I've started a new project and thought I would share, this is my first time posting pics along with progress reports…
I stumbled across a 1970 F250 Explorer camper special that had been put on a 4wd frame but didn't realize it was on a 79 F250 4wd frame until I went to look at it.. The body was shot but frame really solid and dirt cheap so decided to find a nice solid rust free body so I found this 68 F100 from arizona..
Haven't decided on motor yet, choices are 360,390,300.. Axles will Be 78-79 Dana 60 front since I have several in stock, rear could be the original dana 60, sterling 10.25 or a dana 80 single wheel from a dodge all with 3.54/3.55 gears.
From what I understand the 68 cab and front clip is a bolt on but the bed will take some fabrication along with moving the axle forward 2 inches…
Garage time is limited due to long hours at work and life itself so build time could be years…...








This is the 68 body donor...

 

This the 70 Explorer camper special on the 79 frame after I got it home





Disassembly has begun





The stripped down 79 frame with 1970 390 with NP435 still in

 

I'm following along. Will be interesting. What are your plans?

 

Plans are to make it a daily driver, not a show piece.. Had thoughts of going with a 5.9 cummins but already doing that on my 79 Super cab so will probably stay with a 360 or 390, NP435 4 speed, dana 60 front and not sure on rear axle yet..
Stripping frame now, move rear axle forward then prep for paint, will post some pics...
Since this will be a Frankenstein of parts and wont be anything original I've decided to make it a ranger clone since I have the stainless drip rail, windshield and rear window moldings from the green Explorer body plus I've collected most of the ranger interior parts needed.. And I have a really nice Ranger grill..
Paint will be a dark blue metallic or black. Interior will be black with the ranger wood grain dash and door panels plus I had a few small parts chromed to brighten up the dash area.......

 

Looks like you got a nice pile of parts and trucks to start a good build. I've thought about using the 78-79 frame on some of my projects but can't ever find them for a good price. When I first saw your pics of the 70 explorer camper special I thought I was looking at one of mine. Looks like you have the twin of my 69 ranger 4x4 it's funny to because I see your in eastern OH and I'm in northeast OH maybe we will run into each other one day driving our old fords.

 

Is there something terribly wrong with that frame or am I just seeing things?

 

You're off to a good start. I've got chips and dip at the ready to watch the show!

 

Quite right. That frame is trashed for sure.

 

Ok 72RedNeck and RichS2659, What are you seeing wrong with the frame?? Am I missing something???? Fill me in before I go any farther..

 

From what I can see, the frame looks to be OK.

 

Looks like he just has some of the body and stuff that's rusted left on the frame. But I'm also looking at it on a broken screen so the pics ain't clear for me to tell for sure.

 

By the way are you using the yellow bed? What shape is it in? I may be interested in it if your going to get rid of it.

 

Here's a pic of the frame totally stripped.

Crazed87bronco I'll PM you this evening because I have a question for you

 

If you look at the picture that I quoted up above, it looks like the center of the frame has a piece of angle iron welded in it.

 

I think you are referring to a shield for the side mounted gas tank?