I pick up my 2nd dent side tomorrow. It is a 1979 F-150 2wd 302 w/auto trans (med blue met paint). The engine was rebuilt about 5 years ago and has about 16K on it. It has been sitting in the back of the PO house and used once or twice a year. She just did an oil change, air filter, plugs and wipers. There was some rust in the tank so she replaced the gas filter too. It has light damage on front right pass side, needs new fender, bumper and grill. light rust spots on bed fenders. Also, needs new tailgate. Got the truck for $600.

I plan on using this as a daily driver and just want to stop the rust for now. Baby is on the way in less than 2 months. So, it will be a long project getting her in shape (the truck, not the wife). Not able to do a frame up restoration but will eventually get her looking and running smooth.

I am looking forward to learning a lot from all of you. By the way, my first was a 73 F100 3spd w/360, her name was old red... sure do miss her. I guess there is something special about your first. - Dave

 

Welcome to FTE and the Dentside brethren.

C'mon now, ya gotta post some pics.... of the rig! Shortbed or longbed??

Personally, I'd do all I can before the young'un arrives cuz you'll have no time, lacking sleep, and you'll feel like the walking dead. Congrats.

 

I am not sure how to add pics. I think I was able to upload 2 of them in my profile. Let me know if it worked if you check. Thanks, Dave

 

I saw the two pics in your album. It's better if ya load 'em in your garage and then modify your signature on the user control panel with your rig's specs (like my signature below).. makes it easier for use FTE'ers to know what ya have instantly instead of you reposting them everytime or us asking. Makes for faster responses too.

$600 is a good deal.. especially that it is a recent rebuild. I see the rig has a hood ornament and the factory wheel covers. VERY COOL! The original owner really stepped up to the Explorer package and all the fancy chrome... rockers, wheel arch mouldings, drip rail, windshield moulding. Looks like you've got a really good foundation.

The fender and bumper are relatively easy to find but finding a clean grill shell tends to be a pain. LMC carries replacements but they are BIG bucks... recommend ya put some cash aside if and when you find a clean used one so you can jump on it.

I think that surface rust over the rear wheel arch will be worse than it appears. They rust from the inside out and yours appears very wide. Ya see, Ford welded a liner to the bed's wheel well and it has small drain holes. Those holes get packed with dirt, mud, and pebbles that never escape and it never really drys out... Bet on welding in replacements.... a fellow FTE'er that stated it is possible to use a front fender as a donor. After I replaced my wheel arch, I cut big relief holes on the liner before rosette welding them back in.... easy to clean out with a strong jet of water.

Again, welcome.

 

Just got her home this afternoon. I think the first part of the project, wash and clean the inside and out, will take at least a week (lol). The brake lights do not work but the running lights do. I will take some pics in the morning a post them.

 

Welcome to FTE there, neighbor. There's a wealth of info here.