I have a 1969 f-100 ranger farm and ranch special behind my shop. It used to be my dad's service truck (tire service). It has a 360 (very well may be stroked to a 390, I haven't checked) with headers, and a 4 barrell holly carb, power steering, and 3 on the tree. Body is pretty solid, some small dents here and there, interior needs much work. The truck has not run in about 15 years, but the motor is free, and would probably run with some tinkering.

My question is this: Should I get this truck going again??? I have been having this itch to do it for a while. I have a 01 f-150 v-6 5 speed that is my daily transport, BUT part of the jobs that this truck may take over is pulling light to moderate loads (up to the 4600# range MAX). Do you think this truck could handle occasional pulling like that? I know that a 250 would be better, but most of the draw of this truck is the family history and that it is FREE. I am totally capable of doing the all the work myself, (with alot of help from this board), and I love a challenge.

So what do you think?

 

do it man! just put on some 250 rear springs and spring helpers make sure the tranny and rear end are strong... we love to see a old truck roaring again!

 

I would go for it, it`s free and with the history you will enjoy it. Nothing like enjoying a cool old Ford truck.
It should pull the load fine after a good tune-up.

 

I think you've already decided and we support your decision. Be sure and post photos of your progress.
jor

 

If you're worried about the towing, upgrade the springs as mentioned to go to the junkyard and geta rear end out of a 1 ton. That way you'll get the massive brakes too which is what you really need. It's a very easy switch as long as you have the muscle to move the axels. It also makes it easy to check everything on the rear end while it's out of the truck.

Peter

 

Go For IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We love old trucks, I think it could handle it just put them stronger springs in it and all.

 

Wildone,SAVE THE TRUCK Why don't you think about taking about 2 years and go throught the ol boy and put him back to work. I have linked a photo of my truck with my 18ft trailer hooked to it. I weighted this combo and it came in at 10,500 lbs, to show that it will work just like it is. IMHO no one ton rear is required. It has a sweetened FE, C6, 3.00 9" rear, power steering/disc brakes from a 76 F150, and rear brakes from a 68.
http://forum.ncfto.org/coppermine/di...up&cat=0&pos=2

Carefully inspect and clean the gas tank, change out the oil, put a kit in the carb, new fuel pump and hoses. I'd drain and flush the radiator fluids, new hoses, etc. Remove the spark plugs and get a couple/three spoon fulls of fresh motor oil mixed with Marvals Mystery oil in each bore. Turn the engine over with the starter no sparkplugs in until the oil pressure builds again on the guage. When you are ready to start the engine, new sparkplugs, points, wires, have the gas tank clean with fresh gas in the tank, and some gas in a soda pop type bottle to pour into the carb. Do not use starting fluid, fresh gas is just dandy, pour a big swallow in the carb and turn it over.

You will need new brake cylinders all around, I'd recommend new discs and power steering for the front end. Once you have the new parts in your revived ol truck should work as good as it ever did, mine works better.

Good luck

John

 

[QUOTE=jowilker]Wildone,SAVE THE TRUCK .
http://forum.ncfto.org/coppermine/di...up&cat=0&pos=2
Sweet album, would love to join but don`t live in NC.

 

Git 'er goin'.

 

over used phrase!

 

I would bring it back to life and use it.

If it was me, I would check to see if the motor still has the original freeze plugs or if someone installed brass ones.
I think I would get the motor running and then take the time and swap out the freeze plugs if they were stock.
With it sitting for so long, it will probably start eating them pretty quick.
The fuel tanks will probably have to be cleaned out also.
Brakes will need to be rebuilt.
Just looking at everything that goes bad from sitting

Good luck with the project.
Ken

 

The truck Gods will thank you when this ol girl fires for the first time in 15 yrs.

 

Who else said "Git 'er goin'?"

 

everyone in my scool,sorry, for my out burst,im used to yelling that down the hall at scool,my apoligies

 

I once found a '68 Mustang 390 ci Convertible that had been sitting in the desert behinds some guys house. Bought it for $1200, brought a new battery and 5 gals of gas with me. He said it had been sitting for 7 yrs, so I didnt have much hope, but it fired right up. drove it home, but the thermostat was stuck shut and it overheated a bit. so I had to stop a couple of times and let it cool, but made it home. Worked on it for a couple of months (new paint and interior) and then drove it to a car auction in Pomona Ca, Sold it for $3700. Jeez I still hit myself in the head with a wrench when I think about it.