I thought since I finally have some time I would do a resto thread of my 79 F350 4x4 SC camper special. I started tearing down the truck back in March and was planning to do a few upgrades to the engine, headers, MSD, edelbrock intake and carb. Then re-paint it and start enjoying her but, once I started the project I went a little further than I planned---yeah OCD I guess. Well, trying to get her JUSTIFIED!!

Here is what it looked like when I bought it. Purchased the truck from a guy out in northern Arizona with 81k original miles. Original paint and in great condition overall but a few minor dents and scratches here and there.

 

Decided I would slap some different shoes on her and cut off the papaw steps.

 

Took off the warn lockouts and put a set of factory Spicer's on her.

 

Drove it for a few months camping, fishing, and hunting...then decided to start the resto.





Took off all the trim, bumpers, mirrors...

 

I figured I might as well pull the engine and check it out, paint it and install the headers, intake & carb. Thats when the OCD kicked in....

 

Since the engine was out, I decided I would start painting the frame. I used a wire wheel since the frame was so clean, just some minor surface rust.

 

I stole this idea (as I did many from another FTE, thanks HIO Silver), I paint an old intake I had. Used VHT high temp coating "Ford agent silver". I put 3 coats of VHT on and then 3 coats of high temp clear. I think I turned out great!!





I liked it so well and the coating seems pretty strong I thought I would use it on my scuff plates too.

 

After a couple of weeks working on the engine, I got her back in!!

 

THEN, life got in the way for a while. Had to do some camping and fishing with my two son's.....It doesn't get any better than this!!

 

OK back to work on the 350....Finished painting the rest of the frame!

 

Had a buddy make the exhaust...3" stainless tubes

 

Glad to see you have been keeping busy. The ole 350 is looking pretty sharp. I know what you mean when life gets in the way. I haven't been doing much on mine lately for a lot of the same reasons. That will change after the new year though. You scored on that 350, she is clean. I've been looking for awhile for one but they are far and few between. Probably should finish the one I have first.

 

Nice looking truck, but I see you've fallen victim to that (financially) fatal disease "Well, while I'm here I might as well...." it's a disease that affects a lot of us here.

 

You're welcome Scott!

**Nice** S'Cab.

I don't think OCD is a disorder. It's more of a syndrome.

 

Nice looking truck. That 78?F150 is super nice also.