New guy needs help
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 6
New guy needs help
Hello,
I am Lee and new to this site and need some help. I have a 1976 F100 that has been sitting for at least 12 years. What is the 1ST thing I need to do to it? It doesn't have the original motor. It has a 351w. This was my uncles truck that I learned to drive in. I used to ride in his lap and steer while he worked the pedals. It has been in the family for the last 30 years. I know the bushings in the front are shot. Do I rebuild the twin I beam or switch over to a Mustang II? I want to keep the original look, but am not opposed to changing things to make it more driver friendly. Thanks in advance.
I am Lee and new to this site and need some help. I have a 1976 F100 that has been sitting for at least 12 years. What is the 1ST thing I need to do to it? It doesn't have the original motor. It has a 351w. This was my uncles truck that I learned to drive in. I used to ride in his lap and steer while he worked the pedals. It has been in the family for the last 30 years. I know the bushings in the front are shot. Do I rebuild the twin I beam or switch over to a Mustang II? I want to keep the original look, but am not opposed to changing things to make it more driver friendly. Thanks in advance.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
The first thing you need to do is drain all of the fluids and replace them before you try and start it. The battery is also likely to be toast and in need of replacement. I wouldn't drive anywhere on the road with those tires either. The rubber in them is going to be in terrible condition and likely to fail. I'd also replace the belts. After sitting that long without running there's likely to be quite a few issues.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 4
Get it running first. Belts, hoses, cap and rotor, plugs and wires, fuel lines, etc. ANYTHING rubber will need replaced. ALL new fluids because they are likely contaminated from condensation. Do a very careful check of the brake system. The front calipers will likely be stuck. Depending on the condition it would be your call on whether the pads/shoes need replaced. Drop the fuel tank and clean it out. It may have pinholes in it, too.
As for the front end...I would replace the bushings and any other parts that need it. The twin I-beam is a good, strong front suspension. It holds up well to the punishment I give mine on the ranch.
Good luck with your project!
As for the front end...I would replace the bushings and any other parts that need it. The twin I-beam is a good, strong front suspension. It holds up well to the punishment I give mine on the ranch.
Good luck with your project!
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 1
From: Suburbs of Chicago
Same as they said, and if you have trouble turning it over, come here for help first before you throw parts at it.
Welcome to FTE.
And if you do decide to drive it home, have LOTS of tools with you.
Welcome to FTE.
And if you do decide to drive it home, have LOTS of tools with you.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
Hello,
I am Lee and new to this site and need some help. I have a 1976 F100 that has been sitting for at least 12 years. What is the 1ST thing I need to do to it? It doesn't have the original motor. It has a 351w. This was my uncles truck that I learned to drive in. I used to ride in his lap and steer while he worked the pedals. It has been in the family for the last 30 years. I know the bushings in the front are shot. Do I rebuild the twin I beam or switch over to a Mustang II? I want to keep the original look, but am not opposed to changing things to make it more driver friendly. Thanks in advance.
I am Lee and new to this site and need some help. I have a 1976 F100 that has been sitting for at least 12 years. What is the 1ST thing I need to do to it? It doesn't have the original motor. It has a 351w. This was my uncles truck that I learned to drive in. I used to ride in his lap and steer while he worked the pedals. It has been in the family for the last 30 years. I know the bushings in the front are shot. Do I rebuild the twin I beam or switch over to a Mustang II? I want to keep the original look, but am not opposed to changing things to make it more driver friendly. Thanks in advance.
The first thing you need to do is formulate a plan. Find out what all the parts are going to cost, what the labor costs will be if you cannot do it yourself.
Whatever figure you come up with, double it, then add 25%. And even then, this still won't be enough.
Rule of thumb: Mechanical work first, body and paint second. Interior last. Disassembly: Take lots of pictures, then take more. If you buy used parts, make sure to record what they came from.
Some people have no plan, go hog wild, tear the entire truck apart. But when reality sets in, many give up.
The parts are piled in the bed, maybe someone will buy the "basket case" but more than likely, the poor 'ol truck will end up in Valhalla.
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 6
Thanks alot for the advise. I have the truck home and it is in the garage. I think I will work on getting it running first. I know it will need all of the rubber parts in the suspension replaced. I will probably take the body off, or at least the bed, then inventory what all need to be replaced. I finished a 1965 Mustang 2 years ago, so the pictures are a big help.
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