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Hey Guys, wanted to introduce myself to my local Ford truck lovers.
I picked my truck up this summer out of a barn. The initial plan was to get it running and use it as a yard truck this summer with the intention of restoring it eventually. It's proven to be a bit more then a small task to get it back on the road, a new carb, lifters, fluids, and hoses were major upgrades along with a few minor tweaks got it running.I really thought I was in the clear and on the 17th drove it around for 45min enjoying my success. That all came to an abrupt end the following weekend, I hadn't used the truck since the 17th and initial start was rough and shut it down within in seconds because things sounded terrible. Inspection showed the vast majority of the push rods had bent. I'm no export but those close to me said basically my heads are super gummed up inside and my joy ride was enough to soften things and settle around the valves essentially gluing them closed when everything cooled.
Now that this has happening I'm not sure what direction things will take. I have access to a 1977 F250 4x4 with not much body left but solid drive train (351m, Np435, NP205), may consider a body swap. Quite a few are saying throw away to stock drive train and put in a 351w crate engine, these are cheaper and more parts available, lighter, etc. Plus the low compression 390's of the mid 70's weren't exactly powerhouses but I may still pull the motor do a garage rebuild just for the fun of it.
Who knows, regardless I'm sure I'll be using Ft forum a lot along the way.
Welcome! Looks like a sweet little classic! I'm not familiar with the old vehicles, especially not the gas. I have an '84 or something with a 5.8L that runs well. It's set up to run on propane but I have no use for the truck. If you'd be interested in the engine, send me pm.
Looks pretty decent there my friend, maybe all you need is a small winter project. Pop the heads off and clean them up.
Also glad you made it to the Fourm!
I don't know about swaping you body onto the 4x4 frame. The 4x4 F250 had a narrow frame. I can't say that the 2wd frame is the same width or wider. I guess it can be done but may take some extra work. Don't take my word on it but it may be something to look into if you decide to go that route.
Oh and nice looking truck. I have a 75 and it doesn't look near that pretty.
It's a 77.5 F250, so that means non-highboy and same frame width as my 2wd. Like I said not sure what my plan is yet so thanks for the offer 73fan but will pass for now. There is some rust hidden behind the lower chrome might focus on the body thru the winter while I make up my mind. The Ford purest in me says keep it original for nostalgic sake but there is another side of my that wants to build it how I want it and think it will be more useful/work the best. Tuff decision.
You can never have too many trucks in the stable right Puddy. I still don't know my plan moving forward thinking I'll try and get the motor out so I can open it and see what I'm working with. Really leaning towards swapping frames and making it a 4x4. If the truck was a short box reg cab you could build it into a cool street truck but long box regular cab 3/4 ton think it would be best as a 4x4.
