I had my 72 F250 with a 390 C6 non-opped (unlicensed) the last two years because I just couldn't take the 8 mpg at today's prices. Last Friday I blew the power steering on my jeep and was stranded in the mountains behind Fresno, near mammoth pool for those who know the area. . .

Anyway I dug out the 72, bought some insurance for it and used it to rescue my rig - Went up the slopes in 108 degree temperatures - some heating problems and the timing was way off, but it went. Stopped for some gas and found a dried and burned toad stool around the number 3 spark plug.

The old girl motored up the hill fine, and towed my camp trailer back. It felt good not to need to worry about brakes overheating on the down grades - she handled my small trailer much better than the jeep.

I replaced the points and fixed a gas leak around the accelerator pump and went back up there this morning with a heavy trailer to get the jeep. She powered up the grades as if they were not there, never got hot, and brought home the jeep over a couple of passes faster that the jeep could have pulled them by itself. A real strong horse working well.

Boy do I ever miss the V8 power and the big brakes on the 3/4 ton - If it wasn't that the jeep is the only thing I own that has air conditioning I would sell the jeep and use the money to buy gas for the big Ford.

btw, gas cost me $2.87 a gallon in the hills - that is about 36 cents a mile to operate!

 

That's cool! Ya can't beat these old Ford trucks. I love the FE engines too. I'm restoring a 73 F100 Ranger XLT with the 390. I doubt I'll get 10 mpg when I'm done but I don't care, it's the price you pay to drive a classic truck with some real cahuna's....LOL.

btw...i see you have a 49 to restore. I used to own a 49 with the flathead 8...I believe that's the truck on the show Sanford and son...cool truck.

Tracy

 

Sounds good! Makes me want to get out there and get mine done. It's currently undergoing the interior work, wiring, fuel plumbing, and AC re-do. Nothing was wrong, I just wasn't comfortable with how it was.

*****:

You did change the oil, right? That does go bad over two years...
Get that timing set!
If you're not running one, vacuum advance will improve your mileage.

And here's a big one: Air conditioning units ARE available for these trucks! Mine has AC, yours could too... Something to think about!

 

I have an A/C kit for my truck. I am just wondering if it will work. I robbed a donar truck for this kit.


Kurt what is the name of some of the kits and where can i find them? What is a price range for them?

 

Well I tell ya, mine came from a donor truck up at the junkyard. Filled with mouse nests and everything... took some time to clean that sucker out!

As for the aftermarket systems:

Here's one place.

Here's another place, probably the better one.

So they are out there.