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Hello to everyone!
I'm new to this posting stuff so please be kind.
I recently sold my SUV to get a pickup. Since I was on a tight budget, I decided to get an older truck. In my recearch, I was surprized by the beauty & design of oldertrucks (60's-70's). I looked everywhere for about a month and finally got my hands on a '71 F100 for $500. I love it! It's 3 on tree, straight 6 cylinder, 300-6, light green, body & interior is in good shape, engine runs, very little rust on body (most of it is in the bed), but it hasn't been used for a little over a year. My friend & I are in the middle of giving it a major tune-up but I was wondering, is there anything I should be consurned about?
Change all the fluids including the brakes and lube everything up including the wheel bearings. I would probably replace the fuel pump, they seem to die suddenly if the vehicle was parked for a while. For $10 its cheap insurance. Make sure the battery is filled.
Wow, you certainly found a gem there. I only paid $100 less than you (after talking the guy down) - and your truck is in such better shape than my old Tank!
I would also suggest the fuel pump.... goodness knows I was stranded on the way to work one day because of a fuel pump that sprung a leak and left the contents of my gas tank on the pavement.
Thanks for the suggestions!
I live in MO, (very close to where the tornados hit a month ago).
So far I got a new battery, I took apart & cleaned the carborator, changed the spark plugs, new belt, new silicon "thingy" (I can't remember the part right now), and I plan to change the oil.
By the way, any of you'all got photos of what the engine originally looked like? Also, do you know where can I find a copy of the owner's manual & repair book on the web?
Not buy it, but download it?
Thirds on the fuel pump, and replace the fuel filter. I had an old one just come to pieces and intermitendly clog up the fuel lines.
Tofi expand on rebocardo's post, Get a aeresol can of lithium grease (not WD-40 or LPS 1 or 3, the can has to say grease )and spray up your hinges and latches on the gate, hood and doors. Maybe your carb, clutch and shift linkages but only on the outside of the cab.
If your truck is like mine, you'll be surprised how easily things start operating. Don't over do it with the spray can as it can get messy quick. The results may take some time as driving causes vibrations that work the grease in.
WD-40 is great for unsticking things or light lubrication, but it will disappear quickly outdoors. The grease tends to stay on for longer periods of time. And the aeresol can make it convenient.
Originally posted by txwing By the way, any of you'all got photos of what the engine originally looked like? Also, do you know where can I find a copy of the owner's manual & repair book on the web?
Not buy it, but download it?
The only repair manual I know of is Chiltons. Mine is the 'old' style,
one of the smaller ones. The Chilton's number is 6913. I don't know where to find a downloadable one.
There is a Ford Factory shop manual on CD ROM available from the FTE parts store, just click the button in the upper right hand corner to get to the store. Cost is $49.95. You could print off the page(s) relative to whatever you were working on.
(Or just click the hot link in this post.)
Here is a tip that will save you several headaches. Wrap a hand towel or ragg around the lobotomizer (also know as the hood latch) when working under the hood. This will save a lot of grey matter.
I have found my 67 300 six to be a very reliable engine. My biggest problems have been with the pain in the rear single barrel carb. This would be my reccomendation for a first upgrade.