restoring a '71 XLT
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 126
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From: San Antonio
restoring a '71 XLT
I feel like I am lucky to have found this site, this is my first post so let me know if I am doing something wrong. I just acquired a ’71 XLT, 390, column shift 3 speed. I am in the process of pulling the engine at this time. It is my intention to restore this truck, and make improvements where ever possible. I don’t think I am on un-chartered waters. Whatever I intend to do someone out there has already done. I would like to put disc brakes on the front, some sort of electronic ignition, put a better intake and carburetor. I read the posting on the disc brake conversion but if there is a kit containing the needed hardware I would prefer that rather than stumbling around the junkyard, fighting with the scorpions and snakes. If anyone has any suggestions for accomplishing these goals I would appreciate hearing from you. My direct e-mail is bmclaren@swri.edu thanks in advance for your help and I will be back as questions come up.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 1
From: Tucson
restoring a '71 XLT
Bill,
Welcome to the best Ford site on the Internet. Hey, those snakes and scorpions need company so don't rule out the wrecking yards. Just about anything you need to know you will find here, however, keep an eye on eBay for parts. Just query your make and model and try 68, 69 and so on through 72. Good luck.
jor
Welcome to the best Ford site on the Internet. Hey, those snakes and scorpions need company so don't rule out the wrecking yards. Just about anything you need to know you will find here, however, keep an eye on eBay for parts. Just query your make and model and try 68, 69 and so on through 72. Good luck.
jor
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 520
Likes: 1
From: california
restoring a '71 XLT
I actually liked the column shift in my 67 until it got really sloppy. The column shift allowed lots of leg room. Back in the day, I had four people sitting across that bench seat.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio
restoring a '71 XLT
I like the column shift as well, however I will have to take a close look at it when I get the engine out to check wear. I hate it when they hang up. Except for major technical improvements I am going to keep it as origional looking as possible. Thanks for the comeback.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,622
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From: nevada
restoring a '71 XLT
Once while on an elk hunting trip to Idaho, I had myself and 3 other guys in cab of my '72. The guy next to me shifted 1st & 2nd, and the next guy shifted 3rd & 4th. Oh ya, we had 2 elk in the back, too.
