howdy,

Just bought a 1972 sport custom, 8-cyl 2wd auto.

I believe all is original except for a rebuilt engine, cheesy tapedeck circa 1980, and some bed rails that look good except they block the spaces for the bed uprights.

No manual, no nothing.

Have gleaned a lot from here, but have some stupid questions. (Questions that I think will actually disprove the "there are no stupid questions" assertion..)

1. Does the seat fold forward? Looks like it should but can't find the trick.

2. Anyone know where I can find either a copy or facsimile of the users manual? Been searching ebay, but no luck.

3. Ditto on finding a new antenna. Any advice for an antenna that will look the part but have "modern" capability?

4. Ditto on shoulder belts. Mine has lap belts, which is OK except I've already had one "lap belt" accident in my life (in a 66 mustang) and suffice it to say, my cheekbone, eye socket, finger, and all of the pins in my elbow would be happier if it was the last one.

5. What are the chances that I can find an a/c system to install?

6. Parts are starting to rust -- any point in trying to stop it and patch, or do
I need to be looking for new parts?

how's that for overwhelming?

ffd

 

Some of FTE's sponsors have manuals for sale.
If you can find from them, try here.

http://www.books4cars.com/default.asp

 

Well with the rust situation you basically need to cut it out and replace the effected area with new fresh rust free sheetmetal or find rustfree bodyparts for the belts and ac maybe check out local junkyards ebay good luck

 

Well, if it's too overwhelming I'd take it as a partial trade in on mine, it's almost done!!! Gimme a couple weeks and bring lots of money!!!!!!!!!

 

Seat doesn't fold forward, the whole thing just slides up, I know it looks like it should, but it doesn't. My '72 F100 (Ranger XLT model) came stock with AC, which is locked up, but I got my hands on another compressor, which I haven't intalled. As far a body is concerned, the cut and replace option is there, or you can check out Mac Auto, Blue Opal or LMC Truck for replacment parts.

 

thanks to everyone for the responses.

Weird that the seat doessn't fold down -- but that explains why I couldn't figure out how to make it work.

Not sure if that makes me a genius or an idiot. Maybe a geniot

Thanks also for the various sources/links. I'm ready to get this baby back to its styling self. She's actually not too bad as is -- just want to get the botox in before she needs a full face lift.

Will post some pics when I get a chance.

 

The seat in my 72 folds forward. I don't think there's anything holding it from folding forward. All I do is push it and it moves. If it didn't I couldn't have gotten my gas tank out without removing the seat.

You should have no problem finding an antannae. Just check the junkyards. Mine works fine and it's OE.

As far as seat belts I agree. I have the lap ones and I know they won't help all that much. If you look at the corner post between a door window and the back glass, you should notice a rubber plug. If you remove the rubber plug there's a threaded hole there that will apparently take a seat belt bolt. All you have to do is get some donors from an earlier truck.

I bought my set of manuals off eBay. There are five I think. They show up from time to time so just keep looking. They don't serve much purpose though as these vehicles are about as simple as one can get. And if it's wiring diagrams you want forget it. The manuals don't have them. I may have a spare set of manuals if you're interested. They're paperback so I bought an entire set from some guy who sells old books. I think I way overpayed for them at $75. Then I bought a second set that had been hardbound by a library. They're pretty cool. The only problem was that one was missing.

And hey, remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question, just stupid people that ask questions.

 

Qman - I'm headed out to play with my seat. Something must be up if both fishface and I can't get it to go forward. I need it go forward to address a slight lak between the tank and fill spout on the gas tank. Any other thoughts? A release somewhere? The handle on my driver side just adjusts up & back.

 

There may be a latch on the driver's side, down low, near where the back meets the seat.
It will be behind the seat, not under it.
It will be a flat piece of metal, triangular shaped (sort of), with a tang on it.
Lift or rotate it to unlatch the seat.
If I remember right, there is only one.

 

Thanks -- I am going to check out the folding seat too -- but not until tomorrow, since there are icicles hanging from everything here today. Thanks banjopicker66 for the detailed guidance.

72XLT -- I also have think I have a leak in the tank near the cab -- ah, that smell of gasoline and the slow-growing headache bring back memories of my 70 Kharmann Ghia


Qman, I definitely might be interested in the manuals -- let me know if you have/find the extra set.

BTW, put some pics up today -- she's a little worse for the wear than the pics would suggest, but still snappy.

 

The seat on my '71 Custom just folds - no latch at all.

 

My '70 seat folds forward too. No latch.

 

Hey guys - I've posted up a couple of pics showing the back of my seat, there's a bracket that is welded to the back and bolted to the bottom, doesn't appear that there is any way to fold the seat forward. I've also included a pic of my new tail gate insert, what do you think?

 

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The neoprene gas hose that fits between the gas tank neck and gas tank is swelled, cracked or both. Replace the hose, smell goes away.

C1TB-9047-A Hose, Filler Neck 1.8" I.D. 3.62" long.

 

The seat on my 71 folds forward like banjopicker66 explained. It's sort of out of sight on drivers side. Not really a handle on it. My truck is made up of several years and not sure of year of seat, but seems to be 67-72.