Howdy All! I really want to do this resto correctly, after all it is my first one. I can wrench all day and do that just fine but it is the knowlege of how to do things correctly to make a resto impressive and desirable. Im going to keep this truck but I want it to be a fine vehicle, something I can take to a car show and have folks actually stop and look with interest.

Do I keep the drum brakes and keep them original or upgrade to a disc system all around?

Do I keep the original 300 L6 go through the whole motor and replace all the worn parts or buy a crate engine ?

Do I restore the sticky, hot, sweaty vinyl front seat upholstry or go with a cool breathing cloth fabric to sit on ?

I dont know what the stock rear end third member gear ratio is for my
F-100 Camper Special. Im not going to put anything in the bed except for some luggage. So Im thinking or putting in a set of tall gears for Highway cruising speeds to keep up with traffic. What gears are recommended and what do I presently have?

We sure do appreciate you guys and all the great info we have received!
You take time out of your lives to help others and that is huge in my book!

thank you
Chet & Berta


Yep, thanks for all the input! We are keeping the truck, its not for resale and we want to keep the 300 size but wondered about dropping in a 300 crate engine, just to keep it to specs or is it better to redo the original? we are going with the original Baby blue two tone with the white hood top of door and top of bed over the alum trim as was brand new in 65. The split rims? I saw that in the specs.....was that with a lock ring that was separate from the rim, a 2 piece set up?

Totally understand the 100 point resto, not happening here, not on a school maintenance man income. yeah not going to just look at it, its gonna drive me to work and play.

Still curious what the gear ratio is in the rearend, if anyone knows that one? thanks!

 

Howdy to you! I believe many modifications can ruin a truck's value, eg: brand "C" engine, tangerine metalflake paint, sheet metal welded over dented box floor, poor rust repair, etc. Other mods might increase it: later Ford discs, correct size radials, period-correct AC, etc. Other mods will appeal to only a few Ford guys: 460 motor, "sawzall" sunroof, aftermarket steering column, etc. I recently bought a '66 shorty and it was exactly what I wanted - worn out but unmolested. Any mods will be my own.
If you submit your door plate info someone will tell you how it was built.
Eric

 

Welcome to FTE!!

Updates...what was mentioned prior are excellent points...If you wanna keep it period correct cosmetically then the vinyl seat should stay...towels are good to keep it cool or tolerable on hot days. Poor body work or 'out there' mods will turn some, if not many people away...especially purists typically.
The 300 6 cylinder is a beast of a workhorse and I would definately keep it without hesitation unless you want V8 power...the fuel mileage is the tradeoff though between 6 and 8 cylinders. Remember these trucks when new werent built for aerodynamics and were built to work and work hard...so dont expect fuel mileage in the mid-upper 20s...
The only upgrade I would consider if you are going to be driving it alot and alot of freeway driving at that would be later brakes...at the very least if you wanna upgrade, go to a dual reservoir master cylinder..but with that you need all of the lines and parts down to the distribution block on the frame rail.
Also, whatever you get major donor/upgrade parts from NOTE YEAR,MODEL,ENGINE and any other info pertinent to getting replacement parts down the road...like brake drums/rotors for example.
As for the truck you have...F100 camper Special...does your truck still have its original split rim wheels ??? Keep them as those are used on Camper Special 1/2 tons only..a seldom seen truck in 1/2 ton form.
Changing the rear end ratio..I wouldnt mess with changing it until you drive it for a bit and see if you like what you get out of it as far as fuel mileage, etc goes.




- cs65

 

Welcome and good luck with the truck...
I agree with the above. The value added of your "upgrade" is ultimately determined by the next owner. If you restore to 100 point original condition then no one has to consider their individual taste or needs. Its a restoration and that's that.
I've done both, restore and modify, and the pure restoration brings the best value in my opinion.
For myself I now have a 62 F100 and its getting A/C, power windows, engine mods etc - but I'm intending long term ownership and significant useage of the truck.
Just my opinion......

 

All trucks are modified or have been modified to some extent.

Do you have any idea of the cost involved to restore a 65 to 100 points? You will spend 100K for a truck that is worth 12K.

Most folks at car shows want to see modifications. Just look at the crowd that gathers around Art Cars (rat rods).

You need to build what you want not what others think. Go with that plan. Works every time.

Welcome from Glendale

Garbz

 

If you buy these trucks to re-sell, I ask, "Why ask? Unless that's what your into, but if that's the case you wouldn't be asking.
If your buying one or own one for yourself, than do what's necessary for your comfort.
My truck does good at show's, get's thumbs up when driving it anywhere, is tastefully done and is comfortable for me.
Do what you want with YOUR truck.

 

Thanks Eric, Naw its staying totally stock, just thinking about the brakes, gearing and the difference between a 300 crate and the original 300.

 

Yeah man, nice truck, lookin low and slow, cool personal touch!
I own it and its not being sold, probably pass it down to my son. Gonna keep it original as I can afford.

 

I would go with power steering and power discs in the front and never look back. If you are worried about it, stick with upgrades that are bolt on and save your old parts. That way if you ever sell it to someone that wants it 100% original, he can bolt all that old original stuff back on.

 

Hi Chet, I say your truck would be worth the most money when done if you left it stock, you do not see many trucks truly stock. BUT! it's not a crime to install good brakes, i have done it to all my trucks except one. and it will get disc brakes once i pay for the 390 rebuild .

 

Thanks Garbz
I do Harleys that way.....my way! looking to stay in the original manner. the only thing I dont do is paint so a $4000 dollar paint is max for me, its gonna get used, cant afford to put it in the front room just to look at.

 

The best thing you can do is add disc brakes. You do not need to go with power Disc.

Are you sure the engine is even the original? The 240 was the base engine for 65.

Post the VIN and we can tell just what engine it came with from the factory.
J= 240
B=300

Garbz

 

Thanks Bill ,yeah thats what im having trouble with, getting a shop to rebuild my motor correctly vs. just dropping in a 300 crate, which I can do no problem, the rebuld would be a bit tricky for me since im not a machinist and im sure that the 135,000 miles hauling horses has put a strain on the running gear. I was watching a program called "Gears" and they installed a nice 4way disc system, looked pricey, LMC has them so im waiting for the catalog so i can check em out. Old drum brakes work, disc brakes work better!

 

Yeah, I have the Camper Special which came stock with either the 300 or the 352. I was curious too so i checked out the door panel then got the specs to confirm, Thanks Garbz

 

Thanks Man, The steering is bitchen, it turns easy just sitting, the brakes need to be upgraded for sure!