Hi guys, I've been a long time watcher on this forum. I had a '77 Low Boy for a number of years. It was the first vehicle I learned to drive when I was 10 yrs old. My dad gave it to me after he had no use for it and I owned it and worked on it with love and pride. Things and life go on and I got married (Twice!), had some children and the truck got sold to a buddy.
That being said I have been on this forum for years as a vicarious Dent-side guys. I enjoy all of your trucks and the improvements made to them. I learned a lot more about the dent-sides in the process.
Today I'm glad to announce that I once again own a dent-side Ford. Actually two. A friend at work bought a new boat and needs room in his garage so we made a deal. I got a '78 F-250 Low Boy and a '79 F-250 Ranger Lariat Camper Special for a great price. The 79 is pretty roached out but the interior is like new. The 78 is totally disassembled. The cross-members removed and all parts in totes. I have a few pictures to share and will as soon as i can figure how to attach.

 

79 Tag

















78 Tag

 

Upper Warranty Plate pic taken too far away to read the codes.

Lower pic:

F25 = F250 2WD Pickup.

J = 460 4V

P = Twin Cities MN Assembly Plant.

DG8795 = 1979.

133" Wheelbase.

1M: 1 = Maroon Metallic // M = Wimbledon White.

F253 = F250 2WD Pickup, 7900 lbs. GVWR

KA4: KA = Black Vinyl & Black Cloth - Lariat // 4 = Styleside Pickup.

K = C6 Automatic Transmission.

C7X: C7 = Dana 60 Rear Axle / 3.54-1 / Limited Slip / 5,300 lbs. Rear Axle Capacity // X = Adjustable Steering Column (tilt wheel) & P/S

7,900 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

1979.

56 = Davenport IA Ford District Sales Office, where the original selling dealer ordered the truck from.

 

NICE..... a couple of truck kits!

Welcome to the forum.... I know you said you have been lurking for a while but glad you have now decided to dive in.

Great bunch of pics too..... So what's the plan?..... (other than "how the heck am I gonna get all this stuff over to my house?")

Mike

 

That will keep you out of trouble for a while. There's a nice truck in there somewhere..............

 

Congratulations on your new additions.......I think. May the Force be with you.

 

That's definitely an undertaking. Good luck on the projects.

 

What in God's name did that guy do to those poor trucks? Looks like a big project ahead of you, good luck!

 

Aw heck.... I think it's great...
Already disassembled and the frame is cleaned. Just start building a truck!

Cool....
Keep us updated!

 

Could be heading for divorce number three ?..........

 

I did the run down on the 78 Warrenty tag:

F26 = F250 4WD Pickup

S =400 2V

U = Louisville

CG6869 = 1978.

133” Wheelbase.

U = Cream

F265 = F250 4WD Pickup, 8100 lbs. GVWR

BZ4: BZ = Saddle & Tan – Regular // 4 = Sytleside Pickup.

G = C6 Automatic Transmission.

B4J: B4 = Dana 60 Rear Axle / 4.10-1 / Limited Slip // J = PS

8,100 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

1978.

41 = Chicago DSO.

 

As of right now I'm in flux with the story line on these two. I was going to use everything and build the 78. Then I got to talk to the son of the original owner of the 79. That truck had about 100 miles on a fresh rebuild of the 460 when his father passed. It only has 49k miles on the Odometer to start.
Once I get all of the parts to my place, I'm going to start assembling the 78 as it was built, minus engine and trans. I'm also going to see if the 460 in the 79 will start and run. After that I will make a decision on the running gear. I'm kind of fond of 351W / Manual 4 speeds. I may have trade bait.
My youngest son is SAE mechanic and can't wait to pile into the build ups. I can teach him a thing or two as he does not have experience in carbed engines. I guess if they can't plug it in they don't teach it anymore.
That's where I'm at right now. I plan of moving it all over next weekend. It is all located about a mile from me as the crow flies, but we are separated by the Mississippi so i have to drive about 17 miles to use the closest bridge. Thats sucks!

Thanks to all for the words of encouragement. Blue Ovals forever!

 

Only separated by the river huh?
Yep, better to use the bridge than try to swim across while holding truck parts.

Good luck on the build!

Mike

 

Started bring all the parts home. Two loads so far. Still need to pick up the 78 frame and the 79 complete truck. Between the rain falling and the roads closed for flooding, I don't dare bring that bare frame outside.

 

Looks like you could start cleaning up some parts and build a truck!

Mike