First off, many thanks to this forum and all of you knowledgeable folks that post here. Over the past couple of days I've learned a ton about my new/old truck and what I'd like to change on it.
Here's the situation: My father in law just bought me a '69 f100. I'll be picking it up in 4 weeks, and want to get all the modifications planned out before then. Because I live in a los angeles appartment (no garages) I won't be able to do the work myself, so the "do it yourself" tech articles are of limited value...so I have a couple of questions.

1) Brakes: Is the conversion from manual drum brakes to power drum brakes simply a matter of comfort, or will the power brakes provide greater stopping power? Can I have a brake shop or mechanic make the switch for me and if so, how much can I expect to pay? Is the switch from drums to discs a MUST for regular, no/low-load driving?

2) Headrests: Is putting in a different seat the only way to get them? If I scavenge a set of headrests, would it be possible to attach them to my bench-seat in a way that would hold up in a crash?

3) Seatbelts: With the belts from Andover auto, will I be able to use the bolt housing to attach the shoulder strap, or will I need extra reinforcement (I've read both on this forum)? How tough is this to manage?

I'm decent a surfer, not much of a mechanic (as you probably guessed). I do want to make my trruck as safe as possible before hitting Highway 1 though. Thanks in advance for helping a newbie out.

 

I have had a 67 with and without the disc brakes. The original drum brakes are fine as long as you're not hauling anything heavy. Just do a brake job on the old buggy and you'll be in fine shape. The discs are an improvement but not a necessary modification.
jor

 

I agree in the disk brakes are not a Must but an added convenience but you may want to add the power booster on there along with the new brake shoes,I had manual brakes on a 69 and added the booster, and I have to say I used alot less leg, also just periodicaly make sure they are adjusted correctly for better stopping.
As for the headrests I think a donor seat is your best shot and as far as the shoulder belts try contacting the guys who have done the conversions by replying to their old posts and firing them back up or starting a new one asking for one of their replys seeing that you a new user that can't e-mail members yet.

 

Thanks for the replies!
I'm seeing new power boosters for sale on the internet for around $399. How tough is it to find rebuilt systems, and which years of Ford trucks will work for the swap?