and brought it home. My truck was free when I got it, but it didn't matter. If I would have spent $2000 for a nice rust free truck, I would have been thousands ahead. But, if you have time, money and skill than the sky's the limit. You can get the crappiest truck out there and make it showroom.

 

Well, I paid $3000 for my 78 and it wasnt rust free. I put another $3000 into it having the cab floors and cab corners replaced as well as painting a good bed that I had. And I had all of that done RIGHT by my body guy who knows how I like things done. BUT, it was a one owner (I have a copy of the original title from '78 I am the second owner) unmolested, not hacked up, not abused, well maintained truck. The old man I bought it from had maintained it the way I maintain my stuff...........meticulously........... It doesnt appear to have ever been wrecked seriously and had had the engine rebuilt about 40,000 miles ago. Yeah, Ive still put a bunch of money into it and have a bunch more to go, but starting with something that hasnt been cobbled and patched all its life sure makes building one a LOT easier. Is it a money pit??? Yes..........Is it going to be a hell of a nice truck when I'm done? Yes......... Is it going to be exactly what I want? Yes........... And it will be paid for and WAY better than a new truck. Plus I love it .............not a thing about it I regret .................