Preparing to Restore
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 183
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From: Black Hawk,SD
Preparing to Restore
I am preparing to restore my 1979 F-250 Ranger 4x4. I have two questions. First, the guy who is going to help me out with alot of it is telling me that with my 400c.i. engine, I should go from my stock 2bbl carberator to an Edelbrock performer intake manifold and and Edelbrock 4bbl 600cfm highrise carberator. He recommended doing this to get a little bit better gas mileadge as my engine won't "choke out" and that with this new carberation system, it will not have to deliver so much fuel all the time like the 2bbl just to keep my truck going. Basically, it would be more efficient. This sounds good in thery but for the price, is it worth it.
Second, is there a place on this website where I could post my spreadsheet of costs to have some look at just to check over my major costs?
Second, is there a place on this website where I could post my spreadsheet of costs to have some look at just to check over my major costs?
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 1
From: Goliad, Texas
well, it's great that you're gonna restore your truck.
1. as for the carburetor/intake situation. yes, some people run both Edelbrock or both Holley or one of each. if I remember correctly there has been all good feedback on the Edelbrock performer intake. the question to ask yourself is do you want to spend that money if YOU don't think it's worth it? also do you need more power that you need a 4BBL carb? most people do convert over to the 4BBL carbs when they redo the engine.
2. just post the info here.
1. as for the carburetor/intake situation. yes, some people run both Edelbrock or both Holley or one of each. if I remember correctly there has been all good feedback on the Edelbrock performer intake. the question to ask yourself is do you want to spend that money if YOU don't think it's worth it? also do you need more power that you need a 4BBL carb? most people do convert over to the 4BBL carbs when they redo the engine.
2. just post the info here.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 183
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From: Black Hawk,SD
I am basically at about $12,500 to restore all major items (engine rebuild, transmission rebuild, rebuilding both differentials, paint, tires, frame work, body mounts, body rubber/seals, glass, interior work, and other major items like that. Then I threw in an additional $8000 for all the miscellaneous items such as seat belts, switches, door locks, lights, battery, hoses, and other little stuff. I am figureing to spend $20,000 to $25,000.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,423
Likes: 8
From: Clarksville,Tn
IMHO, I can't see 20k plus too rebuild, unless major body parts are being replace, I realize engine, trans is a good 3 to 5k, paint is in its own world price range, But 20 to 25K is alot in my opinion. But there some trucks out there in that range.
I recently restored a Slick in my gallery, not fawless but spent between 12 & 13K,
currently doing a 78 model Standard cab, body solid with 302 & c-6, (in gallery as well); will be a basic rebuild and estimate to be at 5- 6k once complete to include purchase price of $1500 two years ago.
Sorry for no help on price.
Mitch
I recently restored a Slick in my gallery, not fawless but spent between 12 & 13K,
currently doing a 78 model Standard cab, body solid with 302 & c-6, (in gallery as well); will be a basic rebuild and estimate to be at 5- 6k once complete to include purchase price of $1500 two years ago.
Sorry for no help on price.
Mitch
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,037
Likes: 9
From: Kasson, Minnesota
I'd say that's about right. Paint and Body work can be probably the most expensive unless you do it yourself or have a buddy that gives you a good deal. So that price can vary alot and depending on what kinds of new parts you need and what kind of spare parts/junkyard finds you get can also determine price. I started pretty much from scratch and had to replace almost everything and I'm in that price range I think. I'm not keeping track. I had my motor built up a bit so most likely have around 8K in the motor alone and someone else is doing the body work, I'm just putting everything together. Things can add up pretty fast even the "little things". I never would have guessed I'd have what I do in my truck, but after a certain point, you can't turn back and have to keep going forward so you don't have a choice but to buy what you need and just forget about what things cost. Do I regret spending what I have in an old truck restore? Sometimes, but I always wanted to do it and it will be the last time I do it so why not, right! Good luck in the rebuild and keep us posted with some pics.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,110
Likes: 32
From: southwest pa
hot rod or someone did a test between the performer and performer rpm awhile ago. they recommended the rpm because there was no loss in performance on the low end, but it had a big advantage in the upper rpm. just something to consider.
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