Well here goes nothing! I have been a ford guy all my life, as I was raised that way. I always wanted a highboy ford, found a few around me but for the price they wanted it wasn't worth it to me. But I did find the next best thing which was still a dent-side ford. I found a local guy had a 1979 f-250 ranger xlt 4x4that he started to restore, and lost interest. So here is where I come in. I am young, eager, want something that me and my son can work on, and hopefully pass down to him. I would like to get it running and driving for a few years until he is older, then do a complete restore project with him. So far I've only had the truck a couple weeks. haven't done much yet, as I would like to wait on some things until my son can help. When I picked up the truck we had to set the bed back on, because he had the cab corners and the drivers side floor pan replaced. The bed floor is in very bad shape and will get replaced, along with both bedsides. I was given a new passengers box side and 2 new doors, along with misc. bolts and the rest of the truck he had begun to take apart. The truck did start and run great, after 2 swift pumps of the accelerator pedal. The brakes on the other hand, not so much. The pedal went to the floor, and didn't want to move very well. The rear brakes were free, but both front calipers were frozen. with some work on the bench vise, I was able to free up the pistons, get them removed, and plan on rebuilding the calipers and master cylinder. The previous owner stated he was using a gas can under the hood, due to an issue with the tank/lines. I have not dug into this yet, as my first order is to make sure it stops safely. Here is a picture when I first got it home with the bed ratchet strapped, because we just set it on, so I only had to make one trip.
First question for you guys is, the tank appears to be in good condition. Is it worth it for me to clean it up and seal the interior, or is it better to buy a new tank? I only have the 1-19gallon rear tank. I plan on flushing out the tank, lines, and replacing the rubber hoses at a minimum.

 

Well here is some guidance. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...p-by-step.html

And some motivation and or a very detailed process you are about to go thru someday. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...storation.html

 

No need to spend money where it's not needed, you will spend it in other areas of the truck soon enough, trust me lol. If the tank is good I would just flush and seal it and move on to the next project.....brake work, or whatever is needed.

 

Well I got the calipers, and master cylinder rebuilt, runs and stops now. On to the fuel system so I can fill up the tank and get rid of the can under the hood. I got the tank dropped last night, and plan on taking your advice and sealing the interior. (exterior and straps will be painted with frame, and that's another decision on satin or gloss ) Is the eastwood kit worth the money or should I spend the extra for the POR15 kit? any experience with either, or a similar kit with good results? I plan on taking the sender out to drain the gallon of varnish that is in there currently. Any tips on flushing/cleaning fuel lines? My thoughts were to get a solvent/acetone, put a stop/rag on one end and use compressed air to blow them out. On a side note it was neat when I started to take off the fuel lines, some of the hose clamps still have the ford logo on it

 

Here's the picture that was supposed to be on the first post. This is when I brought it home, I have since put the original door back on for now, and installed new door seals, as what was left of the old ones came out in quarter size pieces.

Anyone have some tips on how to measure/line up to drill the trim holes in the doors and bedsides?