I am in the process of purchasing a 1973 f100 Ranger XLT. I have owned a half dozen of the 67-72 bumps, this will be my first dent. While I don't have pics to load just yet, let me tell you a bit about this particular dent. Its been owned by the same owner for the past 35 years, and he just passed on. His daughter is selling it to me with obvious mixed emotions. He didn't drive it much, he only kept it as an emergency vehicle for someone to drive him somewheres, as he was up in age. So, in essence the truck is untouched, with the exception of a completely rebuilt 390 about four years ago. It shows 31k, so I figure 131k. I have talked to this gentlemans mechanic, same mechanic for the truck for the past 20 or so years, and the one who did the rebuild. Let me tell you about the interior....wow. Now I am used to the more primitive 67-72 interiors so this one is special for me. Original carpeting with original FORD mat. (the large mat) All gauges work and are in perfect condition. Dash looks like its 5 years old, not 40 years old. Seat still has bounce and door panels are a 8 out of 10. Its an automatic so I believe it to be equipped with the C6. Stock rims with hubcaps. Its a longbed but the bed looks like it really never hauled much in its life. It used to have a tonneau cover I assume, as there are snaps around the perimeter of the bed. Paint is red, looks original, but oxidized plenty. There lies one of my questions for you:
what is the best way to polish out the paint, so she shines once more ? Name a brand name polish or method. I will use elbow grease for sure. As well I only want to update the stock hubcaps with a nice steel or aluminum rim and needed tires. the tires on the truck look dated. Any color combo's for my red 73 longbed ? I was thinking either a black rim with tires with the white lettering on the outside. What size tire and rim would look best. I want to fill the wheelwheel, no offroading for this girl.
Lastly, tell me about your dent. I want to know more about the 73-79 fords, while I'm waiting for your answers and comments I will be perusing this forum. Thanks for reading....

 

Meguiar's products (cutters, polishes, swirl remover, wax, etc.) , a Makita 7-inch variable speed buffer/polisher, and foam pads and bonnets from TCP Global. Lots of videos on YouTube for your education.

Follow the KISS principle and stick to a few basic colors - in this case: red black, silver/grey, and chrome.

Hubcaps? I've got three sets to suit my mood.. the late model dog dish, the 76-79 caps, and a set of 70s from an Econoline.





In general, you can use the same wheel/tire combo from a Bumpside on a Dentside. They're pretty much sisters under the skin except the Dent has a wider track than a Bump so won't look like it's crabbing.

Post some pics!!

 

I just took pics with my cell. Can you walk me thru the process of getting em on for me ? I want to post em so y'all can see !

 

You have to upload them to photobucket or the like. Then you copy and paste the [img] code into your thread.

 

Original paint is acrylic enamel, it can be color sanded then rubbed out, but you have to know what you're doing, or you may sand off too much paint.

DuPont white polishing compound, apply with a damp sponge, it will be much easier to remove when it dries. Wring the sponge out frequently.

Buffer: If you've never used one, be aware if you don't grip it firmly...it can "take off" on its own.

1977: 15" Styled steel and aluminum wheels introduced for F100/150's, Bronco's got the same wheels in 1978. Variations of these wheels used thru 1996.

The black or chrome plastic hubcaps (Ford called 'em ornaments) are retained to the wheels with anchors and screws. 3 holes for these parts located within the bolt circle.

Types 19 - 20 - 21 ~ Parts catalog pic of 1978/79 Bronco styled wheels, same as 1977/79 F100/150. Type 21 is a styled steel white spoke 'wagon' wheel.

The other types shown are for cars only .. will not fit F100/150/Bronco. 1973/79 Bronco parts listed in the car parts catalog.

 

Could we see some pictures? Here is how.


But I got ta say becoming a supporter is the fastest and easiest way to post pics right from
your whatever pad/cell thing or home computer.
Few of us look in the users Gallery or album as you can see by your recent visitors.


Quote:
Originally Posted by 76f350spercamprspeal

Welcome to FTE, Best Damn Forum EVER!
------------------------
Here's How to Post Pictures:
1. Login to FTE.
2.Click User CP (In the Top Left Hand Corner)
3.(On the Left, There will be a list, The 5th Option Down, will say "Pictures & Albums) Click That.
4.Then, Click Add Album, Enter a title, and description, if ya want to.
5. Click Upload Pictures, Then click Browse, Locate the Files of your truck. (You can add 3 files at a time)
5. Click Upload.
6. Add a description to the individual pictures, then click save.
7. Add more files if ya want.
8. Click The Picture you want to post, it will give you two codes at the bottom, Right Click The Second one (It say's BB Code, Then Say's [IMG]http:blahblahblah...[/IMG])
Then, Once that is highlighted, Right Click, Then Copy, Then Paste it into your post.
You can add up to 30 Images in one FTE Post.
If, Ya need any help, Don't hesitate to ask.


Quote:
Originally Posted by old_dan

You can also go to the "Garage" tab and start an album right here on FTE. After you post pictures to an album, we can look in your album, but you'll also be able to "insert a picture" by pasting in a link to the picture in your album.

It seems awkward, but whenever you "insert a picture" to one of these threads, the forum is looking for the picture somewhere on the web (which is always available) rather than from somewhere on your hard drive (which isn't always available).

Quote:
Originally Posted By Jolly Roger Joe

Welcome to FTE!

Go to Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket and sign up for a free account. Then create an album for your truck. Upload any pics you want to post on FTE to that album. Have this album open on your computer when you want to post pics on FTE.

While you're making a post on FTE, select the pic you want to post from your Photobucket album. When the large version of the pic is open, right mouse click on it and select "View Image Info". The image info will be highlighted and will look something like this:
The best photos and videos | Photobucket

Copy that highlighted info (right click / copy).

When you have the spot in your post where you want the pic to be placed, select the "Insert Image" icon at the top of the post (looks like a mountain) and paste (right click / paste) the image info you copied in the highlighted box (just shows "http://" when it opens).

Your pic will be placed in the post.

Hope that helps.

Here's a tutorial Bob put together: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/67...-pictures.html

 

ND,
You recommend the dupont white compound by itself ? with the damp sponge ? best by hand or can the buffer be used with that particular compound ? My truck is a 73, has the dog dishes, looking to either paint the stock steel rim (black ?) its white now with the dog dish. Advise.

 

You can use a buffer with polishing compound. Buy a cheap paint brush, dip it into the can, then dab it strategically within a limited area.

But I don't recommend buffers because most people have never used them before.

I've seen buffers take off on their own and if, for example, used on the hood, could end up on the windshield, removing the wiper arms/blades, snapping off cowl antennas.

I've used DuPont white since the mid 1950's when I first began using a buffer. DuPont red polishing compound is very gritty, I don't recommend using it.

Apply with damp sponge, will be much easier to wipe off when it dries. Apply 'out of the can' with a dry rag...have fun muscling the dried compound off!

My dad was an Olds dealer, took me along on Saturdays. My first job was detailing used cars, I practiced on the rats aka clunkers, until I knew what I was doing.

GM and some other 50's and earlier cars (not Ford's) were painted with nitrocellulose lacquer. When rubbed out, the finish was bee-u-ti-ful .. mimicked a mirror.

 

As a teen I rubbed out and polished my father's 69 Bronco many many times. It was the same red you are discussing. If it looks nearly pink start with this. Buy a couple cans of Bon Ami cleanser. Use a sponge or Terry cloth towel. Wash with the BonAmi by sprinkling it on the towel / sponge and work a 12x12 area. The Oxidation will just bleed everywhere leaving a new shiny finish. Wash in straight lines with the truck. No circular grinding motions.

Once you have washed the whole truck...then start at the front and go again with the above process. Allow to dry and then move to polishing compounds. Start with a medium cut compound and a fairly slow buffer speed. You want to cut the paint...not polish the oxide INTO the paint.

I like to wash it again at this point. I use Dawn or Joy dish detergent at this step.

Move to a fine cut polish and step up the buffer speed. Here is where you are going to regain most of your shine. Spend the time to eradicate all the buffing marks from the previous step and look to get a pretty decent shiny surface. The more time you spend here trying to get your finish revived will be rewarded when you wax it. It is good to move to a swirrel remover compound next. Get that finish perfect then move on.

Last step...wax. I like to use a quality wax from Meguire's . I generally apply the wax by hand...and buff off using a power buffer on a moderately high speed.

It's been my experience that there is a beautiful finish hiding inside those old oxidized Fords.

 

Thank you all for your comments. Let me work on getting the pic's up so I can share my enthusiasm with you all.

 

I recommend learning and using buffers because the resulting quality is miles above what one would achieve with hand buffing. Plus the time saved is significant.

And there's only one way to gain experience using buffer/polisher and that is to actually use the tool. Incidents as noted above result from shortcutting, inattention, or low intelligence. Read the instructions, take proper precautions, and use the available tools like YouTube. Have at it.

 

Is it 2 or 4 wheel?

IMHO, a 15, 16, or 16.5 wheel looks best on both 2 and 4 models. 31-33 diameter and anywhere from 9-12.5 inches wide looks good. And at any rate, 33x12.50 is about the max size you can run on a stock truck. If it's a factory hi-boy, you can get up to 35's.

This is what my rigs got. They are 16.5x9 wheels, 31x10.50 tires.






A good thread to check out is over here --> https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ire-wheel.html

Can't wait to see some pictures of your truck!


-Jameson