Very well put ! This truck is a true "Surivor" I thing some people miss the point of a "Surivor" a original patina, stock matching # engine just the idea of unmolested truck is the coolest thing. As long as you can get it drive down the road. I know some of you guys thing everything should be restored to be nice or like new. But to restore something you are taking away what took 37yrs to get that way. So there are 2 different ways of looking at it and to each there own. But honestly this truck has such a cool look to it. That putting bondo & primer on it would be a disservice to saving a true "Surivor".

Anyone with deep pockets can restore a truck but to find a unmolested truck and get it to drive down the road is VERY rare.

FordMan you have one cool truck !

 

No such thing in a Ford truck. The motor was never stamped to match what it was put into.

Am I the only one that is seeing this as nothing more than a parts truck?

 

Here's to "patina!!" I have found that it is my favorite look! And the least labor intensive one!
And you do have some work cut out for you,,,personally, I would use it as a parts truck,,,
and is it me, or is the rear diff a Dana 60 and is it upside down/flipped?

 

I wish my old lady looked as good as your truck...

 

Hoooey that rig is crusty.

Here are a few guidelines:

Preserve Sanity.

• Grab a trash bag and cardboard box… trash and garbage goes in the bag and any spare parts goes into the box.
• The owners manual and, if present, fuses goes in the glove box.
• Vacuum/sweep out the interior and sweep out the bed.
• Clear out drain holes.
• Powerwash the body, wheel wells, and even the engine compartment. Every nook and cranny. Crap falling into your eyes is no fun.
• Cleanliness is next to…

Evaluation/Visual Inspection.
Grab a note pad and do a bumper to bumper visual inspection.. this is also time to go on “Hack Patrol” – All those so-called “repairs” made by previous owners. Look for duct tape, household wire nuts, electrical tape, wood screws, wires that go to nowhere.

On the notepad make three columns/categories:

• Gotta fix/replace now.. these include safety items like lights and brakes, cab mounts;
• Gotta fix/upgrade/replace soon or “The Watch List” – floor pans.; and,
• Fix later – rust holes, old wiper blades, loose ***** and switches.
• Look for loose, missing, or broken hardware like lug nuts, fender and bumper bolts, and bellhousing to engine bolts. Feel around for soft or cracked hoses – radiator hoses degrade from the inside. Crimp it with your hand and it should have the same firmness all the way around.

Fluids and Filters
Change everything...Engine oil, coolant, auto trans, power steering, and brake fluid. If possible, front and rear axle lube, and gear lube in a manual trans.
Air up the tires and the spare.
Lube all grease fittings.

Fire It Up
New/known good battery
Full tune-up... plugs, wires, etc. and a carb rebuild kit. A spare starter solenoid is a good idea.
Rebuild the carb.
If the fuel tank is of unknown condition, run the fuel pump from a gas can.
.... have a fire extinguisher handy or "fire it up" may have a whole new meaning.

... from here on out it is really up to you. Personally, I like to verify the electrical systems as a matter of safety (lights, horns, etc.) and then start on brakes and steering.

Good luck!

 

Why, looks ta me you gots a can a WD40 rightchair there ready to go. You're all set.

 

The interior, toolbox, and bed have been cleared! Also I put a cover on it today. Stopped anymore damage from happening.

 

You'ze got some nards for tackling that baby.
Good luck, we'll be here to keep you on the path to redemption.
Pretty damn straight truck.

 

You sir are a brave and noble man, and I salute you!

Or as Buzz Lightyear told Woody,
"You are a sad, strange little man, and you have my pity"
just because I have watched it a bozillion times...!

 

Have you tried turning the engine over yet?
I got a 78 Bronco right after Christmas that had set for 12 years without running and the oil pan off of it. It was locked up and full of dirt daubers in the bottom end. Filled each cylinder full of pb blaster until it was running out. I got it to start moving. Got all the dirt daubers out I could with air compressor. Oiled it from below with a oil can. Put it all together and it fired up. I've changed oil 3 times everytime I get 200 miles on it. Runs smooth as silk and burns no oil.

 

Nice! No I haven't tried anything yet, the key has been lost. A set of blank keys are on the way I will have them cut when they get here! I need to see if any oil will drain, (I doubt it.) Put new plugs in, fresh oil, get a new belt, and get the carburetor going or buy a new one. Fingers crossed that it will start! Thanks everyone for the positive feedback it's great support!

 

A ton of great info!! Thank you!

 

The bed has been cleared out! After it gets above freezing I will borrow a pressure washer and get it really clean.

 

I'd go easy with that pressure! I've got I do the same thing in mine. It had about 6 inches of decomposing leaves in the bed when I got it.

 

I respect guys taking projects like this. In some places. Like here by us these trucks are not so common so getting an old truck like this one is very lucky. I think the rusty look gives it character. Even if you go for the respray option I can ensure you the day you drive it down the road for the 1st time all the work put into it will be worth it. Great find and good luck with your project. Looking forward to the build