Been awhile since I posted any progress. Matter of fact I had to look at the gallery to see where I had left off.
Since then I have the engine complete and ready to run. I have the wiring on and checked out except lights as I don't have any fenders.
Today we put the shifter and TV cable in. I haven't ordered a column yet. I have read everything from a 30" to a 35" for a MII front end. I am pretty good size so I think I am going to have to have the longer to get over my belly.
I went with the 12v gauges that look like the orginals, kept the start button and put in a 12v ignition. I ordered a new radiator with oil lines that bolts up to the orginal saddle. Everything looks nice so far.
I tested everything with the battey charger for grounds and shorts. I even entergised my key and solenoid so I know I am ready to start when I get the fluids in the trans. Rad and power steering is full and the engine was run on a test stand before it went in.
Been doing a lot of body repairs and have the fenders about ready to take to Ford, I am going to spray the bed liner under the fenders before I put them on along with the inner fenders up front. I think that will look good and help with road noise and rock dents from the under side.
Well this is getting kind of long so I will give you all a break for now.
Thanks for all the support and comments with my progress so far. May be calling on you all again. Still have a ways to go. Sure will sound nice hearing it run in the truck.
Max E

 

That's terrific! It must be exciting to be that close to having a running truck. Keep us posted.

 

Welcome back Max!!! Sounds like you have a grip on things, glad to hear of the progress!!

 

Welcome back.Nice looking truck and shop you have there. Progress is slow but sooner or later it has to be done. You say thats a 54 loks like a 53 grill on it from here. The had the six chrome teeth. I have a 53 I'm working on. Getting ready for an Ididit column when Uncle Sam gives me my stimulus check,can't hardly wait.July 4th is the date!

 

keep it up and you'll be on the road soon !!!! yep looks like a 53 grille to me . if yer looking for a 54 grille i know of two possibly including the 54 valance , ya might be able to snag . one is vintage 56 here on fte . he just bought a"55" f350 i was wanting some parts off of maybe , and im sure he said it had a 54 grille in it so it should have the on year only valance . i also know of a wrecker of 54 vintage sitting in a boneyard in peoria illinois just north of me that had the grille and etc in it still . i dont know if stu went up and robbed the bed off of it yet , but the rest is still there .had a 390 4v in it too ................

 

Yes it is a 53 grille. Right now I just want to finish with what I have. I can always put the 54 in. Had a really bad experience with the guy who was to paint for me. We had a big blow out and now I have a paint job paid for and he doesn't want to do it and don't have the pay back. Not a happy cowboy right now.
Once I got into this I found out the bed had been shortened and the one I got is pretty rough. Just seems like it is such a struggle. Sure will be glad to just hear it run in there.
Max E