Hi all. New to the forum but enjoying being here.
I’m looking for some input on a 63 F100 project. I've added more details below but here are my basic questions:

1. What are some changes to improve drivability, reliability, and economy I should consider? I was thinking an aluminum radiator, maybe an upgraded alternator to support some modern accessories (elec fan, phone charger, etc.), and switching to an electronic ignition.
2. Are there things I'm forgetting here?
3. Am I totally out of line thinking I can do the work below for under $12k?

The project: '63 Ford F100 (292 y block, 4spd) that my grandfather (with very minor help from me) almost finished restoring. It's been garaged but not driven for 10 years. We rebuilt most of the engine and major mechanical components about 15 years ago but it didn't get much driving after that rebuild. He painted the cab, hood, and frame but never finished the bed (which is rusty but in usable shape) as health problems got in the way. It's got some creature comforts, like A/C and power brakes (drums at all four corners), but is otherwise pretty standard.

Here's why I want to pick up this project:

1. I'd love to have a small pick up for truck purposes around town, cars and coffee, and maybe short camping trips on roads I don't want to drive my car on.
2. It's a nice piece of family history (my grandfather bought it new) and everyone agrees it'd be better to see it used.

Here's what I'm thinking of doing myself (before I try to start it!)

1. Replace the valve cover and oil pan seals/gaskets,
2. make sure the crank turns,
3. take the plugs out and drip a little oil in there,
4. change the coolant, change the oil,
5. check gas tank for gummed up stuff and clean,
6. replace filters and any dried out rubber (coolant lines, fuels lines, belts etc).
7. New battery

Here's what I'd want to pay someone to do:

1. prep and paint the bed and add a spray in liner
2. Prep and paint the cab to match
3. change the transmission fluid
4. flush the break lines
5. switch over the A/C to a R134a (I have a new style compressor laying around that might work)
6. Give everything a good once over.

It's been a long time since I did auto work (had an old Ford Mustang I tinkered with for the better part of ten years but haven’t done much recently) so any input is much appreciated. Sorry I don't have any photos--forgot to take a few the last time I was in town.

 

Welcome to FTE. I would get the truck running and stopping before making any upgrades. Don't spend money where you don't have to. Pictures are a great place to start.

 

Rebuild as much of the front steering as possible. King pins, tie-rod ends, steering box, leaf bushings.
Alternator upgrade.
Disc brakes, brake booster, prop valve.

 

Welcome aboard, and congrats on being the curator of a historical,family treasure.
It sounds like you are on the right track, with most of all of your plans. You may be surprised how well some of the components such as belts and hoses have survived the last few years.
Your story follows my Dad's 63 truck some what, as his sat for the last 7 or 8 years and I have recently got it back on the road, following his passing last summer.
The 292 seems to be a pretty forgiving engine, and a few squirts of some light oil in the cylinders, and rolling it over with plugs out, until the oil pressure comes up is exactly what I did.
I would get the mechanical parts in good working order, and make sure your cooling system is up to the task, before worrying about creature comforts, such as AC.
My suggestion on the AC system, is replace the dryer, and seal it up good, and stick with R12 or a substitute.
Old R12 systems, dont always work real well, when changed to 134A, due to the inefficiency of 134A. These older systems use smaller and more tubes in the condenser, and evaporator cores to accommodate the lower efficiency of 134A.

Good luck with your project, and keep us posted on your progress.

 

All advice above is sound. I am almost finished with my 65 f100 my grandfather bought new then my dad has owned 30 years until he passed a year ago and now I'm trying to fully restore.
first thing first get it running good. Mine instantly started leaking fuel from the line under cab. Then the tank started leaking. Replaced the tank and the neck. NPD has a lot of good stuff for these trucks.
I would do one thing at a time and be prepared for a lot of little things to replace.
Engine running, radiator flushed, front disk brake conversion. Power steering and wheels and tires. Mine still had the original shocks.
unfortunately the body shop will crush your wallet unless you have someone to help with that part..im doing Mine myself. Bought all my paint and supplies from Eastwood.
I am very happy with mine and very proud to be doing it even with the long days and busted knuckles. It will be worth it in the end. This site is exceptional for info. Mine had a worn out 240 3 on the tree. Now it's a 375 horse 302 crate from BluePrint, original 3 speed converted to the floor with a electric power steering kit from epas. The entire process of finding out everything I needed for the swap I got from this site, the jolopy journal and fordfication .

Good luck with it!

 

I have to say that I agree with the above info as well with one point. Check the brakes and follow through with a plan to get them working well. Tons of good information this site. Get started and keep us posted.