Sounds like a cool Truck Tim, I would say it is worth saving if the frame and box are decent. I'm in NY and have a pretty nice cab if you decide you want to swap it out (also have a bunch of other parts).

 

So the truck starts and runs strong, the clutch seems ok, not sure about brakes. All good. BUT my worst fear was realized when I went under the truck to look at the cab mounts, the fronts are Swiss cheese. I didn't know what to look for when I bought it and now I'm bummed. I can deal with the floors and rockers and misc other repairs but to do any of them and the cab mounts well I think this truck is looking for a full body off restoration. I don't have the time, space or resources for it and I don't think it would be safe to drive the truck without the repairs. Very disappointing. I don't know what I will do, sell it to someone who can restore it or part out what I can and scrap the rest. I figure the bed might be worth something, the front grill and beauty trim is all in great shape, the mechanicals??

UGH!!!!!!!!!!

 

I have more bad news, it's got a Chevy bed on it too

 

damn!! I thought so but could n't tell from pictures
awesome

 

Well they're worth money too, I actually have a buddy looking for one if you decide to part it out

 

where in ny are you? I will part out the bed

tim. two 03 253-two249

 

1978 F150 Flareside Lariat For Parts

 

Does it have a tilt column for an automatic? If so, PM me.

 

 

Does anyone have any tips on how to get rust out of and paint the inside of the round tube-like grab handle that runs the top length of the bed?

 

Well you could wrap a long wooden dowel ( closet wood rod )with sand paper and either attach it to a drill or by hand, work it back in forth slowly.
or tape up the gap on the underside length wise and on one end ( if you have the bed disassembled at this point and treat with a rust sealer ie rust-mort by pouring some into the rail and just coating and sealing the existing rust.
One could also take their chances by having it done, or doing it by themself,
by media blasting.
When I worked my bed panels last year, while I was prepping for paint, I had done the sand paper on a stick trick for one side but the other side the rust had eaten thru, and I ended up driving a pipe the same od as the bed rail id and after cutting out the rusted rough edges, I used the aluminum filler to fill the missing areas, ( I can't weld for...well you know ) and did it on a budget.
One could also either purchase new panels or cut off existing and pay a shop to fab and re attach

 

4 Spd no tilt sorry

 

bump to the top

 

Spotted this little Free Wheeling Flareside behind a customer location yesterday.

 

Nice truck. Just tear all the 4 wheel drive suspension out from under it. Install all 4 wheel independent suspension under it. Ad air-ride. Bammm. You have a "Rocken" nice truck......