Feardeere7s Offical Resto/Conversion Thread
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Michigan
Great start for a project!
I went through this same thing a couple years ago. Inherited a 78 when I was 14 from my father ended up scrapping it because it was too far gone. Got a 79 that I started to do a frame off on, but I was working at half the speed of something slow on it, and I couldn't keep throwing money at it. Brings me to the 76 I've got now, at 17 years old.
Here's a couple tips I've got:
1. Make a plan and stick to it (which already looks like you do)
2. If you ever feel like you just want to drive the damn thing off a cliff when something goes bad, time to take a break from it.
3. Do everything right the first time. Don't cheap out on something, only to have to replace it later on down the line. Even if it means holding up the project until money becomes available. That's one thing I wish I did on my 79.
4. Never be afraid to ask questions. The only stupid question is the one you don't ask. There are a lot of knowledgeable people here.
5. Lastly, once you hit high school time runs out real quick. You'll find yourself spending a lot more time on schoolwork and work (if you are so inclined. It's nice for paychecks, not for spare time) than you can on your projects. Basically, get done as much as you can before the going gets tough, and you'll be golden!
--
Looking forward to the work you have planned out. Hopefully you get a little further along with yours than I did with mine.
-Jameson
I went through this same thing a couple years ago. Inherited a 78 when I was 14 from my father ended up scrapping it because it was too far gone. Got a 79 that I started to do a frame off on, but I was working at half the speed of something slow on it, and I couldn't keep throwing money at it. Brings me to the 76 I've got now, at 17 years old.
Here's a couple tips I've got:
1. Make a plan and stick to it (which already looks like you do)
2. If you ever feel like you just want to drive the damn thing off a cliff when something goes bad, time to take a break from it.
3. Do everything right the first time. Don't cheap out on something, only to have to replace it later on down the line. Even if it means holding up the project until money becomes available. That's one thing I wish I did on my 79.
4. Never be afraid to ask questions. The only stupid question is the one you don't ask. There are a lot of knowledgeable people here.
5. Lastly, once you hit high school time runs out real quick. You'll find yourself spending a lot more time on schoolwork and work (if you are so inclined. It's nice for paychecks, not for spare time) than you can on your projects. Basically, get done as much as you can before the going gets tough, and you'll be golden!
--
Looking forward to the work you have planned out. Hopefully you get a little further along with yours than I did with mine.
-Jameson
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Senior User
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From: Michigan
Thanks for the advice supercabfreak! Did you decide anything about your 4wd conversion?
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From: Michigan
Hey guys, sorry I've been so bad about posting lately. I am currently at the stage of pulling my motor and tranny, I also have started removing all of the cab glass. I have pics all the way up until this point that I have yet to post. I will post them all when I get a chance!
Anyways I have been killing myself over stretching my frame. Can you guys please give me any pointers or info on how to do this. I have searched and searched and still haven't found the results I'm looking for. Things like straight cut versus "z" cut, where up cut the frame, how to fish plate over it. Does anyone have any pics or threads on this? Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Hunter
Anyways I have been killing myself over stretching my frame. Can you guys please give me any pointers or info on how to do this. I have searched and searched and still haven't found the results I'm looking for. Things like straight cut versus "z" cut, where up cut the frame, how to fish plate over it. Does anyone have any pics or threads on this? Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Hunter
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 9
From: Western Washington
This seems to have a pretty good write up: What is correct way to lengthen/shorten truck frame? - TheDieselGarage.com
Sam
Sam
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From: Michigan
The next thing I did was take off the bed. It was fairly easy, I took out the 8 bolts, unhooked the gas fill tubes, and rigged it up. My dad and I rigged it up to a chain fall in my shop lifted it up and drove the truck out from under it.
Then I backed the tractor and wagon in, set it on the wagon and pulled it out side.
Then I backed the tractor and wagon in, set it on the wagon and pulled it out side.
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From: Michigan
The next steps in the tear down we're removing the headliner and the rest of the interior. I don't have any pics of the stripped interior at the moment. After the interior was the front clip. Thanks to all who replied to that thread!
First to come off was the hood.
And then the clip, here's me and my truck
This is how my truck sits at the moment. I am waiting on an engine crane to pull the motor and tranny.
First to come off was the hood.
And then the clip, here's me and my truck
This is how my truck sits at the moment. I am waiting on an engine crane to pull the motor and tranny.
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From: Michigan
Here is some pics of my 77' F-250 rolling chassis, this is the frame I will extend to convert my Supercab to 4wd. I payed $1000 for it, got all new shocks, bearings, calipers, rotors, and shoes for it from the guy I bought it from.
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From: Michigan
This is my 73' F-250 highboy. Today is my last day of school until winter break, it's gonna be awesome two weeks of nothing but working on my trucks!!
If everything goes as planed I will be bringing it home tomorrow. I will post more pics as soon as I get it home!
This is the headache rack on my buddy's truck, I will be building one just like it for mine.
If everything goes as planed I will be bringing it home tomorrow. I will post more pics as soon as I get it home!
This is the headache rack on my buddy's truck, I will be building one just like it for mine.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 321
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From: Arcade, Georgia
Wow. I'm impressed. 
Keep up the good work and keep in mind all the good advice you have received in here so far (and there is a LOT of GOOD advice so far).
I might make a suggestion or two though: Those stock "dog dish" hub caps- DO NOT THROW THEM AWAY! I know of several on here as well at car / truck shows who would love to pay you for them. The same can be said about parts for that and your parts trucks. If you make a good list of what you have and what you will be using and will not be using, you can help finance some of your truck build with items you don't need, but others may be looking for. When I built Old Blue, I had a set and a half of dentside trim that was too oxidized for my taste but was better than what someone else had. I got a couple of bucks for it and they got a good deal on something they needed.
One other thing you might consider for your build-If you're planning on actually using the truck off road, decide if you really need the manual or if you want the automatic. Things to consider here are what you intend to run for tire sizes and if you will be doing any real off roading. Most builders down here are turning to built automatics as they hold up better in heavy slop and clay trails and especially in rock crawling and hill climbs. Too many folks here have burnt out a clutch or two off roading in the Georgia clay.
Keep up the good work and keep in mind all the good advice you have received in here so far (and there is a LOT of GOOD advice so far).
I might make a suggestion or two though: Those stock "dog dish" hub caps- DO NOT THROW THEM AWAY! I know of several on here as well at car / truck shows who would love to pay you for them. The same can be said about parts for that and your parts trucks. If you make a good list of what you have and what you will be using and will not be using, you can help finance some of your truck build with items you don't need, but others may be looking for. When I built Old Blue, I had a set and a half of dentside trim that was too oxidized for my taste but was better than what someone else had. I got a couple of bucks for it and they got a good deal on something they needed.
One other thing you might consider for your build-If you're planning on actually using the truck off road, decide if you really need the manual or if you want the automatic. Things to consider here are what you intend to run for tire sizes and if you will be doing any real off roading. Most builders down here are turning to built automatics as they hold up better in heavy slop and clay trails and especially in rock crawling and hill climbs. Too many folks here have burnt out a clutch or two off roading in the Georgia clay.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 321
Likes: 1
From: Arcade, Georgia
....oh yeah.. one other thing: When you stretch the frame, are you planning on using a short of long bed with that supercab? I think back then you could only get a long bed with the supercab, but since you're building it from scratch.... 
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Senior User
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From: Michigan
Wow. I'm impressed.
Keep up the good work and keep in mind all the good advice you have received in here so far (and there is a LOT of GOOD advice so far).
I might make a suggestion or two though: Those stock "dog dish" hub caps- DO NOT THROW THEM AWAY! I know of several on here as well at car / truck shows who would love to pay you for them. The same can be said about parts for that and your parts trucks. If you make a good list of what you have and what you will be using and will not be using, you can help finance some of your truck build with items you don't need, but others may be looking for. When I built Old Blue, I had a set and a half of dentside trim that was too oxidized for my taste but was better than what someone else had. I got a couple of bucks for it and they got a good deal on something they needed.
One other thing you might consider for your build-If you're planning on actually using the truck off road, decide if you really need the manual or if you want the automatic. Things to consider here are what you intend to run for tire sizes and if you will be doing any real off roading. Most builders down here are turning to built automatics as they hold up better in heavy slop and clay trails and especially in rock crawling and hill climbs. Too many folks here have burnt out a clutch or two off roading in the Georgia clay.
Keep up the good work and keep in mind all the good advice you have received in here so far (and there is a LOT of GOOD advice so far).
I might make a suggestion or two though: Those stock "dog dish" hub caps- DO NOT THROW THEM AWAY! I know of several on here as well at car / truck shows who would love to pay you for them. The same can be said about parts for that and your parts trucks. If you make a good list of what you have and what you will be using and will not be using, you can help finance some of your truck build with items you don't need, but others may be looking for. When I built Old Blue, I had a set and a half of dentside trim that was too oxidized for my taste but was better than what someone else had. I got a couple of bucks for it and they got a good deal on something they needed.
One other thing you might consider for your build-If you're planning on actually using the truck off road, decide if you really need the manual or if you want the automatic. Things to consider here are what you intend to run for tire sizes and if you will be doing any real off roading. Most builders down here are turning to built automatics as they hold up better in heavy slop and clay trails and especially in rock crawling and hill climbs. Too many folks here have burnt out a clutch or two off roading in the Georgia clay.
~Hunter