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Getting f250 road ready after sitting for 30 years.
This might be long, I thought I should share my experience. This forum has been a huge help. I'm not sure if this is the right sub-forum, I've been exclusively doing all my research in this sub-forum. And I wouldn't call this a full on project.
My grandfather passed about 5 years ago. Before he passed he gave me his 1964 f250 2wd long bed he bought new for around $2500. I believe they blew a headgasket and it's sat with milky oil since. So the engine is probably toast. I bought a 312 from some guy for about $500 a couple years ago. I don't remember exactly what he had into it. But I think I got a pretty good deal. Came with ramhorns, powergen alternator, edlebrock avs2, and something mummert, I can't recall what murmmert parts he said. He did say it wasn't a powerhouse or anything. He was replacing it with a coyote engine, so he just wanted it out of his way. I finally started wrenching on the truck a couple weeks ago with my girfriend. The install went pretty smooth. Got the old flywheel turned and threw a new clutch on. It's got a t98 in it. Started right up and has oil pressure.
I fabricated dual side pipes with 31" glasspacks. They drone at about 1k rpm, so no problem as along as the idle is under 1k. They're pretty quiet otherwise. Replaced the biased ply tires with 235/85R16 radials. Even though that's probably not recommended on these wheels. The fuel tank is mostly clean. The brakes and lights work. I should probably replace the soft lines and inspect the drums. The only problem rust I've found so far is in the bed where water was probably pooling and the battery tray and fender well. I'm guessing from battery acid. There's zero body damage. Finally put the hood on and realized the hood latch springs broke. So I have to find a replacement latch now. I got a deal on some 3.73 gears. Then I learned I need a new carrier if I want to go under 4.10. I'll wait and see how the current 4.56's work out.
I also changed the oil in the tranny and rear end. The rear end was so sludgy I had to take the cover off and scoop it out. I have new ujoints if i need them. I also put in a new radiator, electric fans, and mini starter. I've yet to finish the hardest task of all. Getting bank of america to release the lien from 1964. They can't seem to grasp why a lien from 1964 isn't in their system. Luckily my grandparents put it on non-op, so there's only about $150 due to get it registered in California.
I don't plan on restoring the truck, just using it as a truck. I'm sure that's what my grandfather would have wanted. And I can't wait to take my grandmother for a ride. She's 95 years old. All of this has been done in about 2 weeks, my girlfriend has been a huge help shes put just as much effort as I have into this. And if it weren't for this forum I would still be chasing parts and trying to figure out what anything is. If you guys have any questions or comments feel free. Or any suggestions on things I may have missed or I should check out.
Last edited by cpm-m4; Sep 3, 2024 at 03:51 PM.
Reason: missed something
Cool backstory. Would love to see grandma's face when you take her for a spin.
Should definitely change rubber brake lines. Would even suggest swapping in new hard lines, wheel cylinders and mc as well.
I've considered getting a power brake cylinder. I can get one for $150. These manual brakes seem adequate. But if I'm going to change the mc anyway. Hardlines will come eventually once my budget recovers.
My mom wants to drive it too. For old times sake. We'll see how she likes manual steering.
The t98 seems to shift fine It just doesn't return to center when in neutral. Is that normal on these transmissions or does something need to be replaced?
I've considered getting a power brake cylinder. I can get one for $150. These manual brakes seem adequate. But if I'm going to change the mc anyway. Hardlines will come eventually once my budget recovers.
My mom wants to drive it too. For old times sake. We'll see how she likes manual steering.
You can add a brake booster to the stock mc so if changing that now won't have to buy twice if/when you add the booster. Unless you add a dual pot mc which is common and many suggest. I'd suggest skinnier tires up front to help with the armstrong steering. Those 235s are pretty wide. I'd suggest 215s, but since you just replaced them you'll just have to muscle thru it 'till you wear 'em out. The trick to overcoming lack of power steering is to always keep the truck rolling. Even a little makes a big difference.
The t98 seems to shift fine It just doesn't return to center when in neutral. Is that normal on these transmissions or does something need to be replaced?
Should return to center. There are a few springs on the various shift gates inside the top cover that may be either gummed up badly or broken.
I'd probably go with the dual pot. I'll have to do some more research into adding a brake booster to the stock one though. A disc conversion would be nice. Not sure I want to tackle finding all the parts. I did a full disc conversion on my 66 cadillac. But there was a kit available with everything included.
I don't mind the steering. Even with the larger tires. I'm used to it from previous cars. My mom won't be driving it regularly, I think she just wants to take it for a spin. I'm really starting appreciate the simplicity of everything. Even the straight axle. My buddy was complaining about how much he had to disassembly to get the heads off his toyota. And I'm sitting here smirking, I got an engine in and running in a few hours.
Cool story and awesome truck! I may be partial, however as my 64 F250 is my daily driver, On the brakes, I upgraded to disks and went with a 1" Wilwood Compact MC with no booster. The pedal feel is great and stop amazingly compared to the original. I used a kit from TSM in Colorado. I had purchased a booster but after driving it, I feel there is no need. On the Y Block, the clearance to the valve covers is an issue. You would have to loosen the booster/MC to remove them. I found a 3.73 D60 out of a 68 and had it rebuilt. Hopefully installing that soon. I have it apart currently and it's killing me to not be able to drive it! Realistically It will be net summer before I finish it. That's a great deal on the motor by the way with the way it's set up. My engine was replaced in 1973 (per a pencil note on the glovebox door). It's a C2AE block with a 312 crank modified to fit. They added the rams horns and the 4 barrel at that time. I replaced the Holley that was on it with an AVS2 and it really woke it up. Enjoy the Project!
Going 3" drop with Sids axle up front and adjustable hangars rear. Photoshopped top image of the new height. Restored firewall, new wiring coming soon. 67 T-Bird Bench, still need to re-paint the dash and doors. TSM brakes front and rear with Wilwood MC. Hopefully going camping next Summer!
I saw that tsm kit. It looks good but out of my budget currently. I should probably save up for it. Your truck is looking great. Those seats fit well. Mine are a bit ripped. My truck originally had a camper. It was pretty far gone and we didn't have the space to keep it. Wasn't as large as those you have pictured.
On the brakes, I upgraded to disks and went with a 1" Wilwood Compact MC with no booster. The pedal feel is great and stop amazingly compared to the original. I used a kit from TSM in Colorado. I had purchased a booster but after driving it, I feel there is no need. On the Y Block, the clearance to the valve covers is an issue. You would have to loosen the booster/MC to remove them. I found a 3.73 D60 out of a 68 and had it rebuilt. Hopefully installing that soon. I have it apart currently and it's killing me to not be able to drive it! Realistically It will be net summer before I finish it. That's a great deal on the motor by the way with the way it's set up. My engine was replaced in 1973 (per a pencil note on the glovebox door). It's a C2AE block with a 312 crank modified to fit. They added the rams horns and the 4 barrel at that time. I replaced the Holley that was on it with an AVS2 and it really woke it up. Enjoy the Project!
