Future Purchase
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 87
Likes: 13
Future Purchase
Been hanging out primarily on the 68-72 F series forum as I own a bump side & recently completed the restoration on it. I am now turning my attention to a 78-79 F series truck (preferably a 2WD short bed) & will be in the market for one to restore soon. Other than liking the aesthetics of the truck I truthfully know very little about them (would be my first one). My first question relates to emissions. The state where I live (CO) requires all vehicles '75 & later to pass local emissions. I would like whatever engine the truck has to do at least a mild performance package to it (cam, carb/intake upgrade, ignition upgrade, headers/dual exhaust, ect). Can one do that to this era truck & still get it to pass emissions ? or do most owners of these trucks live with the stock performance that was bestowed upon them.
Thanks folks !
Thanks folks !
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,897
Likes: 2,372
73-75 you won't have to deal with the 335 series engines or emissions so it's win win.
Problem is finding a short box 2wd. I watch craigslist a lot and at least in this area a 2wd short box is a tough find.. rust free long boxes are cheap and easy to find though.
Problem is finding a short box 2wd. I watch craigslist a lot and at least in this area a 2wd short box is a tough find.. rust free long boxes are cheap and easy to find though.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 323
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From: Johnson City
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 992
Likes: 114
From: Dallas, OR
As already said, look for a 73 or 74 to avoid emissions and then just swap the entire body off the 78-79 as the VIN number is on the frame. The VIN also appears on the warranty tag inside the driver door, but many states do not use this for titling purposes. Just to be safe, you can get a reproduction warranty plate from Marti or just get the rivets and swap the plate from the 73/74 to the new door.
Or the easier route would be to just swap the grille and they would look pretty much the same. The only other cosmetic things I can think of off the top of my head is the fuel fillers had doors covering them on later models and they had shoulder belts instead of lap belts.
Or the easier route would be to just swap the grille and they would look pretty much the same. The only other cosmetic things I can think of off the top of my head is the fuel fillers had doors covering them on later models and they had shoulder belts instead of lap belts.
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