Hey everyone. I'm new here. Looking to restore a 78. Or any 70's model. Still need to buy the truck itself. I'm just looking for ideas out there. What model should I get, what should I do with it, should I upgrade anything? What engine should I put in? Anything will be helpful. I need ideas.

 

2wd or 4wd? If 4x4 78-79 is the way to go.

 

Welcome to FTE.

What do you want to do with it?? Do you cruise, go to car shows, hunt, go off-roading, haul stuff for house projects, etc???

Street truck 2WD:
Stock to Mild (and easiest!): 70-79 shortbed, 2WD with a 302/C4, 300/4-speed
Wild: 351W stroked to 392 or 427 backed by a TKO-500 on EFI

Multi-purpose 4WD:
Stock to Mild: 70-76 LB or SB with a 390/NP-435 and a 203/205 Doubler
Wild: 70-79 LB or SB with a 460/ZF5 with a 203/205 on EFI
Wilder: Cummins 12-valve diesel

... I'm not a fan of the 351M/400 engines.

 

Looking to restore it for cruising but I wouldn't mind having enough power under the hood to not loose many races

 

Who and what ya racing?

These rigs are HEAVY but the rear ends are light so hooking up will be a significant challenge. Maybe ya oughtta build a Torino, Maverick, Fairlane, or Cougar.

'Sounds like more critical thinking and more homework is in your immediate future. Good luck.

 

Nothing big just a good motor and maybe a few mods. Not planning on really racing I just don't want to stay behind an unmodified vehicle.

 

I've got a '78 F-250 Supercab Lariat looking for a home. Long bed, dual tanks, 460 auto, tilt and cruise. Let me know if you're interested.

 

The easiest find around me are 77, 78, or 79. Best bet is long beds. But I'm gonna shorten it. Long beds are cheapest and usually in best conditions

 

Unless your an avid do it yourselfer you may want to think about finding something that's completely restored. In this economy your dollar will go a long way compared to restoring one. I've got close to $9K into mine (74 F100 Shortbed Styleside Pickup) and I will be lucky to brake even if I wanted to sell it. Just a thought. You might want to check out Craigslist and see what's out there...

JRB65

 

Here's my advise as I am also a 'first time' restorer.

I should just clarify when I think restorer, I think of bringing back a machine to very close to original condition. Many cannot afford a full restoration or even want to go to "showroom" condition but will be happy with a reliable, nice looking driver version that you can enjoy. So, how nice do you want it to be? How much will you drive it and how far will you take it?


1) Study these trucks and understand the differences between the various years to zero in on what you want, then search and be patient. You'll need plenty of love and passion to get you through the lows. I wanted a 79 F-350 but am happy with my 78 F-250. As I can afford, I will add aftermarket A/C and maybe a 5 speed.

2) Understand your capabilities in terms of welding, body work, painting, mechanical, electric, hydraulics and know what you can do your self and want will need to be farmed out to a pro. Take your farming out estimates and double them for safety. The more you can do on your own the better you can control your cost. You work pretty cheap right?

3) Inventory your tools and have a place to work. I'm doing mine slowly in my driveway and getting tools as I go along but it sure makes things nice and a bit faster if you already have lots of room and the proper tools to remove cab, bed, engine etc. But if you don't have a tool, this will add to the cost. Example: Air Compressor

4) Most importantly understand that this will likely be a marathon and not a sprint race. If you do not have passion, patience and plenty of reserve bank, you might want to just buy something already fixed up. If you work for a living, you will tinker on this on your spare time and will need to pace yourself so you do not get burned out or run out of funds. You'll also want to take plenty of brakes to be with your family or friends but don't give up. Your FTE forum buddies will help motivate.

5) Before starting, get a good idea what you will want to have in the end after you are 'done'. Don't underestimate what this will cost you and when 'done' has arrived.

In the end, you will be rewarded with something you did on your own and a very special classic rig that will reflect your tastes, abilities and pocket book.

 

I would get the 77.5 to 79 trucks. They have the modern power steering vs. the slave cylinder which I think is hard to get parts for.

Also the axles have a modern spline count that makes it easy to get aftermarket parts...if not you may need to get new axle shafts.

And in the end "FIX IT UP HOW YOU (YES YOU) WANT"! Don't let anyone sway you. Everyone has their own tastes. I happen to like a lifted 4wd and always want to put a Cummins in the truck. It took me a long time to find a Cummins to swap in at a decent price and I couldn't be happier. A modified 12v will make even a 79 F250 4x4 with 37x12.50's haul a$$ in 4th gear.

Now I just need to fix up the rest of the truck around it and get a house with a big enough garage to get the truck into and fix her all up.

 

true only for 4wd.

 

From: Dentside Rebuild Guidelines: Step-by-Step

"First a note, some of the phases can be piggybacked. For example, subassemblies (chassis, engine, etc.) can be done while the bodywork is being completed.

Here we go:

Pre-Teardown Phase
Determine the purpose of your rig... street/strip, trail riding, daily driver, etc.
Determine budget...
Now add another 20 percent to your budget.
Determine sources for tech support and parts.
Build a Dentside Reference Library
Order lots of catalogs!!
Invest in a factory shop manual. Chilton's is better than Haynes.
Get your work area and tools in order
Needs.... Money, time, and patience.

Phase 1 - Teardown
Bodywork / Interior Disassembly.
Catalog, label, and bag your parts!
Engine & transmission removal
Bed & cab removal
Chassis disassembly (including rear axle) and hardlines

Phase 2a - Bodywork
Clean & strip body finish
Bodywork, body mods, and seal with epoxy primer
Door fitment & gaps (rebuild your door hinges now)
Paint job!

Phase 2b - Chassis
Strip & refinish frame
Build axles and install new brakes
Build new suspension & steering
Install fuel tank, fuel line, brake lines.

Phase 3 - Powertrain Build-up
Build engine
Build transmission
Build transfer case

Phase 4 - Cab Assembly
Install cab on frame
Install & adjust door & window mechanicals
Install door window glass, rear glass, and windshield
Run all electrical wiring, vacuum hoses, & control cables.
Install under dash components like wiper motor, etc.
Install instruments, steering wheel and column
Install climate control systems
Run any sound-system wiring
Lay sound deadener (like Dynamat) and carpet underlayments
Install firewall pad

Phase 5 - Powertrain Installation
Install engine/transmission/transfer case
Install brake hydraulics (MC/booster/proportioning valve)
Build exhaust system
Install core support & radiator

Phase 6 - First Run
Perform preliminary engine system checks and FIRE IT UP!
At this point you should have a truck that is driveable but not road legal.

Phase 7 - Front Clip Assembly & Bed Assembly
Install inner fenders, fenders, and hood
Install bed and route wiring to rear

Phase 8 - Interior
Upholstery & headliner
Install interior accessories
Watershields & door panels
Carpeting
Install seat(s)

Phase 9 - You're Almost There!
Dial-in engine tuning
Install exterior electrical components (head, tail, side marker, running lights, etc.)
Perform a thorough vehicle system checks
Detail work (emblems, grill, bumpers, etc.)
Exterior accessories (winch, light bars, auxiliary lights, etc.)

Phase 10 - Celebrate!
"

 

I can get parts for a lower price around here. And I wanna do it myself as a hobby. I need something to do. It's hard finding a truck that's a good enough shape that is even worth starting on. Thx for the 77.5 till 79 advice. I love the 70 and 71's but it'd take more money to restore to what I have in mind. Not sure how soon ill start with anything tho cuz I need a bunch of ideas. And thanks for the phase list. It'll help a lot.

 

I might rebuild a 85 to a mudder first for a first timer. Not so important that it turns out perfect. But I'm not sure. I still need advice for a 70's model