Hello, my teenage son will be bringing a 79 ford f250 home in a couple of months. He's currently working as trade for the truck. I'm a single mom, and we don't have any real knowledge in the mechanic area, but I told him I'd do my best to help him get things sorted out. I don't mind getting dirty as long as he's happy in the end lol

What I know so far is that it has a 460,speedometer doesn't work, and could use some love to become aesthetically pleasing inside and out. I guess for starters it'd be nice to know what parts can used from either the same truck, or other years and models, that can easily be installed in this truck. I don't have a welder, nor am I looking to make major cuts and modifications. I don't trust myself to cut straight lines without messing something up :/ I am willing to do a little bit of simple electrical work though

I've seen some people say that if you need videos, or step by step guides, you should weld your toolbox shut.... Well.... I probably would do great with those things lol. I don't have a lot of knowledge about this stuff, but am more than willing to learn. It's something for us to do together. There isn't anyone else around to teach him, and I know he'll only get better with time. So thank you in advance for any help

The truck is still sitting at the work place, so I'll have him get me more information in the future, as well as pictures 8)

 

 

if it is anything like mine. It is probably rusting on the floor pans. And depending on if your state does yearly inspections, it might not even be able to get it on the road. but that's the same reason I came here to get some help. just post on here and someone will help. There are even some guys that have diagrams and such

 

I would start with the basics: Oil change, check/add trans fluid, new spark plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor. Check for any clear fuel filters in the fuel line starting from the carburetor all the way back to the tank(s). Getting it reliably running and moveable is more important that aesthetics or inspection right now. First time you fire it up, have the hood up with one of you in the cab and the other watching for leaks in engine. Have you joined your local section to see if there are any local/friendly/helpful members?

 

Ultimately these are very simple vehicles to work on and parts are generally very plentiful and reasonably priced. You can buy the majority of needed parts from your local auto parts store. If I'm ordering a lot of parts I prefer to order from RockAuto.com so I can get my preferred brands. As others have said, first cover all your bases. Change/check fluids, go over brakes, checks tires/pressure, ensure all lights are working, change plugs/wires, etc. etc. It also might be good to replace the ICM (ignition control module or "brain box) as those have a tendency of going bad. Keep the old one as a spare. There is a really great group of guys on here. We are all willing to help in whatever way we can. Just post up whatever questions you might have and be a descriptive as possible.
What are his plans for the truck? Daily driver, toy, hobby vehicle, all the above?

 

I would also add that if you do this, try to get a Motorcraft replacement - the aftermarket ones are much less reliable.

 

Her About Me said she is in Oregon. Lots of knowledgeable members there.

 

Here's what that all means:
Decoding '73-'79 Ford Truck VIN Tags - FORDification.net

F26 = F-250 4wd
S = 400 ci engine
R = San Jose assembly plant
DE9448 = assembly serial number (1979)

WB 133 = 133" wheelbase
Color Y = Medium Golden Sand Metallic
Type F263 = F-250 4wd, 6700 lb GVWR
Body DT4 = DT: Ranger XLT/Lariat with Sand vinyl interior; 4 = Ranger cab w/ Styleside box
Trans K = 3-speed automatic
Axle 37A = 37: Dana 60, 3.54:1 ratio; A = adjustable column w/ power steering
DSO 72 = San Jose (dealer district which ordered it)</warranty>

 

if I may ask, where did you find this information? I would like to look mine up

 

Follow the link I included. The link is also in one of the sticky threads at the top of the forum.

 

Thank you all. He has been driving the truck while he runs errands for the owner. I don't know when it had a tune up, and fluid change, last. He hasn't decided if he's going to sell it, or use it as a daily driver, just yet. He may drive it just until he finds a buyer.

 

Mjp1531,

Vehicles restored in my lifetime = 0. Ford's owned in my lifetime = 0
Restoring a 79 F-100 - a piece of cake with FTE.

Now to be fair, I grew up on a small ranch and learned mechanic skills on Allis-Chalmers tractors - flash forward 35 years later and I am finishing a total restoration of a 1979 F-100.

This site gave me everything I needed to do the work. The "sticky's" at the top of this forum have pretty much every installation and repair issue covered (with parts catalogue diagrams).

And if you can't find it, just post a request - someone has come to my rescue every time.

Good luck with the project.

Scott

 

nothing wrong with askin for help. Better than doin a half *** job. that's half of what im dealing with

 

Mjp1531 Girl I do hope you and your boy stick around here and
let us help you all with this truck. Has he bought it yet? Can we
see some pic's of all the bad stuff and overall pic's as well? We can
tell a lot from the proper pic's as to it's condition. If he already owns
it than you and us are committed with no going back. So when you can
have him get us some pic's so we can get started. Is it running and
driving now where he is? Is he using it as a daily driver? And going to
drive it home soon? Lots of questions I know. But to give you guy's the
best help we need to see what you see and know what you know about
the truck. So please burn up your key board and tell us all you can.
We are here to help.

Edit: I was thinking that now before he gets home would be a great time
to order the shop manuals and appropriate parts books and catalogs that
you will need to the point of wearing them out. Have them home before
you even start on the truck repairs. It's the most important help we can
give at this point.

 

Lol thanks. It'll be a few days until I can get you the pics. He won't be working again until next week, and the truck stays parked at the owner's house. He gets to drive it while he's over there, so I know that it runs. I'll make sure to have him take pictures as soon as he gets back over there