Farm find
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Farm find
Good afternoon gentleman. I hoped I might get some good advise. Found this gentleman with a farm find. 1973 Ford F-350 four speed. Claims 82000 original I will have to check the validity of the speed o linkage. I'm going to check the vin #. He says it's a 390. Has a 2v motorcraft carb with tag still attached. Exhaust manifold leak but does move under own power. I would like to stay on the purest page. I thought a compression test and replace all fluids. Any things to look at on this one? Eric.
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From: Stanley, VA
If it was originally a 390, the fourth character of the VIN will be "H". Don't be surprised though, if the character is "Y", that would mean it came with a 360, they both look identical.
Also, what you're looking at is either a Super camper special or super trailer special. These have a 140" wheelbase. Check to see what kind of shape the fuel tank is in. They take a special fuel tank that is obsolete and no longer available. There are "work-arounds" for this but require fabrication, so that would take away from the originality.
Check frame, check the floor pans for rot. Pull the rubber floor mat up, floor pans go bad from the inside out. They can look great from underneath but have a lot of deep pitting from the top.
It looks like it has the factory dual fuel tanks and it looks like an aftermarket tank has also been added.
I looked up the carb tag, the D3TF-GC is listed for a 360.
Also, what you're looking at is either a Super camper special or super trailer special. These have a 140" wheelbase. Check to see what kind of shape the fuel tank is in. They take a special fuel tank that is obsolete and no longer available. There are "work-arounds" for this but require fabrication, so that would take away from the originality.
Check frame, check the floor pans for rot. Pull the rubber floor mat up, floor pans go bad from the inside out. They can look great from underneath but have a lot of deep pitting from the top.
It looks like it has the factory dual fuel tanks and it looks like an aftermarket tank has also been added.
I looked up the carb tag, the D3TF-GC is listed for a 360.
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Thanks Mike for the information! I believe that it does have a Y in the Vin number could be the 360. Additional battery cradle and the third tank appears to be manufactured in the fender well of the bed. Not sure about that the dual tank sits in the skid plate in the rear may be the reason why moisture gets in and rock to the tank? Prescient it very much Mike thanks Eric!
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From: Stanley, VA
F35YRR45668
F35= F350 2WD Pickup
Y= 360 cu in 2 bbl V8
R= San Jose Assy. Plant
R45668=1973 model year sequential serial number
WB 140= 140" wheelbase
Color B=Light Blue
Model F355=F350 2WD pickup 8350 lb GVW
Body 24 = (2) Light blue and medium blue vinyl (4) styleside pickup box
Trans A= NP435 manual 4 spd
Axle 27J=(27) Dana 70 non-locking 4.10 ratio 7400 lb capacity (J) w/ power steering
GVW 08350= max gross vehicle weight 8350 lbs.
DSO 72=Ordered through the San Jose district sales office
Driver's side battery carrier (auxiliary battery) was a factory option. It could power a camper without running the main battery down and, once started, it would recharge through the trucks alternator.
Another Super camper special/trailer special feature was the spare tire was mounted behind a panel ahead of the rear wheel on the passenger side pickup bed. Regular truck mounted the spare below the fuel tank or (optional) in the bed of the truck.
F35= F350 2WD Pickup
Y= 360 cu in 2 bbl V8
R= San Jose Assy. Plant
R45668=1973 model year sequential serial number
WB 140= 140" wheelbase
Color B=Light Blue
Model F355=F350 2WD pickup 8350 lb GVW
Body 24 = (2) Light blue and medium blue vinyl (4) styleside pickup box
Trans A= NP435 manual 4 spd
Axle 27J=(27) Dana 70 non-locking 4.10 ratio 7400 lb capacity (J) w/ power steering
GVW 08350= max gross vehicle weight 8350 lbs.
DSO 72=Ordered through the San Jose district sales office
Driver's side battery carrier (auxiliary battery) was a factory option. It could power a camper without running the main battery down and, once started, it would recharge through the trucks alternator.
Another Super camper special/trailer special feature was the spare tire was mounted behind a panel ahead of the rear wheel on the passenger side pickup bed. Regular truck mounted the spare below the fuel tank or (optional) in the bed of the truck.
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You are absolutely right!! The tire is mounted in the passenger side panel! Drove it today, need to do a compression test. Found a carburator kit in the box of parts. Probably check the plugs to see how they are burning. Probably tell me how the valves and combustion is all around. Lots of interior work. Speedometer was disconnected so mileage is a guess. Clutch feels good tho oils will be a mandatory deal. Points and rotor look��. Time will allow me to go through the details. Appreciate all the great info. You all are a great wealth of info!!!thanks guys!! I will continue to read and let you guys know how things go. Eric
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From: Reaford, NC
Spiders and dirt
Pretty sure those are standard regardless of trim package, engine size, wheel base, etc. Free for everyone with these older trucks!
Good luck with your build.
Good luck with your build.
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Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Stanley, VA
Also included, snakes. These are a factory installed "anti-rodent" device used to control mice and rats when the trucks are in long term storage.
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LOL!!! Also find they are wife agitators! They cause comments like " you really need that old stinky dirty thing!" And I respond with " married you , never stopped me there!" This in turn allows more truck time with less interruptions! Our family was plumbers. And Ford people. Eight plumbing trucks 68-72 ford 3/4 tons with service beds and a 1965 ford econoline van that one old timer named Louie drove. Granddad said I ain't prying that truck away from him, don't need a fist fight in the shop! Grandpas daily driver was a 69 avacado green fastback mustang with the 429 and shaker hood scoop. I road to work with him in a sky blue 69 f-100 camper special. Choke on the dash. Horrible temper! Remember him punching the gas pedal down when starting it" come on you pile of ****" probably flooded it! So Ford trucks go back as far as I can remember! Just like those Chevy guys! Not their fault they can't afford a real truck?! Right?
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Question? On my 73 f-350 camper, there is a main and auxiliary fuel switch. The truck had a third tank added with a manual switch down by the drivers side of the bench. I'm wondering where the original tank switch would have been located? I assume it would have been electronic? Maybe under the cab near the drivers side? The hard fuel lines appear to be routed there. Thanks Eric.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Question? On my 73 F350 camper, there is a main and auxiliary fuel switch. The truck had a third tank added with a manual switch down by the drivers side of the bench.
I'm wondering where the original tank switch would have been located? I assume it would have been electronic?
I'm wondering where the original tank switch would have been located? I assume it would have been electronic?
Manually operated fuel tank selector valve located on the floor adjacent to the drivers side of the seat.
Selector switch located in the heater control panel, changes the dash fuel gauge from one tank to the other.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 855
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From: Des Moines, Washington
My '75 Supercab came with the fuel gauge switch and manual valve. When the third tank, which I refer to as a saddle tank, was installed, the manual valve was changed out for a 3 tank valve. The switch still selects the two original sending units so I just wait till it goes buhhh then switch the manual valve to a tank with fuel. Then try to figure out which one I'm on so I can set the switch right. Great fun at 65 MPH.