New guy, new project
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Joined: Feb 2013
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New guy, new project
Hi! folks.
Well, I finally got off my behind and bought my project truck.
1985 F150, 300/6, 4 speed manual, base model.
I bought an Arizona truck, so no rust.
First project, replace all body, suspension and I beam bushings, actually every bushing on the truck.
Second, I need a complete steering column, whell to pump. Anyone have a good lead on complete system?
Third, engine rebuild, convert to carburetor/ DuraSpark II ignition and ditch the emissions ( not required after 24 years in Tx.).
Fourth, re-do dash/interior.
Fifth, restore paint an all exterior lighting.
I guess I am just building myself a new truck with an old frame/body. I figure the mechanical etc. will be around $10k. Another $2k. for the paint.
Detroit won't build what I want, I will.
If anyone has any leads on the steering column etc. I would really appreciate them .
Well, I finally got off my behind and bought my project truck.
1985 F150, 300/6, 4 speed manual, base model.
I bought an Arizona truck, so no rust.
First project, replace all body, suspension and I beam bushings, actually every bushing on the truck.
Second, I need a complete steering column, whell to pump. Anyone have a good lead on complete system?
Third, engine rebuild, convert to carburetor/ DuraSpark II ignition and ditch the emissions ( not required after 24 years in Tx.).
Fourth, re-do dash/interior.
Fifth, restore paint an all exterior lighting.
I guess I am just building myself a new truck with an old frame/body. I figure the mechanical etc. will be around $10k. Another $2k. for the paint.
Detroit won't build what I want, I will.
If anyone has any leads on the steering column etc. I would really appreciate them .
Last edited by terryboy; Feb 8, 2013 at 11:47 AM. Reason: pic
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 347
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From: San Jose, CA
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Truck Parts and Truck Accessories for Chevy, GMC, Ford and Dodge Trucks from LMCTruck.com
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Ford Six Performance Home/Index
Senior User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 155
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From: North, Ga.
Looks like a great project. I am doing basically the same with an 85 4x4. I hope to finish it with a little less cost though.
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Joined: Feb 2013
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I could,"get by", with about $700- $1,000. I want this to be as good, or better than new.
I plan on turning this into my daily driver.
I am old enough to remember my first truck a 69 Ford with 3 on the column and a 300 six. The drive back reminded me how much I liked the old Fords.
I plan on turning this into my daily driver.
I am old enough to remember my first truck a 69 Ford with 3 on the column and a 300 six. The drive back reminded me how much I liked the old Fords.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Parkesburg PA
Nice truck.
Any column from 80-91 (pre-airbag) should work. Grab it from the yard. As for the steering box there's a group buy for Mar 4-6th for a readheads steering gear. There's a thread in the 73-79 section that you can post if you're interested in getting involved RH does a precision rebuild the boxes. Even with the discount though they're 60-70 more than a parts store box though. However the quality is second to none. They also upgrade some bushings to bearings for better performance and longer life.
Any column from 80-91 (pre-airbag) should work. Grab it from the yard. As for the steering box there's a group buy for Mar 4-6th for a readheads steering gear. There's a thread in the 73-79 section that you can post if you're interested in getting involved RH does a precision rebuild the boxes. Even with the discount though they're 60-70 more than a parts store box though. However the quality is second to none. They also upgrade some bushings to bearings for better performance and longer life.
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Minnesota
I haven't had to do many of the things on your list, so I can only offer encouragement. Nice truck! Looks like a definitely worthwhile project.
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Thanks guys.
A lot of the bushings are shot, baaaad! So, I'll just replace them all.
I may be high on my estimate. I just figured on worst case, replace everything, because I want basically a new truck. I drive between homes in Tx. and Ky. every other month, reliability is a must.
Plus I'm going to go full custom interior.
I'm thinking similar to the early 70's dash, with metal front and just a padded top. I'm part owner in a metal fab shop so, making about anything I can dream up is no problem. Thinkin' diamond plate dash, modern gauges, rocker switches, hinged instrument cluster for easy access,. Go old school with the heater/ac controls with pull or slide levers. Even thought about small ball valves for the heater temp controls.
Time to fire up a CAD program and start some dash mock-ups.
A lot of the bushings are shot, baaaad! So, I'll just replace them all.
I may be high on my estimate. I just figured on worst case, replace everything, because I want basically a new truck. I drive between homes in Tx. and Ky. every other month, reliability is a must.
Plus I'm going to go full custom interior.
I'm thinking similar to the early 70's dash, with metal front and just a padded top. I'm part owner in a metal fab shop so, making about anything I can dream up is no problem. Thinkin' diamond plate dash, modern gauges, rocker switches, hinged instrument cluster for easy access,. Go old school with the heater/ac controls with pull or slide levers. Even thought about small ball valves for the heater temp controls.
Time to fire up a CAD program and start some dash mock-ups.
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