Not from Northern BC but from Vancouver and have just started a new project as well. 77 F150 2WD

 

Hey Frosty: Very Cool! Please share some pix or a link to your thread.
Flecker: 31x10.50x15" radials. Originals were L78x15. I also really like the mag style wheel covers. Presently looking at my options for winter wheels and tires.
440-6: Yes, I have the Marti report. The ebay ad indicated it was a factory option but there is no mention on the Marti. so, yeah... Order Type: Fleet. Huh?
somethingclever: Interesting that you mention the frame rails. My F-150 frame looks much less robust than either of my F-250's. ('67 Camper Special and '89 XLT 4x4)
My frame rails measure 34" in between, or 37.5" "over-over". So now I would like to fit a frame mounted receiver hitch under the rear step bumper.
I have looked at the Curt, Draw-Tite, Reese, and Valley hitch websites. Of course I would like the receiver to be tucked up tight under the bumper, for ground clearance.
I would imagine a Class III or Class IV hitch would be skukum enough, considering a 6,150# GVWR. Can anyone comment on: What are my best options?

Also, still looking for ideas/ suggestions on how to un-pin the seat back so it will fold forward. Thanks.

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-dentside.html I have had it for about 6 weeks, not driven much, just collecting parts and fixing some mechanical issues. Runs very rich, have the carb apart and soaking right now and hope to have rebuilt by the weekend

 

Update: Seat folds!


These rascals will probably end up on a shelf in the car port, in a coffee tin.


Edit:
Bench seat with no console provides no place for a cupholder, especially in a cab with shifters on the hump.
I remember the old school cupholders that hung on the side window frame. lol
Anyhow, I found this cheap twin cupholder / organizer and cut out one of the drink wells.


Now I have a secure place to park my coffee cup, as well as a spot to collect small items from rattling around inside the cab.


I admit this isn't a high tech upgrade...just a bit more cruising comfort while I dream of bucket seats and a console.
I ordered a hitch receiver from Amazon; should be here next week.

 

Okay, here's the Marti Report on my Cooter. Most stuff checks out...high output heater, in-cab and standard aft fuel tanks, step bumper, dash gauges, all original drive train components.
My question concerns the paint. Twice it mentions "Special Paint" and door tag cites: Paint or Tire Order 1770. Only 2,423 with Special Paint...120 with Special Paint/ Trim Codes
I also see: Your vehicle was equipped with--White Tape Stripes. Would this be the Special Paint or Trim Codes? A 1977 F-150 brochure offers 'available' Dual Tape Stripes in 5 paint keyed colors
which surrounds the dents along the length of the body, and appears to be in addition to the bright metal bodyside moldings w/ vinyl insert. (Standard on Ranger & Ranger XLT).
So, Why is this truck 'One of 120'? Is it merely because it is a Light Blue Custom with White Tape Stripes? Or, is there something else to all these "Special Paint" references?
Thanks for helping me decipher this report. It was included with the other paperwork on the truck, but seems like a worthwhile investment in researching a vehicle's provenance.

 

I put a block heater in mine when i was rehabbing my block, the FE really likes some heat when its crazy cold out, specially in the morning

 

Very cool info - thanks for sharing. I did not realize that actually the in-cab fuel tank was an option for 1/2 ton trucks in 77.

I have installed a couple late model superduty class V receivers on my 37" wide framed trucks.

 

I'm happy to report the hitch was delivered and installed Monday. Just in time: we got 1.5" of snow Monday night!
I also started a thread in the Towing Forum so, to eliminate double posting, here's the link
1977 F-150 receiver hitch - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums (ford-trucks.com)


Now the fun begins!

 

A close look at the pic in post #1 in this thread reveals some rusty spots on Cooter's roof. Another reason I want to disco the camper shell: there are more rusty spots all around the rear window of the cab. Similar worn spots around the outside of the camper shell's front window lead me to believe there may have been one of those inflatable bladders that sealed the canopy to the cab, allowing both sliding windows to remain open for access to the bed with no wind intrusion.


In order to clean up this mess, I have been considering a Regular Tu-Tone upgrade to the roof and upper back cab panel of my truck. My other options include: Try match the 44 year old paint on the rest of the truck, or learn to love patina.
So, to kick off this next project, LMC sent me a pair of bright drip rail moldings along with the bright cab back rail molding set, as well as some nice stainless window visors. Prep will involve removing the canopy and then washing off the rusty roof surface with a 3-M abrasive pad (of some kind?) and perhaps a wire brush? Obviously I will need some Paint & Body type tools; I have an electric pad sander that I use for wood working projects...not exactly sure what else would help?
Below are some similar dent-sides I found on the Internet, showing the Regular Tu-Tone treatment.


Now for the fun part: PAINT. This will be a rattle-can project or, as we say in the Great White North, Spray Bomb! Rust-oleum & Krylon are about my only choices up here.
The 1977 brochure lists Black or White Texture Painted Roof (w/ bright moldings). Okay...probably not black, but would that be Wimbeldon White? Does anyone have an idea what would be a close match to Wimbeldon White? And my spray bomb will probably be plenty textured without even trying. Seriously though, I really want it smooth, right guys? I hate the textured finish on the fiberglass canopy.


I considered a Combination Tu-Tone with Deluxe White Bodyside Accent Panels but am somewhat reluctant to mess with the original white tape stripes surrounding Cooter's dent side molding.


I've watched a couple of YouTube videos. Lots of sanding, filling any cracks in the drip rail, etching primer, high-build primer, more sanding, base coat, top coat, clear coat. It's not going to happen quick. But I'm trying to assemble the supplies I will need and could use all the help/advice that anyone cares to offer. Any shortcuts or 'cheats' will be considered. We all want cheap & easy. But, as a rookie painter, I would also like to learn proven acceptable paint and prep techniques, in order to achieve the best possible results...considering the limitations of spray paint. Thanks

 

Update: Research online reveals a few clues






We also did our monthly shop in Prince George (10 hour round-trip overnighter) and came home with a few goodies

New Tools: YIPPEE
5" random orbit sander $23CAD
8" buffer/polisher $44CAD
Supplies:
3-M Scotch-Brite pads
Lots of 5" hook & loop sanding discs 80, 120, 220
Sanding sheets 320, 400, 600, 800
phosphoric acid
glazing/spot putty
lacquer thinner
plastic sheeting
masking tape
Paint:
Dupli-Color Self Etching Automotive Primer
Dupli-Color Sandable Automotive Primer, White
Dupli-Color Acrylic Enamel, White
Dupli-Color Acrylic Enamel Clearcoat
Aerosol spray trigger handle
Turtle Wax Polishing Compound

I picked up the stucco roller when envisioning a textured finish on this project.
Please ignore the Bully Brand aluminum side steps in the background...that is a future project.
There is probably a whole list of items I forgot. Hopefully the canopy will be removed today.

 

Looks like you plan is moving!

NOW... let's see some action!!

 

Cooter Goes Topless

Also installed the Bully Brand Side Steps. I think they will make jumping up into the cab a little easier for an old guy and his passengers.
Since I already had the wife's iPhone,I captured a little engine ****, especially requested by jakeharp. Enjoy...








My personal favorites--the 40 Year Old Virgin (almost) bed rails. Ooh-la-la


So, yeah...the back of the cab is a mess...and the roof is even worse in spots...

We should have some warm weather next week, so hopefully I can start working on the repaint then.
There's more hardcore "before" roof photos in the paint thread, if anyone's interested...
Regular Tu-Tone Touch-Up - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums (ford-trucks.com)
At this point, I think anything I do to the cab will be an improvement.
Funny how vehicles from AZ rust from the top, down...
but vehicles up here rust from the bottom, up.

 

Looks like an amazing view you have!

 

Yes, it is amazing. I thank God every day for this view.
Ootsa Lake is part of a chain of lakes that encircles the northern part of Tweedsmuir Park, the largest provincial park in BC. (Almost a million hectares, whatever a hectare is...)
It is a sportsman's paradise, with moose, bears, deer, lynx, wolverines, bald eagles, geese, swans, beaver, martin, and trophy-size rainbow trout in the 7-10# range. The record is 18# (RAINBOW!)
I am truly blessed to retire up here, after travelling over 38 states on Harleys. Since COVID, I miss seeing my kids in the states, but--God willing--this world of ours will be back to normal soon.
In the mean time, I'll spray-bomb some rust off my truck. Then I can drive around and look for bears. They're everywhere this time of year. We saw 2 blackies and a cinnamon bear yesterday.

 

It's been raining this week, so I put the paint project on hold temporarily.
In the mean time, I have been doing a little research online and actually found the listing for when my truck was sold in Montana and warehoused in Arizona.

1977 Ford F150 4x4 western high desert survivor barn find Ranger Explorer Custom for sale: photos, technical specifications, description (classiccardb.com)

Among other clues to Cooter's past, I discovered a couple of interesting tidbits, including:
The "Special Paint" references in the Marti Report might be 1967 Mustang/Shelby Brittany Blue?
Also, the engine may have been rebuilt with longer connecting rods? ("reciprocating assembly") Would that be the only change needed to accomplish this upgrade?
All this may not be of interest to everyone but I enjoy learning my truck's history.