I picked this 1979 super cab up last year as just a cab and frame for $300. It’s clean for a michigan truck. A few months ago I picked up decent doors and and nice rust free fenders and core support for $150. Then I happened to come across this 97 f250 for free guy wanted it out of his yard and it came with a plow. It ran but trans was smoked. I brought it home stripped it down it has a 460 in it. I had a 25k mile 460 sitting in the corner for another project and picked up 2 zf5’s one with a fresh rebuild for $400 and sold the spare one for $500. I plan to go to a large single tank on the truck as I have a 32 gallon tank for one. I haven’t decided what I’m doing for a bed yet. The truck will be my daily/tow rig. I have collected a bunch more parts fir it. I cut the fire wall out of the 97 and I welded it in to the 79. Some one cut the fire wall all up on the 79 before I got it. Plus it makes using the dash etc from the 97 easier. I also am in the process of replacing all the floor. The front is done and dash is installed and I couldn’t resist throwing the seats in and seeing how she feels. I Picked up a old warn m8274 and bumper for $200 the bumper was tweaked but I managed to straighten it out. Also picked up a short flare side bed for $450. I also acquired a set of 2010 super duty axles with 4.10 gears for some work I did on a buddy’s truck.

What I started with



The donor truck

The zf5

Engine and trans

Dropped the engine and trans in the frame

Dropped the cab on the new frame


Floors and fire wall progress

Started the interior and fire wall swap





Test fitting the 37


Hooking up the electrical

Hvac system

Fixing the bumper

 

I just saw your post on FB. Looks like you’re making good progress!

 

When I look over photos of a project like this, many times just one word comes to mind...... As I looked at your progress that word is "Functional"..... I say that in a positive manner.... You got it down to basics and are building it to be your truck.... Unfortunate that more young men can't do that.

Thanks for sharing.

Hobo

 

thanks I have had a few set backs lol particularly amputated 2 fingertips injured my shoulder lol all part of what I do I guess but she’s coming along nicely

 

thanks! I have had lots of trucks with all the gadgets ect. Had a tuned and deleted 6.4 with a bunch of work done to it. Sold that and bought a raptor and it has quickly become a toy not the intended daily I was building. Lol for a tow rig/daily I just wanted simple functional and something I can depend on. All the electronics from the 97 should function as they did originally. Heat a/c (wife requirement) cruise ect. I love building them and Normally sell when I’m done but I kept this cab for 2 years before I touched it I love dent sides

 

Little up date


Cut the frame Thursday 1-28-21

On Friday 1-29-21 I shortened the frame. L channel on the out side fish plated and plug welded on the inside and boxed

Test fit the box also

 

Sweet build. I look forward to seeing the rest.

Jess

 

Well I rolled it out of the barn last night so I can clean up some of the mess again. I have another project that is moving up the line that I need to get in the barn. It will probably be a week or 2 before I work on this any more. Plans are to run the new fuel and brake lines on it next as well as install the new tank.

 

Nice work!!! I guess that's a one-of-none there. I'm pretty sure Ford never built Super Cabs with Flareside beds.

 

I’m not sure but I have seen a few super cabs with flare side beds could of been a swap or could of been factory.