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I've been perusing this site for some time now and thought "I should join." So... I did. Some here may kind of know me from the Bullnose Forum, as I post under the same name. Anyhow, my current project is a 1983 F100 Flareside. I bought this truck over 10 years ago for $1200.00. The guy I bought it from built it with his father in 1999. He told me it was a Styleside when he got it from his uncle. He said it had a blown straight six in it. They replaced it with a 351 Cleveland hooked to a FMX that came from a 72 Torino. It may very well had a Styleside when he got it as his uncle might had put the bed on it or someone else did. I do believe he did change the bed as he said it got hit and the guy who hit it gave him the Flareside. The paint under the black is white on the bed and maroon under the black on the cab and fenders. The hood is a Copart as the decal is still on it. There is also a 9 inch from a 63-72 F100 with 3.25 gearing and 28 spline axles. Will be changing the gearing. Surprisingly the ID tag is still on it showing WDM-H. The VIN (took ten years for me to run these numbers) gave me the real story. Flareside, 300 six, AOD. As we all know, some trucks are constantly going through changes. Some good, same bad. I like to think the changes I'm putting it through are for the betterment of the human race. Human race being me racing another human preferably in a Dodge with a Hemi. The betterment is me winning. So, as of now the 351 Cleveland is now a 362. Bored .060. I know, 60 over is way out there but, it checked out on the sonic check. It has a .578 Comp cam, Trick Flow heads with 1.73 TF rockers and Howard cams lifters. Edelbrock airgap manifold with a Demon 750 Speed Demon double pump, no chock. Will have to put a chock on it. Had it on a 360 Chevy race engine in a 1980 El camino SS. Sanderson headers and a MSD Pro Billet distributor with mechanical advance. I recently got a clutch/brake pedal assembly to put a 6 speed T-56 Tremec behind it. Will need to reinforce with the bracket to strengthen it for a hydraulic clutch. I want to pass everything, including gas stations.
I recently stripped the cab out to lift it from the frame so to sand blast everything for new paint. I will not do new paint on top of old paint. Up in the air about the color. New interior including instrument panel from Classic Dash, dash pad and everything else. Considering converting to power windows as a complete new harness is going in as well. Frame is inline for all new components and whatever is best for rust prevention. New grille and everything that surrounds it.
Basically, this is my retirement truck. My wife got a new Ranger Sport 4x4. I get to build this. I've had a good number of fast cars and trucks since my first, a 68 Camaro RS in 1976. This will be my last build, maybe. I do want to get the 80 El camino back up. We should never say "last." There is always something.
To conclude this introduction of myself, I will be coming by and asking questions. One such is on installing a Tremec. I believe it was on this site that I saw a thread of someone who installed one in a Bullnose. I have tried a search but, came up with nothing. If someone has a link, I will be appreciative. One more thing, for right now. Where can I find a non automatic tilt steering column? So, in closing, I will be back!
Regarding your questions, they're probably going to get a lot better answers over in the "1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks" forum, almost halfway down the main page.
Hi and welcome to the community! Nice to have you here. There are lots of great choices for parts, services, and many owners willing to help you. Good luck with your project and keep us posted!
On my next trip to the local JY I will look for an 80's and up truck with a tilt steering column.
I’ll be hitting Buddy’s in Springfield next week when I get home. If you come across one let me know. I’m looking for one that doesn’t have a shifter on it.
Yes you want one out of a truck with a manual transmission. Now will it have the key in the steering column? Not sure it 1980 was the year the ignition switch got moved. I am a 73-79 kinda guy, but I will look for you.
Yes you want one out of a truck with a manual transmission. Now will it have the key in the steering column? Not sure it 1980 was the year the ignition switch got moved. I am a 73-79 kinda guy, but I will look for you.
I am making a AM local JY lap (I heard there is a 79 that just came in) and I will see what is out there as far as 80's trucks and tilt steering columns.
