Just brought home my first truck last night and it happens to be a 1973 F-250 Camper Special. Bought it as a secondary vehicle/summer driver. It needs work but I dont think anything is a big issue. Needs a wash and possible wax. Fuel gauges don't work, rough idle, leaks just about every fluid, brakes barely work, and sketchy wiring done by the previous previous owner. California truck now in Michigan, absolutely no body rust except in the front of the bed, frame has light surface rust. What do you think of the orange?

I have no idea on what i'm doing but I hope to learn all the ins and outs of this truck and keep it on the road! It also came with every volume of the shop manual, so if anyone needs something from there let me know! Thanks for viewing my post.

 

Nice! if it's a V8 it's very common for the EGR plate under the carb to burn out internnally and cause bad idle.

 

Pretty sweet. Let's get an engine shot. You'll have it up and going in no time, ask the site for help when you are stuck. My guess is you start drving it everywhere as your primary in a few months.

 

The Orange Blossom Special, I LIKE IT!!!

 

Lordy - that's a nice looking truck. Congratulations! No matter what you have to do to it, you'll be basking in the sweet sunshine of NO RUST to deal with especially being from MI.

 

That's one heck of a ride for your first dentside! Love the white striping, have fun with it and don't be afraid to ask all the knowledgeable people here for info if you get stuck. There's definitely some tricks on these old girls and most people are willing to share with you. Good luck

 

Theres no doubt ill be grabbing the keys to this more than my sedan, keeping it off the streets come winter though!

Engine should be a 360 although, 2 owners ago, they tried to claim it as a 390. Points an condensers were taken out so now its running a CDI? I know thats whats the call it on motorcycles. Well, it was switched to electronic.
Look past all the oily grime and there s an engine in there! Thanks.

 

Looks a lot cleaner than my engine bay, though you need to turn that air cleaner about 90 degrees clockwise. There are some good write ups here on how to check if it is a 360 or 390. If it is the original engine, what does your vin say it is (If not sure, post your vin and we can tell you)

 

Also, do yourself a favor and put a new fuel filter on it before the fuel pump to catch any gunk from the tank. Do that before you do anything like rebuilding the carb (if your tank is dirty like mine was it will just get all gunked back up) When you have the time, drop the tank, inspect and replace/refurbish if necessary. You can check out the fuel sender while you have it out. That is likely the problem with the gauge.

 

California clean!

 

Its even got the auxiliary battery tray, looks factory.

 

Congrats! looks great!

 

No vacuum line going to the vacuum advance may be part of the rough idle.
LOVE THAT COLOR!

 

When you do the brakes, get a complete set of new brake lines. Even if you don't plan on doing the whole system at the same time.

 

I found out on mine quickly that vaccum leaks are a huge source of havoc for idling issues. Does it have 2 or 4bbl carb/intake?
Whats the wires coming from the water pump for?
I like the orange. Reminds me of the bread delivery truck my grandpa had and eat me drive when I was like 12. Drove my mom crazy.