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Last night I purchased a ‘68 F100. Body is straight (few whiskey dents), The engine (according to the VIN) is a 360 V8, it runs and drives OK, been sitting up for a while.
My question for the forum is: Where would you start? This is my first adventure like this and I would like some input from people who have done it already.
There is the argument to be made, start from the ground and work up. Tires, brakes, wheel bearings, shocks & suspension. Plenty right there, to keep somebody busy for a while. "Whoa!" Is just as important as "Go!". A lot of it of course depends on budget and what the plans are.
I agree with the above knowledgeable gentlemen. Most important is brakes, make sure it can stop.
Unless you have a good history from the PO, I recommend all new pads and wheel cylinders so you know where they stand.
After that, I got a factory service manual (available on Rockauto) and just went system by system.
Body and interior are last on the list.
Nice looking truck. Congrats on the new edition.
Come here often. These guys really know their stuff and are willing to share.
I agree with everyone about brakes and then other mechanical items. If painting it is in the plan (I like the way it sits!) Put some miles on it before you do the body work. Replacing major components is much more stressful on a freshly painted car/truck.
All good advice. The gentleman I purchased it from did the brakes and they seem to be in good shape. I think my first stop is going to be to the engine man. Once he has it pulled, and I’m gonna have him mount the gas tank between the frame under the bed, then, I’m gonna take it to the body shop with the engine out and have the body work done and primed.
I would check the brakes just because the PO said he did them did he / she do them right or even tell the truth?
The only thing I did not do on my 4 year cab off frame rebuild was replace the master & booster.
They cam from my parts truck and was rolled so you would think they would be good?
After I got the truck on the road I think the owner rolled the truck because they did not work once on the road!
Dave ----
Great project! I have a 1969 Ranger that my dad bought from the original owner about 40 years ago. Has been sitting for ten years or so, and now I'm ready to do what you're doing. I'll be following your progress!
For me it depends on what you intend. If you are going to use it and work on it (best way because it makes you complete tasks).
1) Brakes, I would go trough the brakes front to back. Upgrade to power disc if it doesn't have then already from a newer dent 76 to 79.
2) Suspension, go through the springs, shocks and bushings.
3) Start going through the engine, start with a compression check then decide if a tune up is next.
