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I’ve recently bought my first “old truck” a 1977 Ford F100 Custom. The price was something I couldn’t walk away from. Any recommendations on things to do on it?
Pretty sweet. Tell us more about it. 2WD? Auto/Manual? Engine? Etc. How would you like to use it?
I'd start with a really good inspection of the whole thing. Look for rust under the cab, corners, floor, drip rails, check the brakes, steering, gas tank, hoses, belts, etc. How does it run and drive at the moment?
Nice truck and welcome to the forum. As far as any recommendations for things to do on it I guess a few questions come to mind. What is your skill level and what resources do you have like tools, garage, etc...Is it going to be a project to bring it back to it's hey day or just a driver? Two things bode very well in your future for this truck. The people on this forum and the aftermarket. Really no limit for these trucks. Like caravaggio2000 says "Tell us more about it"
I’ve recently bought my first “old truck” a 1977 Ford F100 Custom. The price was something I couldn’t walk away from. Any recommendations on things to do on it?
The roof rust is going to be a problem sooner or later. Once it gets to the windshield it'll be tough to repair. My Brother had some rust right above his windshield and he had a guy fix it with lead before a repaint. You may be needing that soon.
Welcome to the forum and congratulations on getting the truck.
The basics first for safety and reliability. Change all fluids/fliters including transmission auto or stick. If it wasn't being driven I'd totally redo the brake system, master cylinder, wheels cylinders, calipers, shoes, rubber brake hoses and close inspection of the metal lines. Replace any steel lines that have scaly rust on them that can be flaked off. Insure the emergency brake works and repair if needed. Replace any rubber fuel line hoses. Make sure steering is tight and repair any looseness. Make sure all lights and signaling systems work properly. Looks like the driver side headlight is hanging out a bit. Check the age of the tires and visually inspect for dry rot/cracking.
Then after that you can start to work on cosmetics inside and out. The body look pretty straight and rot free so that's a good thing. As far as the surface rust on hood and roof you'll want to do something with that if the truck has to sit out in the elements/rain. There are various options depending what your personal taste is and goal with truck.
Thanks! It's 2WD 3 on the tree. The engine isn't original from what I was told it's a 300 Inline 6 from a Mustang (I really don't know). I'm very new to anything mechanic oriented, but I want to learn and this truck, believe it or not, belonged to my father in law in the late 80s into the early 90s and bought it from the original owner and through several owners, it happened to resurface years later. So for $500, I couldn't pass it up. It runs about as good as a 40+ year old truck would be expected to. As far as driving around, I am just wanting to use it as a run around truck, not a daily commuter. Here's what the motor looks like if anyone can give me more info....
Thanks! My skill level is a beginner at best. Thankfully I have some older men who I know well that have restored lots of old cars and trucks. So that's really my resources. My goal isn't anything crazy, I want to preserve at much of the patina as possible and want everything to function as it should. I want to use it more as a farm/ run around truck. We are also expecting our first child, a son, in February and I remember growing up riding with my grandfather in all of his vintage vehicles and how "cool" that was as a kid, and want to do the same thing. If anyone has pictures of there's that's the same model I'd like to see them! Thanks!
I think you should just sell it to me for $1,000 and double your money.
You'll probably end up driving it more than you think. Assuming it is just a run around and on the farm truck, run through the list of things stated above.
Surface rust is cool, but you'll want to take care of anything more serious (as mentioned above, rust around the windows can be a real bummer) if you plan on keeping it. Stop it in its tracks now and your son will also be able to enjoy it.
The 300 is great, especially for the way you are using it. If you end up driving it more and want to upgrade, there are a lot of options.
I'd just take it one step at a time, post questions, etc. about what you get stuck on here. Once you start driving it around, you'll see what needs to be addressed. As stated above, I'd take care of all the break related stuff first.
Give us your vin number on the driver door and we can tell you more about it.
I'd hit the hood and roof with some form of paint to help protect it from the elements before it gets worse. Even if it's just a quick rattle-can job, something to be easily sanded off if you were to respray the whole truck later on.
They all seem to have steering and brake issues. First Make It safe to drive. Congrats on your new passion.
I learned how to wrench on my cars back in the day, 1980's, because I had no money and a new family like you.
If you're just starting out and buying your tools as you need them remember you are also buying tools you will use for the remainder of your life so think ahead and buy quality if you can so they last. I started buying Craftsman tools because they have a lifetime warranty. Good Luck
