getting ready for a frame off resto

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Aug 12, 2012 | 08:38 AM

inhonorofchuckgehner

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getting ready for a frame off resto

I have a 1978 150 standard cab shortbed gun metal grey 4x4 351 modified. My uncle bought it new in 78 and owned it until about 3 years ago when he passed away and I got his truck. I am getting ready to restore it and I"m looking for any advice that might be helpful to me in this endeavor from the wiser guys on here that might have done this already. Thanks in advance for all your help!

Aug 12, 2012 | 08:58 AM

mikeo0o0o0

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From: Stanley, VA

Don't know if it'll help you any but I'm doing a frame off on my '73 F100 2WD. Here's a link to my build thread, admitedly I'm going way overboard on the Pumpkin:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...with-pics.html
Don't try to rush things.
First, decide how far you want to go. Full blown 100% restoration, resto-mod, hot rod or something else.
Next, how much work can you do and how much will have to be farmed out.
What level of quality will be acceptable to you.
Take things in small steps and don't bite off more than you can chew. You may want to get it all done right away but that is the quickest way to lose interest in any project.
Deffinitely start a build thread here and post lots of pictures, this will help keep you on track and not get bored.
Set a realistic budget for the project and include a contingency for the unexpected (that's pretty much guaranteed you'll run into something you weren't expecting).
Good luck, and most of all, have fun.

Aug 12, 2012 | 09:37 AM

HIO Silver

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Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 20,678

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From: NorCal

Quote:

Originally Posted by inhonorofchuckgehner

Have a plan and a realistic budget so the project stays on track... and allow 20 percent for overages.

Here is a thread I created on rebuilding a Dentside - actually most any vehicle:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...p-by-step.html

Oh, start a resto thread here on FTE....we wanna see your progress (and a lil peer pressure don't hurt none either!).

Aug 12, 2012 | 10:31 AM

gfw1985

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Joined: Mar 2008

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From: Raphine, Virginia

Best advise I can give you on a frame off restoration is bag, tag and take pictures.

Aug 12, 2012 | 10:47 AM

mikeo0o0o0

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Joined: Apr 2009

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From: Stanley, VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by gfw1985

Best advise I can give you on a frame off restoration is bag, tag and take pictures.

X2! Organization will do more to keep your project going than anything else.
Bag and tag.

This will keep you from going nuts trying to find the "right" bolt, nut, bracket, etc. for whatever you're doing at the moment.
And pictures!! If you don't have a digital camera, GET ONE! Trust me, regardless of what you think, when you go to put everything back together next week, next month, a year from now, two, three years from now, you are NOT going to remember how it goes

.
gfw1985 is right, that's about the best advice.

Aug 12, 2012 | 01:06 PM

bucks77ford

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Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 5,037

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From: Kasson, Minnesota

All good advice. The other thing I'd mention is to research parts and prices. I've done business with the classifieds, craigslist, ebay, LMC truck, National Parts Depot, Broncograveyard, Blue Oval Truck Parts, Mill supply, Rock Auto, NAPA, O Reilly's, Autozone, AutoKrafters, Dennis Carpenter etc. Some have better quality, some have just better prices or better shipping. Some have parts that others do not. Get yourself a Haynes manual and ask a bunch of questions if need too. Research some different threads. Also, save any part that may be good and reuse it. When I tore down my truck when I started my build, I wasn't stingy enough to save parts and figured I'd just get new. Well, when some parts are hard to find and others are just expensive, they can add up very fast and before you know it, you have 10K into a restore and you don't have a running motor and no paint yet.