Hi All,

I recently picked up a ‘73 Highboy that is in fairly good shape inside and out, and seems to be mechanically sound this far.

While I have it parked over the winter I’d like to give the interior an update. However I’m new to these trucks and don’t really know where to start or look.

From what research I’ve done I was planning on replacing the seat with a bench out of a 92-96 or a rear bench out of a supeduty. Not sure if there are other simple options.

The other thing I want to do is update the sound system. Definitely looking for recommendations here.

While I have everything taken apart is there anything else I should look into doing?

I’d like to also replace the door panels but am having a hard time finding green ones. Any places I should look?

Thanks in advance

 

These rigs had a distinctive classic interior. personally I think any major modifications are a step backwards. if you want something a little fancier maybe look at upgrading to XLT trim .


Green parts can be tough to come by from what you read here. if you're not in love with it changing to black might be a change to look at.

 

Those early kings ranch super-duty rear benches look pretty good, but you don’t come across them. I’m pretty happy with factory options, though some diamond stitch panels always look pretty decent too.

probably have to paint the door panels, not sure if sem has one that matches. Couldn’t find a correct brown off the shelf, either.

 

The SD rear seat is a nice mod, I did it. Green color anything for the interior is hard to locate. You might have to go for a color mod like black door panels, dash pad, (or get a green colored dash carpet cover), head liner and sun visors. Maybe even black carpet. Chrome versus painted headliner trim. A pillar grab handles. Glove box wood grin overlay. I did a black glove box door with a red white blue Ranger XLT badge.

 

These are pretty open ended questions with a ton of possibilities, we need more details as to what you want.

Any seats can be made to fit, you'll just need to make/modify the mounts.

What do you want in a stereo? Vintage looks with just basic speakers or do you want a modern, large display, head unit with multi-speaker and amps, audiophile quality system?

Are you're door panels in good shape but just faded/discolored? Any decent body shop should be able to get a close color match and paint them. Or, if they are still whole just beat up beyond repair you could use them as a base to cover them with leather, vinyl or fabric for a more custom look.

 

If you follow the directions to the letter SEM interior plastic and vinyl paint will never wear off. Best to start new door panels or dash pad. Carpenter used to offer off color panel from between color changes for less. Dash pad would be best to start with new also. Don't try it on something that's been drenched in Armour all for years, you will never get it clean enough. A decent auto body paint store should be able to mix the green. Just an experience I had with the SEM at the body shop I worked at. I had a white and light jade 78 Bronco with the green interior, still miss it. Sure, looked nice.

 

Regarding the seat…I’d like to opt for something that’s relatively simple without too much fabrication. Although it is tough to find a Superduty full bench that’s in good shape. I can find some 60/40’s, I assume a support frame will need to be fabricated for something like that. Ideal situation is a king ranch or brown platinum seat, may settle for beige leather.

Current stereo situation is an aftermarket am/fm cassette that has the 2 posts but doesn’t quite fit the dash opening and some speakers in boxes under the seat. The dash speaker is still there but I’m not sure if it’s hooked up and/or working. I’d like to install a more modern, basic, headunit with Bluetooth, replace the dash speaker and put some speakers in the existing door holes. Maybe something behind the seat, not sure how much room they’ll be after swapping the seat. Anyone know of or have a how to on modifying the dash for a single DIN unit?

 

A 2000 ish SD CC rear bench can be found cheap enough. Craigslist, FB Market place, pick and pull. Car-parts ect...Take OEM riser mount brackets off. Measure up and drill and mount the 79 OEM sliders and mount it. If it is to low add some square tubing for a riser and go again. Easy peasy.
$40 bucks Craigslist

My 79 OEM sliders


It was to low, so I added some square tubing for a riser. Using OEM bolt holes and longer hdwr.

 

For the head unit if you don't have the hole in your dash chopped out that cuts through the metal supports and everything already, I'd recommend considering spending the extra money to get a factory looking model that companies make that has Bluetooth etc. I don't have a link to any because my dash has already been violated, but I know they are out there. If it's already been cut, then figure out how to fit a normal head unit without being too ugly, but most that I see are horrible jagged abominations.

For adding speakers you may want to check out https://3dprintedfordparts.com/ They make various parts like seat belt retractor covers that have speaker locations in them for a nice installed look. I believe you will need to do smoothing and paint on the parts after getting them to match your truck though.

 

I worked in a custom van shop in the 70s. Made a lot of overhead councils. I prefer to have my squeeze by my side, bench seat. An apolsterer could do a lot with just the oem door panels. Match them to a custom seat cover. Nice guages. Visor color matched. Sun roof. Fender flares. I like turbo wheels on them, paint the inside web where it lug nut goes. Gun rack or rear window cover. Chrome rails on the bed.
. Probably keep away from led lights n such as it wasn't in those times, kinda ol school man

 

You can buy paint formulated for plastic. SEM is a reputable brand. I have also had paint mixed for me an an automotive paint store and that worked extremely well. That may be an option if you can't find a standard color you like.

 

IF YOU HAVE THE ORIGINAL RADIO THERE IS A GUY ON YOUTUBE, RICHARD BLANKENSHIP THAT CAN MAKE YOUR OEM RADIO BLUETOOTH. MODERN STUFF WILL NOT FIT IN THAT DASH WITHOUT CUTTING.

 

Good luck finding a OEM radio that is still in working shape. If you do find one and it needs overhauled reach out to Gene.

"For OEM radio help, the guy to use is in Scottsbluff Nebraska. His name is Gene Cochran, and he works out of his house. He's a crusty old codger, but does some tremendous work. While he had the radio apart, he updated some of the internals and cleaned the heck out of everything. My total bill was $25! His number is 308 632-2520 (I checked with him at the time I collected my stereo, and he was OK with giving his number out) He also lined me out on the manner in which the old radios were wired (mine at least). The speakers are in series meaning positive from radio to positive on speaker #1, negative from that speaker goes to positive on speaker #2. Negative from Speaker #2 goes to Negative on stereo. Now the stock stereo rocks as loud as the little 5 1/2 speakers can handle!!!

While it's there you might see if he'll wire in an aux input jack. I had it done with mine, and it allows me to run my I-pod through it. Basically, when the I-pod is connected it becomes the antenna source. Cost in parts was under $5. I set mine on a 12" extension so I could just drill a small hole in the dash by the ashtray, which I'm turning into a covert charging / storage station for my phone and I-pod. won't cost much more."

Or just hit up these folks. https://www.classiccarstereos.com/19...uck-radio.html

 

'77&79F250 ...I see now how the font color you chose just washed out in dark mode. I find that my posts work better in automatic, or any color far from a choice of black or white. I do like this dark mode.

Sandbox13... interior upgrades or changes for sake of change often evolve over time with use or familiarity.

I used chrome tag lights on both ends of the lower dash for courtesy lighting. I have a gun rack but It got used for a level and/or hat mostly, 1986 Mercury bucket seats, some center storage with 2 drink holders, floor hump platform, behind seat storage box that is lockable 3 times, and I added the AC long ago too.

My red plastic door panels were OK, but they are a PITA to remove ... and I wanted unique and easier access to the door interiors, so I made 3 piece inner door panels and cured speaker vibration noises. The lowest third of the panel is intended to stay put and also has map and drink pockets. The top third is intended to be left in place but is removable and houses window winders, grab handles to pull shut, and arm rests. The middle third is easily removed with a 5/32 Allen wrench on socket head screws with a driver, etc, I can access the whole big access hole and every door part except window winder three bolts from behind this panel section, in just a few minutes time. Speaker grates also are included in this section. I can change out a glass though ... if ever needed ... as the center third also covers the lowest bolt of the vent wing partition.

A period correct OEM radio is gonna likely not work and if it does, is gonna not be pleasant. Speakers and inner electrics use papers and plastics and glues and other materials that dry up and change properties (ie: degrade) ... after 40-50 years in the hot sun or cold frozen nights sitting unused. I have two on shelf in the basement, both work, so they'll stay there. I have a '70s era Pioneer in the truck, and a working spare. They do well with my SkyFi docking station and wired modulator feeding the antenna, Willie's Roadhouse or Fox or '40s on 4 mostly ... via my life subbed SkyFi . Antenna is in ca ... either on dash or stuck to the gun rack via magnet depending on pickup of sat signal.

My flooring is devoid of factory padding and carpet. It got some cleaning, over plating, and topped with an industrial rubber flooring that has a weather proof carpet molded into the rubber locally at Georgia Bboded Fibers.
I also at some point ... redid the mirror after it fell off the windshield. I cleaned the glue off the glass, then made a bracket that attaches to the metal above the glass and mounted the mirror "button" to it with a screw and JB Weld, it raised the mirror where I can see still over the tailgate, or adjust to see somewhat better down into the bed.

It has evolved over near 40 years.

I think I'm gonna put a CB radio in it next ... when weather warms. Still considering grab assist handles to ease entry ... and maybe egress ... too.

No 8 tracks though.

 

Thanks for the input. Here’s a few photos showing what I’m working with