Went and looked at a rusted out '79 F250 heap with a dry radiator and oil blacker than a politician's heart yesterday evening. On the way home, a little disappointed with what I saw, I rechecked Craigslist and I see a '78 F250 4x4 that was just posted. Went and looked at him this afternoon, and bam - I got my new truck. I think I'll call it Big Bear. It's got a 400 that starts with one turn of the key, and lotso body rust. However, it does come with new bedsides, front fenders and window rubber. Strangest A/C setup I've ever seen too. Blows a lovely mouse poo fragrance.
That's my brother in the pic. Went with me to pick him up. Hopefully I'll eventually get to build that 400 out pretty good.

 

Damn, Very nice. What are the plans for the engine?

 

yea my 76 was the same way when i got it. turned the fan on high and got blasted with mice pellets. good find tho man

 

Not too sure yet, other than more horseys and more torque. Right now I need to get him goin as a daily driver, and the engine just starts right up and runs so nice. So for now, just keep it in good shape, and try to fix the oil leak.

 

hell thats not rust...you want to see rust just look at mine. i use the term weight reduction...lol sounds like you got a good deal there.

 

I'm going to get a pic of the A/C setup tomorrow when I go change the shocks. I have to see if anyone's ever seen one like this. I know I haven't. It says Ford on the A/C controls, but they aren't integrated into the regular heat/fan controls, and the compressor and hoses are on the wrong side of the engine. The compressor also looks like the mounting surface is facing up, like it's mounted upside down and it's sitting right on the top left of the engine, kinda in front of the carb. Maybe someone knows what's up with it, but to me it's just strangeness.

The guy I bought it from was the third owner. Said p/o bought it from his boss and swears the a/c is factory, that the original owner wanted a/c and had the dealer install it.

Anyway, I've got the bedsides and fenders for it, and I'm thinkin' I'm just going to try to collect the parts I need as I go, and then put 'em all together and paint 'em when I finally have a full assembly.

I'm thinkin' I'll probably keep a carb'd 400 in it just cause it'd be easier, but I'm not sure. I don't know a whole lot about the different engines. I've always just turned a wrench when something broke, haven't ever picked a motor and built one up before. I'm open to some suggestions cause I'm a Any way I go, I'll probably just try to pick up a good block when I have the money, and build as I go and as I have the cash.

Been longin' for one of these for years. Finally got one and I'm looking forward to enjoying this truck for quite a while.

 

Welcome to FTE!
And nice '78 F-150 Custom!
All I suggest is a 4-Speed!

 

Yep, that's what's in it and I was planning on keeping it that way.

 

Craig,

From the sound of it your truck has the economy version dealer installed air conditioning. It was a Ford product, but it is not "factory".

Look under the hood; if you see the firewall on the right (passenger) side with the blower motor as opposed to a large air conditioning plenum, then that's an indication you have dealer installed a/c.

 

Doesn't look like a bad truck at all. I always thought 78s had the round headlights with that grill.

 

With the Ranger XLT package got you rectangular headlights and I believe the "chrome grille" as well.

 

You are correct, But in '78 You got Rectangular lights only on the Custom Trim Package.
Raqngers, Ranger-XLTs, Explorers, Got rectangular.
I love 4-Speeds!
Back in the day (Say, Before the 80s) dealers would just basically through a book at ya, and you could pick what ya want. (Within Reason, Of Course)
Dealers would add certain things to trucks, There were several different types of Dealer Installed A/C units.
Attached are pictures of two different styles of the Dealer Installed A/C.

 

Yep, the one on the right is it. Thanks. I was wondering what was up with that. I'm betting the compressor is shot though. The po was telling me that the guy that had it before him cut the belt off cause it was smoking. I belive that's what is generally known as a bad sign.

 

The truck with the Brown Interior, Or the Truck with the white interior?

 

welcome to and congrats on the truck! if you want to build a good 400, check this guy out, and read up on some of the articles posted on his main page.

TMeyer, Inc. Precision Automotive Machining