Where To Start
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Decatur Illinois
Where To Start
I recently bought a 1976 Ford F250 Highboy thats complete with a 390 thats been punched out either 10 or 20 over (guy that built the truck didnt build the motor and it was back in the 80's so he couldnt remember) and a 4 speed on the floor. Of course the truck is 4x4, and is equipped with a flatbed. the body on the truck is sensational for its age, there is absolutely no rust infact, the paint still shines a bit. there is a ding where the drivers door meets the drivers side fender inwhich ill replace the door shell and fender to remedy. other than that, im just trying to figure out where is a good place to start on a restomod project for this truck. the engine seems pretty tight yet, it hardly turns over when you hit the key it just starts right up. i dont know which way to go and am limited with funds (I know wrong sport for limited funding) so i want to head into the direction that will get me the farthest first. please advise.
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From: Hollister MO
I have found you need to drive it 1st. On long drawn out projects you lose interest if you have no good times to remember 1st. Get attached to the truck or when times get hard you will give up on it, or sell cause you need money for this or that. But if you love the truck you will have better luck finishing it . Play have fun with it, then start a restore.
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: New Oxford, PA
Not trying to hijack the thread:
390's didn't come factory with 4 wheel drive, so if it's actually a 390, it was swapped in. You'll have to check the stroke to be sure of what it is.
360 is 3.5"
390 is 3.78"
someone correct me if i'm wrong please!
390's didn't come factory with 4 wheel drive, so if it's actually a 390, it was swapped in. You'll have to check the stroke to be sure of what it is.
360 is 3.5"
390 is 3.78"
someone correct me if i'm wrong please!
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From: Decatur Illinois
well to some extent i have done that already, only not in this truck in a 79 my dad had. that truck was nearly invincible....only some how i want to make this one better. ive always had a passion for the 1970s model fords and that candle isnt burning out any time soon, infact, i believe id sell the woman or the kid before the truck.
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From: Decatur Illinois
the engine is indeed a 390, it was actually built for a race car and the guy that built this truck in the 80's purchased it and put the torque monster in this truck. I dont know what was origanally in this truck for an engine but I certainly know whats in it today.
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From: Decatur Illinois
Im just looking for some inexpensive steps that i could take at the moment without ripping the whole thing apart to improve the truck.I thought about changing the rearends considering at 50 mph its turning about 3500 rpms. I cant remember what the guy said was in it for rearends but not good for gas thats for sure.
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From: Waterloo IL
Have any pics? And if it were me I'd put a standard pick up bed on it but that's just personal preferance.
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Cargo Master
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From: southwest pa
hows the interior? wiring? stereo? exhaust? these could all be little weekend things to make nicer
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Im just looking for some inexpensive steps that i could take at the moment without ripping the whole thing apart to improve the truck.I thought about changing the rearends considering at 50 mph its turning about 3500 rpms. I cant remember what the guy said was in it for rearends but not good for gas thats for sure.
Maybe thats where to start. It sounds as though a good tach is what you need. The 76 F250 can easilly clear 35 inch rubber, but assuming that you have a smaller tire like a 33, then you would have to have a gear ratio of around 5.38:1 to achieve this type of RPM at highway speeds.
How do you intend to use this truck? This would help to determone where money could, or even should be spent.
What sorts of improvements are important to you? Looks, performance, reliability, or off road capability?
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From: Decatur Illinois
The truck yes will clear 35's at its stock heighth, i just wasnt sure i wanted such a big tire considering the bigger the tire the more power you need to turn it. Ive never had the 390 and am not even sure of how much hp its making. I did find out today its a Target Engine, whatever that means.