Hi All: I am brand new to this forum, and also a brand new Ford truck owner. I recently purchased a 1967 Ford 250 Camper Special that has a Mitchell Brothers Class C RV attached to its chassis (also built in 1967). The truck and RV have 50,000 original miles. The engine and transmission are super solid and strong, and the frame has no rust at all. As you can well imagine, however, drum brakes on this setup are not the cat's meow, and the rear springs and shocks will need to be replaced. I am writing to request your help in identifying an experienced and reasonably-priced shop, preferably in Colorado, but that really could be anywhere in the USA, that would do a good job retrofitting a bunch of new parts onto this vehicle, such as portions of a 1979 F250 front end so the vehicle can be equipped with front disc brakes, new leaf springs in the rear, and also perhaps replacing the rear axle with a Ford F350 duallie axel and wheels (and also installing rear disc brakes). Other work would of course have to be done, such as replacing the brake master cyliner, new brake lines, new ball joints (probably), new front coils, etc. Perhaps even replacing the carburetor with a retrofitted fule injection system would be in order. I understand this will be an expensive project, and want it to be done right. I also don't want to overpay to have the work done. Basically, I'd like to update and modernize the suspension and brakes on this vehicle (and perhaps the carburation system) so that it is safer to drive on the freeway and in the mountains. Right now it drives like a pig. Any suggestions for the right shop -- wherever it might be-- would be SUPER welcome. Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

Welcome to the forums.

Sounds like a really neat piece you got there. Pics??

 

FI in a motor designed to make 6-10 mpg is a waste of effort IMO. If you want to increase fuel efficiency, drop in a turbo diesel and modify the driveline to match it. Others have done this successfully. As for the brakes, suspension question...look for a 77-79 F350 dually wrecker truck to use as a donor...the rear axle perches will have to be moved, but everything else you describe is do-able by a reputable shop. Don't know any such shops in your area offhand... if were mine, I'd start talking to wrecker owners and long-haul truckers for a shop recommendation...whoever you choose needs to be equipped to handle big trucks to do the job right.

 

Thanks for your very useful and pragmatic advice. Looks like it's time to find a donor dually wrecker.