1981 F-150
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 90
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From: Parksville, BC
1981 F-150
So for X-mas I received a long box 1981 F-150, anyways the cab was green the box was red. So I spray painted it flat black. (sorry no before or after pics)
Anyways I need to know if there was ever a flareside bed made for a longbox 81' also what else should I do to this truck, it's pretty beaten up. It has a whole bunch of jimmy rigged things going on (home entertainment speakers in the back, I ripped those out) it has a 89' box on the back. There are wires everywhere that make no sense. It has a thing that is supposed to be used for "electric breaks" on trailers?
My point is that its a bit of a mess, I need to know where to start. I'm thinking a Haynes manual is required.
Anyways I need to know if there was ever a flareside bed made for a longbox 81' also what else should I do to this truck, it's pretty beaten up. It has a whole bunch of jimmy rigged things going on (home entertainment speakers in the back, I ripped those out) it has a 89' box on the back. There are wires everywhere that make no sense. It has a thing that is supposed to be used for "electric breaks" on trailers?
My point is that its a bit of a mess, I need to know where to start. I'm thinking a Haynes manual is required.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 907
Likes: 6
From: nw pa.
hey
I was in a similar situation with my 85 f150...
first i would make sure it runs reliably ( tune up / engine repairs )
then start working on the lights etc.(i would get a big bag of wire connectors etc and go to work)
just to get it up to inspection level.
i down loadded all the requirements for insp and used that as a base.
sorry dont know about the bed.
but if it looks good go with it....
the brake thing is a trailer brake for towing trailers
have fun!
I was in a similar situation with my 85 f150...
first i would make sure it runs reliably ( tune up / engine repairs )
then start working on the lights etc.(i would get a big bag of wire connectors etc and go to work)
just to get it up to inspection level.
i down loadded all the requirements for insp and used that as a base.
sorry dont know about the bed.
but if it looks good go with it....
the brake thing is a trailer brake for towing trailers
have fun!
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Parksville, BC
Yeah I'm really loving the flat black, it's really sharp.
Thanks for the advice guys,
I'm also wondering about the steering, its really, really, loose. What could be wrong with it?
Thanks for the advice guys,
I'm also wondering about the steering, its really, really, loose. What could be wrong with it?
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Parksville, BC
Great thanks! Now I have another question :P my truck is a "three in a tree" and I have no RPM gauge in my dash. No needle or numbers can this be changed? Do I even need it? It is simple enough to drive and I can tell when to shift but I like to have the RPM's there anyways.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,174
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maybe put in an aftermarket tach. that's what I would do. There should be a place in the ignition wiring harness where you can wire one in.
Just out of curiosity what engine does it have???
Just out of curiosity what engine does it have???
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From: Parksville, BC
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 90
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From: Parksville, BC
I have a vision, that's about it.
EDIT/ after looking over some stuff very quickly on google I'd say that it is a straight six.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,021
Likes: 5
From: Almost Heaven
Should be the 300.
Do you see any wires around the engine bay that say "4.9L"?
The 300 is a good engine. Not the fastest thing in the world but dead realiable. A few performance upgrades can help wake it up.
Sounds like you have a good solid project truck. I would like to see pictures when you can?
Do you see any wires around the engine bay that say "4.9L"?
The 300 is a good engine. Not the fastest thing in the world but dead realiable. A few performance upgrades can help wake it up.
Sounds like you have a good solid project truck. I would like to see pictures when you can?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
There are a lot of factory options that can be added to the truck, as Ford had the habit of prewiring it for every conceivable option. Made it easier for the dealer to add options when new.
You are also in luck that I have all the brochures, factory diagrams, and specs for the 1981 especially. I can even decode the Safety Certification Lable on the driver cab door pillar for you.
So don't be afraid to ask,
You are also in luck that I have all the brochures, factory diagrams, and specs for the 1981 especially. I can even decode the Safety Certification Lable on the driver cab door pillar for you.
So don't be afraid to ask,