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Son's 73 project

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Old Nov 5, 2011 | 01:12 PM
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From: The real NorCal
Son's 73 project

Thought I would show off where my son's 1973 xlt highboy is currently at in its build. A little history, my father-in-law bought it new, my wife learned to drive in it, it became a work truck and as an excavator he thrashed it. It sat in a field for well over 10 years and as a little kid my son would sit on old milk crates and pretend to drive it. His grandpa said we should get it back on the road so 6 years ago we started in. I had the kid do most of the work.
A few facts:
Ported and polished 390
4 spd
4 wheel disks
some amount of homemade lift, 12"? and 2" body lift
39.5x13.5x20 Iroks
~22 gallon tank between frame in rear, 40 gallon tank/toolbox
sunroof









 
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Old Nov 5, 2011 | 01:27 PM
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79 shortbed lover
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Very nice truck
 
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Old Nov 5, 2011 | 02:18 PM
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Very impressive work! I'm glad to see you restored the truck to it's original glory and then some.
 
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Old Nov 5, 2011 | 03:38 PM
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That looks freakin' fantastic.

You have a very lucky Son.

Keep up the good work and keep us posted on any new progress.

Happy Motoring
 
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Old Nov 5, 2011 | 04:14 PM
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Thanks for the comments. He did pretty much all of the work except the engine rebuild/work, some of the body work and painting, exhaust, and mounting/balancing tires... We don't have a garage to work in so it has literally been a shade tree job. We did rent a sand blaster and an engine hoist. A Mikita grinder was the most used tool I think. More steps along the way:



 
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Old Nov 5, 2011 | 05:05 PM
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With the exhaust coming out just before the rear tires, how loud is it?

Any chance you have time to get a video clip?

I am debating running mine like that or out behind the rear tires, not sure yet.
 
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Old Nov 5, 2011 | 05:10 PM
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Awesome truck. Great Work!
 
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Old Nov 5, 2011 | 05:24 PM
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Looks great and brings back memories. My first vehicle was a 73 F100. I still remember my dad teaching me how to work on that truck. Good job on the restore. - Dave
 
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Old Nov 5, 2011 | 05:32 PM
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Originally Posted by AK FORD GUY
With the exhaust coming out just before the rear tires, how loud is it?

Any chance you have time to get a video clip?

I am debating running mine like that or out behind the rear tires, not sure yet.
It is loud when accelerating, throaty rumble when idling. Not too bad with the windows up, but when accelerating with the windows down conversation is hard. Sounds awesome when going through an area that it can reflect from and you are on the throttle. Considering what it is, we like it loud, not a daily driver, usually once or twice a week to work or around town. ~7-8 miles to the gallon affects use...
Will try to get a video and upload it.
 
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Old Nov 6, 2011 | 10:00 PM
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Truck looks awesome, it certainly has come a long way! I like how the badging that was originally on the fender is on the cowl now like on a 77-79.

Great work!!!
 
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Old Nov 6, 2011 | 10:32 PM
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Originally Posted by jsutton
Truck looks awesome, it certainly has come a long way! I like how the badging that was originally on the fender is on the cowl now like on a 77-79.

Great work!!!
Thanks, his grandpa had other trucks as well:

 
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 12:39 AM
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Originally Posted by jsutton
Truck looks awesome, it certainly has come a long way! I like how the badging that was originally on the fender is on the cowl now like on a 77-79.

Great work!!!
I noticed the badging too. A nice unique touch. Funny thing is I had contemplated putting mine in the same place, but will probably just put it in the sfactory location.
 
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 02:07 PM
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looks good sure came a long way
 
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 06:19 PM
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Only thing I see is a need for a gauge pod...but fantastic job.
 
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 06:43 PM
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From: Lost In a Pit of Despair
Beautiful truck. That's pretty clever, putting gauges and toggles in the space near the glove box, and that all black interior looks dang fine. Bravo, sir
 
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