this will be my thread to document the restoration/reconditioning of my 78 flairside f150 some info if you did not see my intro thread when i got the truck has a 460 engine was origanily a 400 c6 transmission 4x4 has some rust only bad spot is the drivers cab corner

pics

 

I'll be looking forward to your progress. I have the same truck - Ranger - same color with a 351m. Keep the pics coming.

Good luck.

Mark

 

Looks like you got your self a good project base there. Also be sure to use proper punctuation. It makes for better and easier reading. Some guys here are **** about that too.

 

things that i have done so far replaced clown steering wheel lol. new cover for the dome light new taillights fixed the wiring harnesses for the taillights. fixed dash lights sanded down the copper connectors they work now. ordered new locking hubs should be here by Wednesday replaced cab light bulbs. will be fabricating some new mounts for my taillights tomorrow the drivers side is rusted through pic below. and i cant find replacements so ill make my own. just small things so far but it all adds up in the end.

 

found this today while cleaning out the previous owners junk.







i am guessing original owner documentation does not come up to often or does it? and i know the first set of numbers is the vin. whats does the rest the numbers and letters mean.

 

Nice truck. I have the same truck, same color and mine also has a 460 but with a 4 speed trans. I have the same problem with the tail light brackets only I need the passenger side. Would you be interested in selling your passenger side and or driver side brackets since your fabbing up a new set?

 

I think I remember you asked in a previous thread about doing a swap on some chrome one's I forgot to get back with you I whould be interested in doing something on that pm me and we can work out something

 

Try looking Here at these two VIN lookup sites.
VIN Decoder | fleet.ford.com
http://www.cyclepedia.com/manuals/CPP-VIN/index.php
I was able to find out the plant where my truck was made, the original motor, the original gross axle weight it was rated for and even the original paint color. I had to find this VIN number explaination in a Ford manual that I also found on line. Not sure where to direct you to find that Ford manual but inside the manual was an explaination a reference for the VIN numbers.

 

Your truck originaly came with a 400-2v. That is what the 4th digit S stands for. H = Dk. Brown Met. 46 = District sales office (Indianapolis), F140 = Model code and GVW, 3 = Flareside, H2 = Axle Ltd. slip 3.50, J = power steering, G = auto trans.

 

update today i started on the taillight brake's today but did not get theme finish though. will be next weekend before i Finnish theme i got a couple fm transmitters so i could play my mp3 player. and keep the original radio but they turned out to be junk so i went the expensive route and got an isimple conversion kit. it hooks into the antenna in the back of the radio and has an auxiliary cable at the end of it. there were no wires cut to install this it was 150$ but i think it was worth it to keep the original radio. and not have to cut up the dash to put in a aftermarket radio.



i also discovered why the truck was such a rough ride







it appears rear shocks need replaced though but i am not to worried about it i planed on redoing the whole suspension in June anyways

 

The FA0363 is the key code for your ignition. You can use that number to get a new key made from a locksmith if you lose yours, as long as the ignition is original.

 

ignition is original so that is good to know thanks this form is so helpful probably the best form i have ever been on

 

haven't posted in a while been busy but got started the process on installing my vinyl floor. i put seam seal around all the welds today i hope to put the rubber undercoating on tonight. so i can install the vinyl tomorrow morning here are some pics.


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who ever did the patch job on the floors. with the custom patch panels actually did not do to bad of a job surprisingly.

 

I have that same rear shock mount problem. I ordered new mounts from LMC and if the rain stays away today I plan on replacing mine and putting new shocks on as well.

 

That's on my list I got the new mounts I'm going to get a lift kit it will take care of shocks and springs at the same time I'll probably do mine on 4th of July shutdown.