Back in 2013 I was fortunate enough to pick up this relatively unmolested 74 SuperCab Camper Special, that I named Tug. Here he is coming home as his stock 390 was seized up at the time:



A buddy of mine was nice enough to pick it up for me and bring it to my house.

At that time, I picked up a 1987 F150 with a 300 I6 and transplanted the motor/tranny into Tug. I used the rear 8.8 out of the F150 in my Jeep Commando. My friends wife wanted the bed for a raised garden. LOL. After driving the truck around like that for a while I realized the 300 I6 was a little tired and didn't have enough power for the 250. A divorce and house sale later, I am finally in a position to do something about Tug's power problem.

The old 300 came out:


I converted the 87 EFI I6 to carb using an Offenhauser 360 Dual Port Intake and Edelbrock 1406 carb.

My plan was to get Tug updated to more modern electronics and ad some creature comforts that he either didn't come with from the factory, or lost over time. I ripped out all of all his old wiring and updated it with an American Auto Wire Classic update series kit.



This rats nest of old brittle wire had to go.

​​​​​I also pulled the steering column and updated it with the JBG lower steering column bearing and replaced the upper bearing as well. I replaced the steering box with a Blue Top box and upgraded the pump to a Borgeson canned ham unit. What a difference this makes!

I gutted the interior and layed down some POR-15. I plan on upgrading the carpet, seat, sound system and air conditioning as I go along. This week I was able to get the used 360 installed and fired up.


I picked up a used 360 from a local Ford fanatic to use in the interim while I build a stroked 390.

Part of my electrical upgrade was to install a second battery. I have the headlights, sound system an e-fan running off the second battery. I figured this will give me a little insurance with starting if I ever leave the lights or stereo on to long.


Here is the driver side battery. I used Cole-Hersee 200 amp continuous solenoids for the starting solenoid and the dual battery setup. Gives me some redundancy in parts in case the starting solenoid goes bad I have a replacement on board. The batteries are charged by a PowerMaster 145amp alternator.

Here is the e-fan and passenger side battery.


I ended up using a Champion aluminum radiator as my stocker was too far gone to salvage. I am using an e-fan I sourced though Amazon after getting the part number off of FTE. I decided to upgrade the gauges but keep it old school original with the Dakota Digital VHX package.


Dakota Digital VHX with Blue backlighting.

I am using the Dakota Digital Pac-2750 fan controller so wiring it up to the gauge controller was easy and allows for the fan controller to shut off the fan at a user selected road speed.

So after working on this for seems like the last couple of months, and getting the engine running I decided to give Tug the Frieburger Comet wash. A clean truck always re-energizes me to push forward.


After the comet wash.



Had to throw my FCS longboard pad on the tailgate after getting Tug all cleaned up.


So as he sits now, he basically has no interior (I moved him sitting on one of my tool boxes!). Next week I will start on getting a seat back in him with some belts so I can drive him while continuing the restification process. I will try to remember to keep taking pics to post.

thanks

Mike

 

 

That truck looks immaculate!

I've read that the EFI 4.9/300s don't run as well when you convert them to carburetors, because of the EFI cylinder head. My guess is that an earlier head from a carbed engine would add some power and torque.

 

MG92-

I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case. The 300 was a quick way to get it back running again. The deal I got on the truck with the 300 was too good to pass up at the time. I don't think the power robbing C6 behind it helped any, would have been better with a manual behind it.

Mike

 

If you were closer, I'd be trying to buy that engine! All it needs is the head from the 240 which is in my truck - and maybe a Heavy Duty exhaust manifold.

 

MG92

Where are you located?

Mike

 

Ohio. Close to everywhere, far from everywhere else...