So I was in the process of rebuild a 74 4wd. But the further the project came along the bigger the problems became. Then one day my dad gives me a call and says that he has a free 78 f150 4x4, with some parts I need. But upon closer inspection it was a more solid base. This truck in all stock, its missing one fender, and the bed was rotted, but the Cab was solid with a pristine cab with minor body damage. I am planning on using the good fender, doors and interior goodies (seat, dash, headliner and visors and hood). Both trucks are long beds with regular cabs.

Important Information:
1978 F150 4x4 Dark Jade Metallic, 6300# GVW, Custom Cab with jade vinyl, Front D44 w/ 3.50 & power steering, Rear Ford 9" 3.50 3750# (probably standard) Limited slip.

Its supposed to have a 351M with a c6 but its missing. I would like to put another 351m back in or a 460 and find a tranny for it.

Heres the plan:
-Strip and paint the frame
-Install Rancho 4" lift (Bought and installed on 74 but never drove the truck more than in and out of shop)
-Find and Install motor (freshen up w/ mild upgrades if needed)
-Find and Install tranny (freshen up to tow)
-Strip and repair body damage prep for paint (Doors, hood and D/S fender are good, bed, cab and p/s fender need dents pulled)
-Set body on frame, route and clean up wiring
-Rebuild brakes front and rear
-Upgrade Shocks, steering, tranny and power steering cooler, audio/cb

From the 74 I sold the 390 FE motor for $200 bones, I have 2 np203 t-cases, d44 & 9" with matching 3.50 gears and rear limited slip, good fuel tank and some misc. parts. Im going to hopefully use the FE c6 as a core the a Big block c6 or 4 speed auto. The money from the 390 is set a side for a good deal on another motor. Just parting out the 74 for the 78 funds.

Keep on Trucking

 

Sounds like a plan. ....where's our pictures?

 

Sounds like a plan. Post up pictures when you get a chance.

 

Here is the only picture of the 78 that i have. Some body parts that will be used are in my other album.

 

Well today I have found a 351m complete, on craigslist here in town for a $100. I am going to go take a look at it sometime this week. Now I have to locate a transmission. hopefully I can find one. Its been busy with work lately and the weather sucks so I havent got a chance to empty the crap out of the cab and look over the situation in there. The good thing is that it has a complete wiring harness from front to back. Hopefully the weather will clear up soon and I will get a chance to get to work. I am using this time right now to get my hands on a motor and transmission and do the rebuilds if I have to in the heated shop at dads house.

 

sounds like a good deal if it runs...good luck on your project..wish ya the best

 

Well I looked at the motor today. The old man that has it had it sitting on a stand hooked up to gas and a battery, for me to hear it run. He dumped some oil in and primed the pump. He said he had it tarped up for years, and hand cranked it every so often. Run like a top. Smoked a sec when it fired up. But cleared up and ran smooth for a minute. Old man was real honest about every thing and then showed me to about 15 other old ford motors in the "shed" (the shed is a controlled paint booth) and there all for sale. And he has a story about all of them. I think I am going to give him the $100 he wants and take a good 351m home with me this weekend. As well as a new friend. I like meeting old men with a good story.

 

sounds like a great project!

 

Really dig ur story about the $100 351m. Can't wait to see pics

 

I should of snapped some today. I could pass the price up on a good runner.