First of all, I'm about 90% finished rebuilding my wife's grandfathers old truck (a 1972 Ranger) and wanted to thank everyone for all the great info posted on this site. Any time I have had a question I've been able to search this site and find the answers to my problems. Since this truck is to be used as a work truck I was concerned more with dependability and safety than a show winning restoration. With that in mind I made quite a few changes that were more often than not influenced by what I read here. While working on this truck I found a few things that I thought I'd pass on.

First, if anyone is considering the disk brake swap but is hesitant to do so because they think it will be too hard forget it. This is an extremely easy swap. The hardest part was running the new steel lines. I didn't want to re-use the lines that came from the donor vehicle and pre-bent lines are nearly impossible to come by and expensive when you find them. I ended up using some 1/8" brazing rods as a template and bent them around until I had everything right. Then I took my steel lines and bent them to match the brazing rods. Only messed up one line

Second, there was a thread recently about Herculiner bed coating. I had been considering having the inside of my cab sprayed with a coating since I wanted something that would be low maintenance yet still be durable. I had not considered the Herculiner but after reading about it here I thought I'd give it a shot. Before I put it in my truck, I decided to give it a test. I put 3 coats of the stuff on the pedals and footboards of my old Massey Ferguson tractor because my biggest complaint is that my feet slip off the pedals anytime they are the least bit wet. The coating has been on there 3 months now and has seen a lot of use (and abuse) and other than being very dirty, it has held up well. The traction is great, and I haven't found a scratch yet. I now have the inside of my cab coated with Herculiner and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone wanting a coating without the expense of a spray-in. I plan on lining the bed with it as well.

Third, there have been several threads about seat upgrades, and it seems that the consensus is that a seat from any truck up to a 97 will fit. I bought a seat from a 93 F150 XLT and after swapping the seat rails (10 minute job) it fit like a glove. Much more comfortable than the original and better looking too. Again, an easy upgrade that anyone can do.

Fourth, there have been a lot of threads about cab mounts and cushions. Since the cab mounts on my truck were just a memory when I got it this was a must fix item for me. I bought the cab mounts from JC Whitney and was very disappointed. The fit was poor, and they did not seem strong enough to me. Also, one side is left open which to me is an invitation for mud, etc. to get stuck in the mount area making rust a definite concern. I cut a piece of steel to fit the contour of the floorboard and mig welded it to the open side of the mount. I also welded some braces to the mount and then welded the new mounts in place. I was unable to find new factory cushions locally and didn't want the expense of urethane so I made my own. I bought a roller made for a boat trailer (3" x 12") and cut cushions from it with a band saw. Works like a charm and cost $6.99. I'm sure this isn't for everyone, but it is an option.

I just finished buffing out the paint, and will be putting in a fresh 390 next week. I plan on trying the Pertronix ignition that I have seen recommended here. Thanks again for all the great information!

 

Glad to hear it! I did my cab inside with Herculiner and I'm happy with the results, nice to hear it's holding up for you. I like the idea with the 3"X12" rubber piece, I paid $4 ea to have some custom made.