I finally put together my work list for my 1972 f250. i am shipping it from michigan to connecticut where it will be getting a complete overhaul both cosmetic and mechanical. i have many ideas for upgrades along the way and look forward to hear any input you all may have or past experiences as this is my first time doing anything like this. i have always wanted one of these truck so i plan on going big. I'm 25 years old and plan to have this till i die so i want it all to be right.

stripping the truck down to bare frame.
swapping the current 460 for a 7.3L power stroke with 5 speed manual trans
updating power steering
disc brakes all around
swap bed for cs with side tool box but still use the ranger trim package
add dump mechanism for hydraulic dump bed
add air conditioning by using ac from donor power stroke truck.
add under bed fuel tank.
powder coat frame
repaint and reassemble
replace damaged trim
spray in bed liner.

just got a new cab and passenger door. . . last body part i need is the new bed with tool box.

its a long list and will take years and lots o $$$$ but what do you all think and do you have any ideas?

 

Sounds like am ambitious project!

Me personally I would prefer the 460 but maybe thats just because gas motors is what I know, diesels are still kind of "voodoo" to me

I'm thinking in regards to the AC you will probably be better off with one of those kits, vs trying to move those parts from the newer donor truck over to the old classic. They sell them for like $550 for AC or like $1100 with AC/heat/defrost. Something to think about.

I think moving the gas tank to under the truck bed is a good idea, I need to do that myself. Having the gas tank right behind me I just smell gas so much whenever I'm driving. I replaced the rubber hose that connects the filler tube and that helped a lot, but it didn't totally fix the smell.

 

Make sure the AC evaporator will fit behind the dash. If not, you can get ones from the aftermarket, like Vintage air. Look forward to following this project!

 

Sounds fun. Do you have some sort of time frame for each of the steps being taken. For instance, where will the truck be in terms of the project at year's end.

 

Well a majority of this will be a learning process for me. I also want to make sure that everything I put in the truck is rock solid and completely gone through. For instance replacing all the gaskets and cleaning up the 7.3l before it goes in the truck. I am also planning on some things not going the way I plan them to. I am hoping to have the 7.3l and new fuel tank mounted by fall. I also have to take into consider the time needed to fund this project on a coast guard pay check. That is the biggest problem of them all lol.

 

How solid is that new cab?

 

It is rock solid all around. It is out of Fresno California. Just has surface rust on it from sitting in the Michigan air. A quick sand blasting and she will be good to go

 

That'll save you tons of time, trust me!!

 

Must be nice. My floorboards and corners look like they have been sitting in the Louisiana bottom lands - at least on my 71.

 

Look in my build thread. That will show you ugly!!

 

I might have missed something here. Was there something wrong with your original white cab that you sought out a donor (red one)?

 

Well the guy I bought the truck from had a ton of body sealer everywhere. Especially around the drip edge. I was getting the truck ready for a quick paint job and pulled out all the body seal and found a roof that was rotted through. So I knew a guy that had a cab and decided to just begin a full restoration.

 

here is a phased guide to reviving /rebuilding a 2WD or 4WD Bump (or just about any vehicle) as a restoration, restomod, or custom. This is what I came up with and I hope it proves useful. Your phases may vary.[/SIZE]

First a note, some of the phases can be piggybacked. For example, subassemblies (chassis, engine, etc.) can be done while the bodywork is being completed.


Pre-Teardown Phase
Determine the purpose of your rig... street/strip, trail riding, daily driver, etc.
Make a plan....
Determine budget...
Now add another 20 percent to your budget.
Determine sources for tech support and parts.
Build a Reference Library
Order lots of catalogs!!
Invest in a factory shop manual. Chilton's is better than Haynes. Factory manuals are better than all of them...
Get your work area and tools in order
Needs.... Money, time, and patience.

Phase 1 - Teardown
Bodywork / Interior Disassembly.
Catalog, label, and bag your parts!
Engine & transmission removal
Bed & cab removal
Chassis disassembly (including rear axle) and hardlines

Phase 2a - Bodywork
Clean & strip body finish
Bodywork, body mods, and seal with epoxy primer
Door fitment & gaps (rebuild your door hinges now)
Paint job!

Phase 2b - Chassis
Strip & refinish frame
Build axles and install new brakes
Build new suspension & steering
Install fuel tank, fuel line, brake lines.

Phase 3 - Powertrain Build-up
Build engine
Build transmission
Build transfer case

Phase 4 - Cab Assembly
Install cab on frame
Install & adjust door & window mechanicals
Install door window glass, rear glass, and windshield
Install firewall pad
Run all electrical wiring, vacuum hoses, & control cables.
Install under dash components like wiper motor, etc.
Install instruments, steering wheel and column
Install climate control systems
Run any sound-system wiring
Lay sound deadener (like Dynamat) and carpet underlayments

Phase 5 - Powertrain Installation
Install engine/transmission/transfer case
Install brake hydraulics (MC/booster/proportioning valve)
Build exhaust system
Install core support & radiator

Phase 6 - First Run
Perform preliminary engine system checks and FIRE IT UP!
At this point you should have a truck that is driveable but not road legal.

Phase 7 - Front Clip Assembly & Bed Assembly
Install inner fenders, fenders, and hood
Install bed and route wiring to rear

Phase 8 - Interior
Upholstery & headliner
Install interior accessories
Watershields & door panels
Carpeting
Install seat(s)

Phase 9 - You're Almost There!
Dial-in engine tuning
Install exterior electrical components (head, tail, side marker, running lights, etc.)
Perform a thorough vehicle system checks
Detail work (emblems, grill, bumpers, etc.)
Exterior accessories (winch, light bars, auxiliary lights, etc.)

Phase 10 - Celebrate![/QUOTE]

 

That is an awesome list!

 

Thanks... Hopefully proves useful.
.... I'd prolly reinstall the cab after most of Phase 5.