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I just bought a 1962 Ford F100 Wrongbed. I would like to tackle as much of the restoration my self. By no means am I a mechanic so this seems like a daunting task but willing to learn as much as possible. I would like to use this as my daily driver. Any tips that woukd serve me as a checklist and order of tasks. Truck has original 223 inline 6 engine. Runs well. Everything else original.
Good question . The answer isn’t as easy, but rather starts with more questions to ask and think about:
Will this be a complete disassemble and rebuild - off frame project? Are you interested in all original and stock configuration?
Will this be a rolling restoration? Drive and fix it as you go? Will this be a restoration with upgrades and modifications? Straying from all original factory specs?
What is your budget? And timeline?
how much work and time can I reasonably expect myself to perform on this?
What tools do I need to complete the tasks? And how much work should I hire out?
have I driven it enough to know the quirks and issues to make a list of immediate and long term tasks and repairs?
List and identify tasks, parts and cost estimates by function or systems such as: a. Suspension. B. Electrical and wiring. C. Engine and cooling. D. Driveline (axles, transmission, differential, gearing change? Etc). e. Sheetmetal, body, and cab supports. F. Options wanted. G. Upholstery and cab interior. H. Prep and Paint. I. What upgrades do I want? Electronic ignition for example, LED lights? Engine performance mods? J. Safety systems - brakes, lights, steering, exhaust. Organize tasks or a spreadsheet by the repair manual table of contents.
If a total restoration - Talley up estimates and either get spousal support or prepare for expected sticker shock or do as i do… practice the fine art of denial, don’t look at the receipts and plow ahead.
did You acquire the factory assembly and repair manuals yet?
Make a spreadsheet and stay organized with photos -especially before photos and disassembly details.
Can you commit a workspace garage to work in and organize and make it comfortable for winter work etc.
these questions are just ticklers to consider.
Suggest research for some good books about auto restorations even if the book is for another brand or manufacturer...same principles apply, YouTube, websites of project builds, parts sources and suppliers, eBay, Google searches, read the postings here about specific questions...chances are you will encounter the same question and solutions. Stay connected here.
This can be a rewarding experience and hobby that may test your patience and decision making at times - but that's part of the process.. Most of us start somewhere, and there is no better way to do it than buying a nice solid truck. You are already ahead of the game starting with good bones and a straight truck.
For it to be a daily (or even just a weekend driver) it has to run, drive, shift, steer and stop consistently and safely. Start by grabbing a service manual and go through the drive train. At minimum even though you said it runs good, full tune up and fluid flush/change. Anything rubber or electrical gets replaced with new. Once you're done with that can move on to other systems. You said all original so advice is don't piece meal. For example, brakes get a total redo from m/c to lines to cylinders to shoes. Don't leave anything out. Do it once and do it right. Same with suspension/steering. Change all bushings, king pins etc. If it looks good, change it anyway. Otherwise you're just waiting for it to fail. Certainly you can drive it as you go along, but wouldn't depend on it as a daily until all is complete. My truck has been my daily for the past 5+ years. Be prepared for roadside problems and routine maintenance is a must. The best place to fix things is your driveway, not the side of the road. For the first couple weeks or so I drove around with a bike and a tool box in the back. Fortunately, never needed the bike and still carry the tool box.
1 last thing, you can either triple your budget now, or pretend for the next few years.
For a daily driver, a frame off is a waste of time and money IMO. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try to make it look nice, just don't go crazy with it as it will get dings and scrapes if you actually use it as a truck. Some projects need to be prioritized like brakes, suspension and steering and then you can drive it a while to keep from putting it down for years at a time. As mentioned by AZSCA, brakes need to be completely redone. The only 2 things I didn't replace on mine were the pedal and the distribution block. You should also consider upgrading them to make them safe in traffic. There are a lot of idiots on the road and you need to be able to stop quickly when someone cuts you off. I stayed with drums but went with 3" up front and 2.5" at the rear and added a booster. I've had to lock up the brakes more than once because some jack-wagon dove in front of me to make a turn at the last second instead of falling in behind me like a normal person.
Welcome to FTE! Agree with the previous replies. I got my signature truck a couple of years ago and have been putting together the resources and timing to get her restored. I've been around and around over how deep to go into the restoration so it's really important to know how much money and time you're willing to invest in your truck. My foray into this started with getting the truck safe to drive: complete brake job and a full tune up. Both of those led to more detailed work. For example, I had to pull the distributor to complete the tune up and the oil draft dropped into the oil pan as I pulled it out of the block. So, a tune up turned into an oil pan pull. Not a bad thing since it was leaking anyway, but as with all projects like these, one thing, leads to another...
Finally, the folks on this forum are incredibly knowledgeable, helpful and full of great ideas. Don't hesitate to ask "that" question - it's likely been experienced by one of the members. Since it looks like I have a sister to your truck (except mine is three-on-the-tree), I'd be happy to answer any specific questions to the extent of me meager knowledge. Good Luck!
Kudos for willingness to learn. I find not only forums like this to be helpful but youtube is invaluable... If I can't figure out how to do something, there's usually a video. Good luck!
I think the way you work it depends on how much you think you have in it. You said part of the compensation for work you had done was paid for by you getting this truck. So how much in real money is that? You are probably not going to get a lot selling it the way it is. Even getting it running the market will be limited to those who would want the Bell System bed on it. If you are not going to do the work yourself then paying someone else to do the work is money down the toilet. You got a tough decision nobody can answer but you.
