Joining the ranks in the near future with a '78 F150 Ranger Lariat soon. Has a factory original canopy. 2WD. Needed a family work truck for hauling things here and there and it will fit that bill for us. going to be hauling dirt and gravel with it.

Currently the fuel gauge doesn't work. Not sure if the tank switch works either.... hit the switch and the gauge doesn't budge. Also, the brake pedal barely moves. The truck stops. but, it only has about an inch of movement. Not sure what could be the problem there. Sounds and runs good. Sometimes slips going into first (C6).

I also noticed that there is a handle missing under the dash next to the parking brake release. From online pictures it appears to be a "T-handle" based on pictures that I have found ... not my truck but shows the handle: (https://www.fordmuscleforums.com/att...4-p9230167.jpg). What is this handle? Where can I get a new one?

Also, next to the t-handle, that is missing, there is a control module screwed under the dash that has a switch that seems to slide back and forth. I can't tell what it does. Will get pics sooner than later. The owner of the truck wasn't sure either.

edit: Just found the attached pic on eBay that shows both the thandle and the "switch" that I am talking about

t handle and switch just to the left of the steering column


I think that it is it for now... Doing a lot of reading on here!

 

Welcome to the FTE old_redd

Congrats on your '78

Fuel cells can be a few things, on my '84 it was the sending unit once replaced
all is good. I'd do a complete brake system inspection, never take short cuts here

The " T " handle on the left is the locking hood release that was part of
the Security Convenience Package back in the day, the switch with the slider
is a Trailer Brake Control.

 

Thanks for the info! I'll look into finding new sending units for both tanks.

Brakes will also be looked at as soon as it is home. The pedal wants to stay down just enough so that the brake light is always on on the dash.... and keeps the brake lights on when the truck is off.

This truck will never see a trailer so all of that will probably be pulled. I may try to find the locking hood release mechanism and redo it all. Seems like a nice lil feature!

The heater box on this truck is so damned huge... I feel like it takes up half of the engine compartment lol.

 

If memory serves me correct the " Round " door key should slide in there for the hood release.

I would not be in a hurry to remove the Trailer Brake Control as it's better to have it and not
need it rather then need it and not have it, they are not cheap

I would also hold off on the sending units until you have diagnosed the issue, you might have a
more simple less expensive repair saving the funds for something else

 

I guess I am just anxious to get my hands on the truck and start fixing the issues that I know of. For all I know, it could be simple connections loose behind the dash or a fuse blown....

 

Exactly !

I know that feeling rather well myself, it's a big part of the adventure

 

Grew up a Chevy and Dodge guy.. This is my first venture into Ford trucks!

Did these rigs come with emissions crap? Is it worth pulling off and scrapping? Has the 460... dont think that was mentioned above.

Thanks for all of your feedback thus far!

 

Some did and some not, depending on the GVWR and the state it was originally sold in

This is where you should post this question, the 1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Thread;
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum38/

And while your waiting on replies, take the sites user friendly ' Search ' feature for a spin

 

the search feature and i have become quite good friends haha. One thing that I thought interesting about this truck is the tailgate handle... it doesn't open up like a traditional handle, it pulls out in a hinge. Really a trick design. Tried to search for info on that but found nothing

 

Picking the truck up tomorrow! Been waiting on pictures till I could confirm it as a done deal.