Yet Another Build Thread
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 92
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From: Fairhope, AL
Yet Another Build Thread
Alright, I think its time I started a build thread. I have made the decision to move beyond basic repairs to a full blown resto/mod/build. I guess I have just caught the bug form pouring through this forum for the last few years. Thanks to all you guys here I think I have a realistic understanding of the monumental task ahead of me and the timeline I can expect(a long one). I have started the tear down phase, but I have done some work and rework already so I may mix a little history in when the "time and money" get short for this project. I am really looking forward to getting my hands dirty with this truck again, sharing it with all of you and getting your comments and advice.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 92
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From: Fairhope, AL
Thanks Turbo.
You pose some really good questions that I am not sure I have all the answers to. I have had so many ideas over the years and reading this board has not made decisions any easier with all of the really excellent folks and work on display. I have gone from wanting to swap the 300 I6 with 3 on the tree to a 351 with a 4 speed and changing my mind back again to I don't really know right now. I do know I want to upgrade to power brakes... possibly a hydro boost setup. A color change will almost certainly happen but I think I want to stick with colors available on this truck correct for the year. I would love love love to add AC preferably the factory system. It's not like I haven't had enough time to think about it though. I got the truck from my Granddaddy back in 1994 when I was 15. The first pic here is that day. Before I turned 16 the next summer my dad and I rebuilt the 300. The second picture was the engine ready to go back in.
You pose some really good questions that I am not sure I have all the answers to. I have had so many ideas over the years and reading this board has not made decisions any easier with all of the really excellent folks and work on display. I have gone from wanting to swap the 300 I6 with 3 on the tree to a 351 with a 4 speed and changing my mind back again to I don't really know right now. I do know I want to upgrade to power brakes... possibly a hydro boost setup. A color change will almost certainly happen but I think I want to stick with colors available on this truck correct for the year. I would love love love to add AC preferably the factory system. It's not like I haven't had enough time to think about it though. I got the truck from my Granddaddy back in 1994 when I was 15. The first pic here is that day. Before I turned 16 the next summer my dad and I rebuilt the 300. The second picture was the engine ready to go back in.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,656
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From: Northern and Southern Cal
Love that the family is involved and you got it from Grandad.
Don't ever let it go.
I get that you may want a V8, but that 300 is one of the coolest darn engine engines around.
I think they are the next big deal in dents.
Matter of fact Horsepower TV is in the middle of a 300 build up.
You can watch it online.
It's your truck though, have a great time with it and keep us up to date.
Don't ever let it go.
I get that you may want a V8, but that 300 is one of the coolest darn engine engines around.
I think they are the next big deal in dents.
Matter of fact Horsepower TV is in the middle of a 300 build up.
You can watch it online.
It's your truck though, have a great time with it and keep us up to date.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 654
Likes: 2
From: The Lone Star State
Way to go Lbumpers! Looks like you have some fine help there too and hopefully they will take interest and lean a few things. I think its pretty awesome its a family truck too!
You mentioned A/C which is something I'd like to add to mine as well and at first I was thinking factory but in all of my research I think I'm well convinced that an aftermarket system will not only work way better than any restored and retrofitted OEM but it will likely be cheaper too, so that's something you can investigate. I'm pretty certain I saw a few threads on here about installing aftermarket A/C.
Although I love V8s I think if you can keep your I6 you'll likely be glad you did especially later on when gas goes back up.
How tough was it lifting that bed off with 2 people?
You mentioned A/C which is something I'd like to add to mine as well and at first I was thinking factory but in all of my research I think I'm well convinced that an aftermarket system will not only work way better than any restored and retrofitted OEM but it will likely be cheaper too, so that's something you can investigate. I'm pretty certain I saw a few threads on here about installing aftermarket A/C.
Although I love V8s I think if you can keep your I6 you'll likely be glad you did especially later on when gas goes back up.
How tough was it lifting that bed off with 2 people?
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 92
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From: Fairhope, AL
I just watched the horsepower tv episode on the 300. I'm really interested to see how that turns out. Thanks for the heads up on that. I am going to watch out for the next episode.
Kikkup, I am not sold out on anything just yet so I appreciate your input and will definitely research the ac further before making decisions. Plus that is a ways on down the road too
and yeah I am definitely going to keep the kids as involved as I can throughout the process.
Kikkup, I am not sold out on anything just yet so I appreciate your input and will definitely research the ac further before making decisions. Plus that is a ways on down the road too
and yeah I am definitely going to keep the kids as involved as I can throughout the process.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 92
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From: Fairhope, AL
Oh, the bed... It really wasn't too bad with just two guys and it is a long bed at that. The balance point was a little further forward than the center of the wheel well which made getting a hold of it a little awkward. It is definitely doable with two people but I have to say I wouldn't turn down any extra hands!
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 477
Likes: 1
From: Florida
Very Cool !! Here's Mine for "MOTIVATION" "WORK IN PROGRESS"
Hi, Nice truck 
to RESTORE, can't wait to see the PROGRESS, GOOD LUCK !!!!
to RESTORE, can't wait to see the PROGRESS, GOOD LUCK !!!!
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That's a sweet looking 58 Nice work!
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 92
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From: Fairhope, AL
Paperwork
Hey guys I dug up and scanned some of the original paperwork for my truck. Check it out. For some of you that are original owners this may bring back some fond memories of a proud day.
My best understanding is these are the Dealer Invoice, Factory Invoice, and Pre-Delivery Service Record. Someone please correct me if I am wrong. Its crazy what has happened to the price of trucks since then!
Also, Any body ever get 28 mpg out of one of the straight sixes?!?
My best understanding is these are the Dealer Invoice, Factory Invoice, and Pre-Delivery Service Record. Someone please correct me if I am wrong. Its crazy what has happened to the price of trucks since then!
Also, Any body ever get 28 mpg out of one of the straight sixes?!?
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 403
Likes: 8
From: Pensacola, FL
Bump, Sweet truck and cool story! You will (as I have) find great stories and build options on here. Build it how you want and make Gramps proud! Subscribed! BTW, I know where Fairhope is because I am in the Navy and was stationed in P-cola. Love the area!
Dakota
Dakota
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 477
Likes: 1
From: Florida
1978 F100
Thanks, Still needs allot of work but I have put allot of elbow grease into it since I got it. WOW !!! you ain't kidding on the PRICE of your Truck on that Paperwork, VERY COOL to see Original Paperwork to your Truck, you just don't see that anymore. PRICES have gone UP... LOL.... since 1978.... Looking forward to see your progress on your Truck.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 92
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From: Fairhope, AL
A few things accomplished over the holiday weekend. Got the bed moved over to storage, the hood too. Started taking apart the front clip. Not a whole lot but progress is progress I guess.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 477
Likes: 1
From: Florida
PROGRESS !!!
Hi, YES, I Agree with you, anything that you do is PROGRESS to your Truck even if it's taking your bed to storage and taking the hood off. Now are you gonna frame off restore or are you shooting to MILDLY restore where you clean, sandblast, and Paint ???