hi all, i have a 64 f100 and im going to start working on it as soon as i return from iraq. im only going to put about 3 grand in it at first. so should i start with the body or do the little things to get it running. it runs now but needs new brakes brake lines fuel tank and carb. new seat a few little things and it could be running but im still undecided. what do you think. i want to drive it but i also want it to be a good show truck at some point. im just don't know which way to go and spend the money right now. any opinions. plz share.

 

Here's my most recent experience with showing my '64 this past weekend. The organizers only had eight categories, based on the decade when the vehicle was built, with no sub-categories, so my daily driver had to compete with trailer queens. I don't know if this is a new trend in car shows, but if it is I'm done with the spit-polishing. The real thrill in owning an effie is driving it, IMHO.

FM

 

I would first make her safe and running good, if you are going to drive her. Looks will come later as you decide what it is that you want from the truck. Have fun with your truck and hope to hear when you get home safe, Thank You for being there, Allen

 

you know lonw i think you're right my grandfather gave me this truck to drive not to look at all day. i think ill put the money in the little things that count. ill get it running good and then im going fishing. nothing better than going fishing in your old pickup

 

Get her running smooth then throw a couple spray cans of grey primer on her (to make her look like one solid color); even over rust and dents. Finally top it off with a nice set of alloy rims and tires. She will look like a million bucks. Then when you find the time slowly start working on the body, peice by peice. Good thing are always worth waiting for.

 

My game plan was get the engine running. Then since the brakes were shot I figured I better get her to stop on a dime since these trucks are not light. Then I had a lot of little things to do. I'm legaly on the road but have a very long list of things still needing done. My next major project is floor pans, cab corners, door pillar repair. I have some replacement body parts for the dents and such. This is about as far into the future that I can see so far. Nice thing about an old truck is if you have extra money you can fix it up, if your running short you don't do anything that month. You go buy a new car you have to pay every month no matter what. Enjoy your truck. This is a great site for info.

 

Let me know when you get back and I will be able to give you a hand. I have groaned and moaned enough fixing stuff on my 64 that I will be able to show you some things you didn't know were wrong or what is normal. Not to mention I know a few places around Camp Pen that will help you more then hinder. If your going to rebuild the brakes I have all the info you need to install disc brakes without breaking the bank, under $400 with all new everything. Fuel tank you can buy brand new or refurbish the one you have. As for the seat depending on the condition of the frame you can recover the whole thing for a descent price. The carb might also need a rebuild or just some TLC to tune it corectly. One thing you can do while you are still over there, look at all the online parts catalogs and get an idea of what some of this will cost you. Then you will be better able to prioritize your wants and needs. I had a ton of time on my butt in the segovia cafe doing just that.

 

With three grand to put in to it, and your hoping on a show truck one day, I would do just like everyone here says everything below the sheet metal first. you can still drive it and blow peoples minds when they see your classic slick rolling and stopping with ease. I've dumped a lot of money into mine already and I am still lacking interior and paint but I'm patient. and she looks good.

be careful in Iraq keep your butt down and don't be a hero return safe.
Thanks for doing your part for freedom. God bless and Godspeed.
Robert