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Hello!
This is my first post to the forums! I hope I'm in the right area, if not let me know and I can move it.
Anyways, I've recently purchased what I assume to be a 1963 Ford F700 on a whim and have no idea what it really is and where to start!
I've already got the truck running and it looks like a Y-block but I'm not familiar with them, or anything on this truck for that fact.
The truck is a 4-speed with granny gear and a 2-speed rear. The frame stamped VIN is listed as F70IU371398, but I am missing the door tag
I'm interested to see what anyone has for information about power-brakes / disc-brake conversions and for the listed VIN ....
Any help is appreciated! Thank you!!
Welcome! - you are not alone with whimsical big Ford trucks...
F70IU371398
F70 F700 series
I 302 gas V-8 4V 163 HP @ 3600 rpm rated power
U Louisville Assembly Plant
311398 January 1963 build date
Just guessing, but that big round thing under the LH running board might be a brake booster - others in the know will confirm?
Forel Publishing (among others) have digital parts books that are extremely helpful - even the free demo segments on-line are enough to get you going sometimes.
Good, you have Dayton style wheels, which will allow a conversion to tubeless (if not done already) and they aren't widow makers.
Bad: 302 Y Block, a Lincoln Y Block--Parts can be found at the corner of Slim and None.
Good: you do have "power brakes" as the "big round thing" under the driver seat is your hydro-vac booster. These are made by Bendix and other brands, and are found in every medium truck from the late '40s (maybe earlier) until the '70s or '80s or later. Rebuild kits and rebuilt units are available.
Bad: Brake drums are not available new, and are a salvage yard item. (see "302 parts)
Good: Other brake parts are available through NAPA and other suppliers.
Bad: There are no disc brake conversions in medium trucks. You find a disc brake equipped axle of the appropriate weight rating off a later truck and swap axles.
Good: the combination of power and gearing does not require disc brakes, although balance that out with the pucker factor if hauling heavy in hill country.
Since you bought it on a whim are you going to run it as a worker or convert it to some other use?
Thank you both for the information and quick responses!
Most of the information is enlightening to hear and some not so great...!
Honestly, I bought the truck to play with so I wouldn't break my car during school season, but I am leaning towards an engine/trans swap and brake upgrades(I live in the hills/mountains of my area).
Once completed the truck would be used more for weekends rather than a workhorse...
If your brake booster in a "hydro vac" you should put a charcoal filter on the vacuum line as the gas fumes will get to the rubber diaphragm and cause it to fail.
If it has failed, do not rebuild it. buy a new later year one as the rebuild parts use old OEM parts and they only last a year.
I went thru two before I bought a new one.
I bought mine from,
Midwest Power Products.
1 815 942 0550
$445. Part # 374980N
Forel Publishing (among others) have digital parts books that are extremely helpful - even the free demo segments on-line are enough to get you going sometimes.
1957/63 Ford Truck Parts Catalog available on a C/D from hipoparts.com
