'72 F100 Restoration Project _ Where should I begin?

[Febex114]

Hi All!

I recently bought a '72 F100 LWB, 302-V8 3 Speed on the column Sport Custom Cab... CandyApple Red, LH&RH chrome swing lock mirror, body side moldings... in good running condition. VIN F10GEN03837

Truck is full original, one owner, have dealer's factory invoice as well as dealer's window sticker, copy of first Title, purchase contract etc.

Still original paint, 122000 miles, minor body and bed rust, 35 years of normal wear and tear.

I intend to fully restore this ride as close as possible to original condition... is it worth it? I don't want a street rod, just a time honored truck.

Where do I go from here? Which publication would be sort of the 'Bible' to undertake such a project. What are the do's and don't about restoration in order to preserve the value of the truck? Is the '72 a good year? I see a lot of you guys with '68, '69 & '70 but not so much '72?

In the end I want a restored truck that I'll drive for fun. I don't care about mileage I want to enjoy it. Just like I enjoy my 1947 vintage Piper aircraft. Thank you for your help.

Febex114

By the way... I still need to take delivery of the truck in Tennessee this Sunday. I'll drive it back to Montreal, Canada before Thanksgiving Day

Pictures on my return

[SebringSixSpeed]

We need pics to give you more informative input. but mostly I'd say it depends on your budget for the project as to what you should do and not do. If there is rust, that will be your #1 enemy and needs to be conquered first. Just my .02.

[basketcase0302]

Febex114,

Where do I go from here? Which publication would be sort of the 'Bible' to undertake such a project. What are the do's and don't about restoration in order to preserve the value of the truck? Is the '72 a good year?

You are in the right place my friend! IMO there is no better source for your restoration knowledge than right here.
Make sure you open the tech and tutorials, (there's so much stuff there that Keith has done the homework on it'll make your head shake)!
Get a LMC, DC and a couple of more catalogs and you'll have a blast with that truck.

Basketcase

[kaptnkaos]

Hey Febex114...

Welcome to the forum...
Like some of the guys have said.. without pics, it's hard to say...
Are you wanting to do a frame up resto or just fix and clean things up ?
One thing I would recomend is watching e-bay for a set of the original ford service manuals for your year. They come up quite often.
That's about the closest thing to being the bible to fit yer needs...
and a little prayer never hurts at all either...
I got the full set of 5 books for my brother for $26 (he also has a '72)
The first step in doing anything is disconnecting the battery...
Don't ask me why... that's just what the book says most of the time...

KaptnKA S

[69bumptruck]

I'd say spend some time going over the body/undercarriage. If you find any rust at all, that's what you want to address first. Rust doesn't go away on it's own and it only gets worse.
After that? Depends on budget and the trucks overall condition. I would say safety issues first. Brakes, general tune up, lights, etc...
After that? I would shoot for a nice interior. Comfort is always good.
Just my

[Febex114]

Thank you for the warm welcome guys!

Some good starters here. I'll check for thos service manual.

After I get the truck this weekend I'll know about undercarriage rust then I can decide on how extension the project will be.

As for value, what is a good source to determine approx. current and future (after work) value?

Back to the '72 year, is it a good year? How about a '64. I'm looking at one right now.

Thank

Francis

[Finleyphoto]

Thank you for the warm welcome guys!

Some good starters here. I'll check for thos service manual.

After I get the truck this weekend I'll know about undercarriage rust then I can decide on how extension the project will be.

As for value, what is a good source to determine approx. current and future (after work) value?

Back to the '72 year, is it a good year? How about a '64. I'm looking at one right now.

Thank

Francis

I like the '64, but they are different trucks, (old tech) compared to the '65-72's and even up to '79 models.

Different frame, body, engines, the way they handle and drive, everything.


Dennis

[69twotone]

Welcome,
Like the others would love to see some pics. Keep us posted as to your progress even if it seems minor. I love to look at pics and see what people are doing.

[Pipes71]

welcome and good luck with your project..
oh and..

[Febex114]

Well I made it OK from Chattanooga, TN to Montreal QC, Canada! Just in time for Thanksgiving...

(If you can't wait ofr pictures see link at the bottom of this message, let me know what you think)

As in any of those deals there where some surprises... mainly the truck was somewhat misrepresented but, I did not even say a word to the seller... It would have turned into bad vides and, lots of money already spent at that point... tires, hoses, alignment, oil, filters, plane ticket etc... so I decided to bite the bullet and head on home before Thanksgiving!

Trip went very well, truck handles very well and no mechanical problem. Maybe I should have worried... the mechanic who did a few things on the truck before my departure called 24hrs into the trip... he couldn't wait til I arrived to inquire... at that point I told myself that he new more then me...

A few good points, brakes are new and good, clutch is fine, 2nd gear a little hard but reat is smooth, glass in good, no weird modification pretty original.

Engine runs smoot, 18 mpg average, 302 V8, 3spd with 3.25 ration.

On the minus side, truck has considerable rust and damage. Main one is cab support points are rusted through!

Nothing that can't be fixed... it'll just be a little more then I originaly expected. In the end my wife likes it!!!! If she's on board... I'm OK!
My neighbors think I'm crazy... I'm a disgrace to their Mercedes, Porshe, Audi and the like (very upsacle around here)... that makes me smile as I enjoy the stares...

Now it's time to plan for this restoration. Let's take it apart!

Cheers

Francis

See pictures on http://picasaweb.google.ca/Febex114

[Manny]

WOw you a brave man to just jump in one and haul that distance. That's awesome. Glad you made it all the way up there safe though. What all did the guy do to it before you took off. I saw new hoses and the like but just curious. Glad you found one you like. Welcome to the board From about hour, and a half south of chatanooga.

[basketcase0302]

Francis,
Chattanooga was home to me, (still have family there). Coulda hooked ya' up with several places to visit.
Glad the "old girl" made it ok for you as that is a long trip.
From the pictures she has a lot of potential, (and like you said...if our "better-halfs" support us, it's makes the decision so much easier)!
As far as the Mercedes and "keeping up with the Jones"...
I've got the same problem here in my neighborhood.

Jeff

[Blue Cloud]

Nice looking truck! Looks like a good pickup worth restoring. Most of the surface rust is nothing to worry about, the seams and upper cab rust will probably be a little more labor intensive but most if not all the info is on the site, if you search for it. Good luck!

[cghstrojan08]

Nice looking truck.

[ezernut9mm]

welcome to the fly there, buy there, drive home club! . i did the same only i had 250 miles of travel compared to your 1500.
everything i saw in the pics is easily fixable except for maybe the drip rail rust on the cab. that seems to be a point of contention around here. i'm sure an experienced aircraft mechanic such as yourself can handle it though.
over all, a very nice looking truck and it should serve you well.