Need you input re Up Grades

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Oct 17, 2004 | 09:22 AM

dads truck

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 45

Likes: 0

From: Ontario

Need you input re Up Grades

I am restoring a 64 M100 same as F100 with a 223 6 cylinder with a factory 4 speed. I have just purchased a conversion kit to install disc brake and I am considering going all the way to power brake with a dual master cylinder.
I have never driven the truck on the street and I am looking for your comments.
At the moment I have no plans to change the engine and transmission, but that can change, I am planning to use the truck as a daily summer driver.
I usually build all orignal show cars this is my first truck and I have no plans to made it into a high perforance truck just a relayable driver.
Ps Is power steering needed as my wife will also be driving the truck

Oct 17, 2004 | 10:52 AM

FORD352V8

Elder User

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 938

Likes: 1

From: North Carolina

I would say let your wife drive the truck and see what she thinks, my manual steering is very light and easy to turn. Keep the 223ci 6 in, it is a fine engine that will run forever and the milage is gonna be awesome, which is very imporatant these days. Your not going to be able to race people and win but itll get you there and back with plenty of torqe. Everybody wants to throw a V8 in but unless you want to go fast theres no reason to put a gas hog in. The power brakes would be nice but itll be a pain to put all the crap on thats requried. Let me know how the disc brake conversion goes, I am thinking of converting as well. Good luck and welcome to FTE!

Oct 17, 2004 | 11:07 AM

Putt

Posting Guru

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 2,232

Likes: 1

From: Colville, Washington

I think you will be fine with manual disc brakes, the pedal effort will be higher than power but not excessive. You do need to make sure the master cylinder is for MANUAL disc brakes, the bore is different(usually) to help with pedal effort.

The power steering was a vast improvement on my '66, but I have a 428 under the hood, it is a bit heavier and the assist was needed on it. You will prolly be fine with the manual steering, it is more difficult to install power stg on your year of truck.

Good luck!!

Oct 18, 2004 | 06:23 AM

jowilker

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jun 1999

Posts: 24,552

Likes: 74

From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

Phil, Welcome to FTE

The onlly difference between the M & F is the country that they were built in and visiable badging. I would love to drive one with Mercury badging just because there are many less of them.

I also think power steering and brakes are a worthy upgrade not only for creature conforts, but also safety.

John

Oct 18, 2004 | 09:15 AM

dads truck

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 45

Likes: 0

From: Ontario

Thanks for the input I think I will be staying with manual disc brakes for now. I can upgrade if needed in two years when the restoration is complete.
Any suggestion as to which master cylinder would work the best?

Oct 18, 2004 | 09:28 AM

smcafee

Freshman User

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 27

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From: Boise USA

My suggestion would be an electronic ignition. I use Petronix and am very happy with it. It is a very easy conversion and you don't have to file and gap points every so often.