Hello All,

I have been on this forum for a little while now and recently acquired a 1973 F-250 Highboy. I wanted to make a build thread not only to share with y'all but also that I can hopefully keep track of everything I've done. I drove from Fort Wayne, IN to West Virginia to pick it up. It had sat for probably about 2 years in a field, but I was hoping to be able to drive it back. Luckily, It was in very good shape mechanically and the only breakdowns I encountered were caused by the choke closing every time I would hit a bump. Nothing a little twist tie can't fix! Wire her full open and it ran like dream! It made it home slowly but surely. (Don't call me Shirley) The trip to WV was about 4 1/2 hours. The trip back home...about 7 hours (Gotta love not having overdrive! ) Anyways, the goal of this build is to bring the body back to life and modernize the mechanicals.

Current Specs:

1973 Ford F-250 Custom
360 FE
NP435 4-Speed
Candy Apple Red (Maybe 30 years ago)

Planned Upgrades:

Frame Off Body Resto
Swap in 410 FE
Swap in NV4500
Swap in Dana 60 Front Axle
Eaton Trutrac Rear
Upgrade Interior
Much More...

 

nice truck

 

Welcome to FTE, here is a great inspiration thread. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...storation.html

And a rebuild guideline. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...p-by-step.html

And some other links worth checking out. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14955940

 

Aaah, good ole 1973 highboys. Can't wait to watch the metal mods.

 

great year trucks. best one ford ever made.

 

Thank you! Not too shabby for 45 years old.

Some really good stuff in those links!

Body work is not one of my favorites but it will be worth it when its finished.

I do love the look. The styling is much more like art than the vehicles of today. I have a soft spot for the Bullnose Fords too.


- Keegan

 

 

You are probably right on with the Bullnose. The biggest problem with the 80-86 trucks is rust from what I've seen. I have an 85 and it is in bad shape rust wise. Runs and drives so sweet but looks like an abandoned diesel submarine.

 

Christmas came early...

 

Kudos for driving an unknown 45yr old truck 7hrs from WV to IN you have more ***** than I do lol.

 

Look at all those goodies!!!! Nice truck too, I really love the 73-79 trucks.

I am very interested to see how the Sniper EFI works out.

 

X2 on AK Ford Guy statements! Subscribed.

 

Here is a truck retrieval story for you. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ld-thread.html

Keep in mind that there are other vendors with quality replacement parts. I see a # of LMC boxes...just saying quality fit and finish might be in to question.

Dennis Carpenter for quality fit and finish on panels ect...JBG, NPD....

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14955960 see the Parts Vendors & Resources list check out those links.

 

Looks like a solid platform to be starting from.

I see the dash has the holes for the AC vents blocked off with plates. Do you have plans to install AC in the truck?

 

All and all, it was actually a pretty smooth trip. I got very lucky I suspect. Although, one breakdown was on the highway around Columbus...that's something I would rather not do again.

Thank you. The EFI install looks pretty straight forward. I think the hardest part will be fabbing up the fuel return line.

That is a great story. I am glad mine held together. To be honest, I had no idea those other parts vendors existed until I had ordered from LMC. It's all interior trim and carpet and whatnot. Hopefully it all fits. Most of it looks to be made in the US, which is surprising.

Actually, I'm glad you mentioned that. I would love to install A/C. To me, it looks like all the mounting and holes for the lines are there but nothing else is. Plus I don't see any controls in the cab for A/C. Any help with the parts, routing, and system operation would be great. Pictures of the setup would help tremendously.

Thank you. It should be an interesting ride!