per my first thread I am contemplating getting a 65 or 66 6 cyl to tinker on and restore. Are there any certain manuals that anyone would suggest as far as engine re-build or tune-up. How do you tell what an engine needs (rebuild or tune up). I found one that owner says will turn over but not fire and start - what's the worst thing that could be? My other alternitives are to get one already rebuilt ( but then I do not know by who or how well) or get one and have someone else rebuild it ( but do not know expense of this). So many options just looking fo some feed back thanks. One more thing, I think I want a 6cyl, any thoughts on the 8 cyl from those years. what is the best engine for these year models?

Leader

 

Anyone got an input?

 

I like blue '65 Ford trucks. .....But how does that help ya?

Everyone has input and opinions on what they like and prefer. They all can be rebuilt or bought nearly completely redone, it all depends on your wants and taste. Depending on your budget, I wouldn't recommend you start buying any manuals until you knew what model truck YOU wanted. Most manuals will tell you how to determine condition, problem areas and common rebuild needs. Once you have decided on a truck model year and style, then you should start to look at what engines were available in it or what would easily swap into it. Then you can start to develop a library of informational manuals for your desired truck.

So, - as others did on your first thread - I'd suggest that you go to some car shows and swap meets, talk to the guy at the gas station with one and ask him why he likes it and why. In the meantime, scan the internet picture galleries available here and elsewhere on the web and make a determination as to what you like. Make a plan.

They all are good - depending on HOW YOU MEASURE THEM UP.
Do you prefer:
-- Long box or short box
-- solid front axle or twin I-beam
-- 6-cylinder or V8
-- automatic, manual or OD transmission
-- lots of chrome or nearly no chrome
-- common or rare model options

-- How much mechanical, electrical, welding & body work do you want to do on it?
-- How much $$ do you want to spend on the purchase?
-- How much $$ do you want to spend on it during the first year?
-- How much $$ do you want to spend on it over the next 5 years?

Regardless on what you decide:
-- You can expect NOT getting your $$ back out of it when/if you decide to sell it.
-- You can expect to spend MORE $$ than you thought you would
-- You can plan on it riding, cornering & driving like a 40+ year old truck
-- You can plan on parts being harder to find than for most 5-yr old truck

BarnieTrk

 

I love it. this should be our offical disclaimer.

 

To this I suggest the amendment:

Some point when you least expect it one of the following WILL occur:
Some random switch will cease to function and possibility resume again without warning. This could happen several times before you figure it out.
It may suddenly decide that it no longer wants to start * see chapter on the wonders of contact point ignitions*

All in all though I cant think of anything I'd rather drive than an old ford truck, except two old ford trucks maybe.... but of course you can only drive one at a time

-Aaron

 

The switch thing is so terribly true! How bout mine, The heater quits. Repair, Hit the dash once!