Hello all, just wanted to post an intro thread and warn you that there will probably be a slew of dumb questions headed your way

I've been a VW guy forever, and I had a 77 Dodge Tradesman 200 for awhile, but I'm still pretty new to owning a big domestic truck. I've been a long time admirer though. So anyway, after a little horse trading I've come to aquire this beauty of a truck:





It's a 73 F100 Ranger XLT with the camper package (sans camper) and it's in wonderful original condition! It has the 460 with an auto trans. It has around 20k original miles, it's spent the majority of it's life in a garage, and I will be the third owner! It will be coming home some time this week, I can't wait! It's having carb issues (stuck float) but other than that it should be up and running!

I guess my first question is this. It has the original Holley carb on it now, and the rebuild kit is included with the truck. Friends have suggested that I just toss the Holley and buy an Edelbrock for it. Thoughts?

Also, is that rear bumper factory? I've never seen one like it before. Thanks!

 

If is has a holly and comes with a rebuild kit and all its doing is having a stuck float, save your money and rebuild it. Unless your friends plan on buying you the carb? Ain't friends good at spending YOUR money?

Drop the rear tank and get all the old fuel gunk out, blow out the lines, watch for the fuel sending unit/float to be gummed up. Watch for the fuel pump to die, and new fuel filters before and after the pump to save the new rebuilt carb.

Do not think its a factory rear bumper, but maybe a dealer installed option?

With low miles and lots of garage time, watch for seals/hoses to be dry rotted and start leaking if you start driving it a lot right off the bat.

And good rad/block flush fit thru it after the (white vinegar soak trick) will get all the gunk outa there. Probably a new thermostate will be in order and a complete tune up/ fluid change is in order.

Get you friends to pitch in for gas or parts, if they want to ride around with you. And a helping hand is mandatory. Nice truck BTW and welcome to FTE, we take all questions dumb, new and otherwise.

No such thing as a dump question its just a unanswered one.

 

Welcome to the site. That's a beautiful truck you got. My grandpa's 75 camper special had that same rear bumper. I'm thinkin maybe its a premium step bumper?

 

Welcome! Nice truck!! Just don't drive off with the dog attached.....

 

Nice truck indeed!

As for driving with the dog attached, there was a guy who did that here a couple years ago. They gave him 10 years to think about it........
The dog is alive and well, with a new family.

 

Welcome to FTE! No dumb questions here. Please ask and you will always find an answer from one of many great folks on FTE.

 

NICE TRUCK!!! Welcome, you've come the right place. There are a lot of good knowledgeable people here (and a couple of grouches!) more than willing to answer any questions you might have.
Keep the Holley.
X2 on what 77&79F250 said.
The bumper is an aftermarket unit not an OEM.

 

Thanks for the welcomes and advice! Don't worry about the dog, she'll be riding shotgun at all times

I'm going to give rebuilding the original carb a go, might as well before I just toss it!

 

Very nice truck and welcome aboard!

 

Remember to get a friend to help with it, since they want to spend your money for you...

 

hahaha yeah he can at least provide the beer and pizza

 

That's what they are for, if they suggest getting a new carb, just cause the float sticks.

 

Carb rebuild first, beer second. Doing it the other way round can, and often does, lead to problems......

 

Welcome! Wow, what a nice old truck!

 

nice find,I like my dubs too 1984 1.6l D Quatum SW mint