Before I buy
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 5
From: Northeast Ohio USA
Yep....they will be the gaskets that scare the bejesus out of the current owner. Most likely because they have no knowledge about where to start. Do you have the ability to pull the engine ?
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Head gaskets aren't all that hard. But there are things to watch for on a Windsor, and a 302 qualifies. One is the intake manifold. Many of them were aluminum and unless the owners down through the decades have been faithful about changing the coolant the intake may well have too much corrosion to seal up to the head. In that case, it is 4bbl time. 
Another is the waterpump bolts. They are frequently corroded to the point that they twist off when you try to remove them. So, if you don't have to remove the water pump, don't.
Another is the waterpump bolts. They are frequently corroded to the point that they twist off when you try to remove them. So, if you don't have to remove the water pump, don't.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 5
From: Northeast Ohio USA
Head gaskets aren't all that hard. But there are things to watch for on a Windsor, and a 302 qualifies. One is the intake manifold. Many of them were aluminum and unless the owners down through the decades have been faithful about changing the coolant the intake may well have too much corrosion to seal up to the head. In that case, it is 4bbl time.
Another is the waterpump bolts. They are frequently corroded to the point that they twist off when you try to remove them. So, if you don't have to remove the water pump, don't.
Another is the waterpump bolts. They are frequently corroded to the point that they twist off when you try to remove them. So, if you don't have to remove the water pump, don't.
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New User
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Yes I can pull the motor. Between the shop my grandpa and myself I should have all the tools I would ever need to do most things on this truck. Thanks for the input on the water pump bolts I wouldn't have thought of that.
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New User
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Thanks for all the help so far, I welcome any ideas or tips you have keep it coming they're great. As for the truck I'm supposed to get more pics tonight or tomorrow so stay tuned for that and I hope to be able to buy it in the coming week
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
When replacing heads I like to take two long bolts the right size, cut their heads off, and use them as guidepins to install the heads. And, I do the same on intakes, but use 4 bolts there.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,239
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From: Northeast Ohio USA
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