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Hey FTE. Been a while. I've recently swooped up a shorty 1965 F100 Custom Cab early this year that I've been excited about ever since. I've been busy at work with overtime thus far but still try to make it over to the truck every weekend. (Will be moving it to my place in the next couple of weeks which should help the progress on little things). I will try to attach pics.
Door tag info:
F10DR661844
115 8 F100 D81 A 08
5000 172 4000 72
The gentleman I bought the truck from acquired a few vehicles from the widow of the original owner, and then he sold it to me. Original California plates and the truck had been parked for a long while. Frame and cab are solid. Few accidents and old body work are definitely going to need attention later on but the goal now is to get it running well and stopping even better. I've inspected the casting numbers under the hood and everything is consistent with the original equipment(FE 352). Trans is supposed to be a 3 speed (HEGT 024594 is on the tag) on the tree but it was converted to a very short floor shifter. So far I've done a lot of cleaning, new battery, coil, plugs, wires, distributor cap, cleaned fuel tank, new fuel filter, rebuilt carb, and cleaned up some wiring with more to do. Fired up after replacing the leaking coil and feeding fresh gas.
I'm hoping to run by some questions and ideas in order of importance (In my mind) so that I may get this girl back on the road. Thanks for any suggestions and help with any of these tasks!
1. Brakes. Master cylinder dry and completely rusty gunk inside. I considered replacing with single pot and flushing lines somehow, but I figured might as well upgrade to a dual master, power brake, disc brake, power steering, and replace the line(s) (only the longest line going back in the frame rail is a little questionable). I found a 1978 F150 2wd donor way under 1k which I plan on picking up this Saturday. I plan on harvesting the entire front end and radius arms as recommended. I will grab the front brake line and mounting brackets for routing example. I had already ordered a booster/master/proportioning valve combo that is beyond the 30 day return period but this truck does have those components should I decide to grab them for later.
2. Transmission. I may change the fluid and run what I've got for a bit but after doing some reading I'm pretty sure I'd like to convert to an automatic (C6). From what I understand, I will either need to pull the engine or grind the crossmember rivets out and replace with hardware, and shorten the driveshaft. Forgive me if there is a thread on this swap as I'm still researching but can someone chime in on where I would be able to find the trans and in which application would be best suited. I plan on using the truck as a cruiser/mild street truck. Parts needed and links are appreciated too. According to the
3. Steering Column. The same donor 78 has an auto trans tilt column that I'm planning on using. I know the wiring for the turn signal switch will need to be sorted and thread shortened to use my wheel but any suggestions using this column before or after the future C6?
4.Power Steering. The 78 has a 351w so I don't think I can use the PS bracket but can I use the pump, lines, and steering box? I actually found a 72 Saginaw box a month back that I snagged along with the left side engine mount but not sure if I would need to use it after all? Unfortunately I've been looking for a donor since the start so I was impatient and grabbed it.
Those are my big concerns at the moment. I'm sure more will arise but I'm pretty comfortable making changes. Again thank you for reading and any help! Bed was hit, pulled out, and bondo'd long ago Found both missing trims recently The worst/only real rot on the truck
Should be a nice truck when done and it sounds like some good mods you have planned to make it nicer to drive. I like the original yellow on the inside of the cab.
That truck must have spent some time on the coast. More rust that I would have expected from a Ca truck. I would completely go through the brakes. With no fluid in the system, it's likely that the lines and wheel cylinders need replacing. The brake upgrade is a good idea.
That truck must have spent some time on the coast. More rust that I would have expected from a Ca truck. I would completely go through the brakes. With no fluid in the system, it's likely that the lines and wheel cylinders need replacing. The brake upgrade is a good idea.
Yep could have been possibly at one point but I think the bed floor rusting out was due to soil sitting in the bed. Definitely had been on a ranch based on the undercarriage having farm mud stuck to it. A big turn off for me was going to be unrecoverable/difficult areas of rot. The only thin/rotted areas are bed floor, lower front bed panel, and passenger side rear where it was hit. I was able to source a very solid non custom short bed from a guy with a long bed conversion project. Will save me money and definitely time off salvaging this bed. Cab, door sills, and frame are all solid.
Rear cylinders and shoes look like they had been done before original owner passed away but I'll go over them again once I get the discs/mc in up front. I've got brake line and fittings ready to bend up as well. Should be a challenge but looking forward to it
Well, it can be done. if you want it bad enough. finding a good right bed side will be hard. stripping everything down is the main thing. on this you need to blow it all apart and start from the beginning just as Mr Ford did. one piece at a time. This is what I started with. And finished with.
