Main #50 Project Thread: 1972 F250 4x2; 8,100lb GVW; FE+T18

[robroy]

Good evening!

Since #50's initial rejuvenation phase is nearly complete, I'd like to chronologically list its key threads in one place. I'd like to make a coherent project time-line.

I've noticed that some folks organize their threads by having a single, main Project Updates thread, asking any specific, in-depth questions in separate threads, then ultimately merging the results back to their main thread. I like this method.

1997 through Spring 2008

In 1997 I found #50 parked on Storey Street in Santa Cruz, California. I paid $1,300 for the whole truck, including emergency waffle rations preserved under the in-bed spare tire, mounds of dank KFC wrappers on/in/under the seat, and seven thousand cigarette butts lining the complete interior.

After renewed heads killed the old piston-rings, I drove #50 (between frequent malfunctions) for the next seven years. During the last three or four years, the 360 wouldn't even idle without my foot twitching the pedal to keep it going. It sounded terrible. I mastered the fine art of using my left foot on the brake and my right on the gas at each intersection! Finally, once immobile, it rotted for four years under a Bonny Doon redwood tree.

Summer 2008

Over the 2008 4th of July weekend, I decided it was time for a revival of the good old days. I planned to pull the 360, have a normal rebuild done, drop it back in, and take the truck on the open road. Being generous and reasonable, I figured I'd have it wrapped up before Fall. Later that weekend, I joined FORDification to begin the process of becoming aware of too many possibilities for my own good!

Since I was working outdoors on gravel, I removed the front clip to make pulling the 360 easier. And as the layers were peeled back, I was amazed at how thoroughly rotten everything was! That was the beginning of the "while I'm in here" syndrome.

Robroy Gregg's 1972 F250 Custom, 360, 4SPD.
How are the radiator support frame mounts removed?
Dennis Carpenter radiator support frame mounts on an F250?
Rear end identification: DOTA-AS, 603195-5, 3.73
How do I adapt a 61-70 steering wheel to my 72?
Replacing bearings in steering column; must I remove it?
How are the kingpins/spindles removed from the I-beams?
Kingpin bearings: are they supposed to be smooth when dry?
Is the Proformanceunlimited 400HP 390 Turn-Key a fair deal?
Which flowmaster's best for Proformanceunlimited's 400HP FE?
2.5" vs 3" pipe size for high powered FE; which is better?
Abrasive blast materials that are easy on the lungs?
RustBullet on #50's frame and I-Beams.
Two piece hood: are these supposed to be welded together?

Fall 2008

Drawing of my dream Bumpside paint job (one day on #50).
Know where to get paint to match my factory white?
What safety equipment is required for paint w/isocyanates?
Durable paint in bright colors without deadly isocynates?
Where to get brake line clips? (SOLVED! Now with pics.)
Does anybody know of a vendor for braided brake line covers?
Replacing the fuel lines from the tank to the engine.
RobbMc fuel filters and fittings: which size works for us?
High torque starters: Powermaster, RobbMc, and NPD.
What are these rubber inserts in disc brake arms?
Loose metal bushings in the clutch/brake assembly
What should I do about this worn clutch linkage rod?
Before & After: clutch pedal bumper.
BeCool radiators: are they a good for my setup and fair $?
Which radiator has the finest cooling capacity?
How important is a reinforced radiator hose?
How are D.C. I-beam bumpers attached to the frame?
Should washers and/or lockwashers be used on engine towers?
Stainless bolt kits: what's your experience with them?
Refinish on #50's radius arms, motor mounts and brake parts.
#50's radius arms and coil springs installed!
#50's I-beams/spindles 100% and bolted up!
Are stainless exhaust systems worth the extra cost?
Does an X need to be an even distance from each header?
Turbo mufflers: are they really louder than regular ones?
Which headers for a 400HP FE w/dual 2.5" pipes?
Must the shoulder belt mount holes be tapped?
Vendor for brown fibrous strips between the gastank and cab?
How should weatherstrip glue residue be removed?
Gas pedal firewall mount; are parts available to rebuild?
Staples holding flaps to inner fenders; how do I re-do them?
How should I clean up my rusty floor pan?
Which rubber floor mat is best (D.C., Bob Drake, NPD, etc)?
How should an engine be lifted out of the bed of a pickup?
How strong are the FE motor mounts on my F250?
Making a T18 top end nice and tight: canes and top covers.

Winter 2009

What paint should I use on the clutch/brake pedals?
Which vendor has the best FE motor mounts?
FE and T18/C6 mounts from Autofab, plus frame alignment.
Does anybody make a torque adapter for an impact wrench?
Looking for a small, American made, all metal toolbox.
What's your favorite online place to order bolts/washers?
List of choices for dash clusters for round gauges?
#50's engine transported to the project site!
How should I get the lower column bearing seal to fit well?
How does an FE 390 compare to a Chevy 454?
Which booster is right for my F250 w/disc (8,100lb GVW)?
Should I return this brake booster or use it as is?
#50: 1972 F250 8,100lb GVW Disc Brakes (Tons of Photos)
Loose clutch fork brace in the bell housing; problem?
Any opinions on which shock absorbers are best for an F250?
Which side does the longer coil spring go on?
Do 8,100 GVW F250s have a nut under the lower spring mount?
Should all the "pinched" factory locknuts be replaced?
Would you trust these grade eight lock nuts for brakes?
What did new four speed floor shift knobs look like?
Is the T18 truly hard to shift at high RPMs? And how high?
What are the costs and options for rebuilt T18s?
What's the story with this orange foam on top of the T18?
#50 NOS shifter boot installed (from NPD).
Are the T18 and C6 transmission mounts interchangable?
How can engines be protected from air moisture in storage?
#50 Gas tank filler neck and gas cap complete!
Which paint spray gun should I buy for applying RustBullet?
HVLP inlet PSI; why must I exceed the max for a good spray?
What's a "blueprinted" engine?
How should I clean/paint the hood hinges?
How should I torque the pitman without stressing the box?

Spring 2009

Should I replace this dented stainless brake line?
Spur versus helically cut gears: pros and cons of each?
Comparison between floor shift transmissions for Bumpsides.
Caliper bolt bushings won't stay put in anchor plate.
How should the clamps on the drag link sleeve be positioned?
Repair for thin sheet metal on inner fenders?
How are the square captive nuts on inner fenders held in?
Insulation between inner and outer fenders: which type?
Is there a source for black, rubbery seal material?
Vendor for captive nuts found all over the front end?
Should I paint the inside of a bell housing?
Pilot bushings, bearings, and bell housing alignment.
Does a tool exist to keep the flywheel stationary?
Flywheel for 12" Centerforce clutch (DF200015).
Torque spec for pressure plate bolts?
Why shouldn't I use Nord-Locks under ARP flywheel bolts?
Does the oval shaped hole in the bell housing take a plug?
How do I easily remove the yokes from the T18 and Dana 60?
T18 yokes for 1330 and 1350 U joints: what are the options?
T19a from Novak or locally rebuilt T18-1E.
Number 50's rebuilt T18 and T18 parts.
U-joint and driveshaft upgrades for Bumpsides.
Rear-sump FE pan install in 4x2 truck; clearance problem.
T18+FE installation: top plate clearance problem (hits cab)
How can I get precise measurements for my new drive shaft?
What are the basics of increasing traction on my F250?
How much vacuum will my engine produce (gauge selection)?
#50 Before and Afters
#50's new engine 91% installed!
What's the ideal oil pan install method (glue and silicone)?
Where can I find high quality, after market horns?
Electric vs Mechanical gauges: is mechanical still better?
What are the pros/cons of full versus short sweep gauges?

Summer 2009

What are some aggressive, low cost abrasives for blasting?
How can I safely remove putty plugging the dipstick hole?
Which after market dip stick is best for an FE?
Are my garage walls meant for hanging things on (photo)?
Any tips on a quiet, small air compressor for hand tools?
#50's clutch linkage parts!
Short clutch release rod: how can I find/make a longer one?
How do I make 250-600 ft/lbs of torque on the T18 yoke nut?
Is it feasible to construct a temporary exhaust system?
Rough head exhaust surfaces, gaskets, and avoiding leaks.
#50's radiator support and inner fenders!

Fall 2009

Could I ask for advice on attaching my Teleflex/V3 gauges?
Could I ask for advice on the March multi-groove pulley kit?
Could y'all help me pick out the best Proliance radiator?
Photos of a new Optima battery and battery box.
How can I estimate how much alternator output I need?
Is the PA Performance 4ga alternator wire recommended?
Advice on MSD box location, wire routing, and wire covering?
Constant clutch effort (no relief when fully depressed).
Clutch adjustment: 1-1.5" of pedal play or 1/8" fork play?
How tight should the spindle connecting rod studs be?
Should I use washers and RTV under T18 and D60 yoke nuts?
What's the significance of the blue color on a spline?
Would you replace this new water pump hose?
Would you replace this backup light switch?
Does anybody know where to buy high quality wire?
What's the ideal method for FE spark plug wire routing?
What timing light should I buy to use with an MSD 6AL?
Could I ask for advice on installing my inner fenders?
Could I ask for advice on improving #50's heater?
#50's bench done with a foam base and bright yellow vinyl!
How quickly should USA made, D.C. radius arm bushings rot?
What's this loud tapping sound from my new engine?
1967 Mustang with 650+ HP FE engine, owned by Tom Lucas.

Winter 2010

Proformance Unlimited 390FE for #50: a complete disaster.
390FE (406ci) for #50, built by Tom Lucas at FE Specialties.
Interview with Tom Lucas at FE Specialties in Sacramento, CA
Meet at FE Specialties in Sacramento on Feb. 18th at Noon!!!
Is cylinder wear dramatically increased at low temperatures?

Spring 2010

1972 F250 12"x2.5" Bendix rear drum brake rebuild: advice?
May I ask for advice on Beam's 140" WSCH300 seat belts?
Spacer plate, inspection cover, and header clearance issues.
The contents of the box labeled, "Rob's Baby Stuff."
How do I fasten a tie-rod nut if its stud turns in the arm?
How should the choke cable be attached to an Edelbrock 1407?
Installing a K&N X-Stream air filter on an Edelbrock 1407.
Source for the captive nuts on the inner fenders (McMaster).
T18/NP435 transmission cover shifter hole measurements.
Are these Keith Black 105 pistons worth re-using, or scrap?
Bumpside project organization using computer software.
What's the best way to fasten down a battery: OEM or other?
How shall I select and install an electric fan system?

Winter 2010

May I ask for hood alignment advice?
How can I electrically and thermally protect starter wires?
Could I ask for battery quick-disconnect terminal advice?

Spring 2011

FE clutch fan installation: Hayden 2710 and Derale 17118.
Edelbrock 8805 FE water pump: advice on a coolant leak?
Zilla Mat sound deadener installation in #50's cab.
May I have advice on how to handle my leaky rebuilt T18?

Summer 2011

Are rubber boots for drag-link ends available separately?
Can minor exhaust leaks be detected without expensive tools?

Fall 2011

What's the best stuff for cleaning #50's vinyl bench seat?
May I have advice on tuning #50's FE (starting with timing)?

2016

May I have advice on new wheels and tires for #50?

Thank you all,
Robroy

[fireguywtc]

Its amazing the colletion of information and work that goes into a project and how it accumulates over the years. Truck is looking good!

[Hemmi06]

Nice, I always remeber "You covered it" when I want to see something. I always searched by your user name. Now I don't have too!!!

[HayHauler]

You're the man Robroy

It's probably already been explained but, what is the significance of #50's nickname ?

[robroy]

Good morning Bill, Hemmi06, and HayHauler, thanks for your excellent replies!

Its amazing the colletion of information and work that goes into a project and how it accumulates over the years. Truck is looking good!

Thanks Bill! Yeah it is amazing isn't it. Getting involved with this hobby and trying to do a good job is definitely a major undertaking. It can be addictive to bring defunct things back to life!

Nice, I always remeber "You covered it" when I want to see something. I always searched by your user name. Now I don't have too!!!

Thanks Hemmi06, that's kind of you to say so!

You're the man Robroy

Thanks HayHauler!

It's probably already been explained but, what is the significance of #50's nickname ?

My first Bumpside was a fleet member and had "#40" painted on its door, so when I bought this Bumpside later on, it seemed rational to increment by ten (a pattern that I maintained for years)!

Today's Update:

I've been gradually preparing #50 to be towed to FE Specialties for its exhaust work. My main concern's the rainy weather, since its body's not waterproof in a number of ways, and the heater's uninstalled.

Once Tom completes the exhaust I'll have Kasie drive me to Sacramento, then I'll be taking #50 on its first long drive: 185 miles home!

Bill, Hemmi06, and HayHauler, thanks for your fantastic replies!
Robroy

[1971ford]

Wow, It's amazing to see all those links together... I see this thread as a guide for anyone restoring their truck. They can be walked through almost everything. As you progress with your restoration, soon enough there's going to be an insanely detailed fully bumpside restoration walk through

[BiggDogg]

Robroy, all your progress and detailed posts are amazing, add to it the fact that you organized and linked all the info here... you deserve some type of award man!

[1972hiboy]

Im itching for the driving video...haha

[fbomb100]

Robroy, all your progress and detailed posts are amazing, add to it the fact that you organized and linked all the info here... you deserve some type of award man!

good job Robroy

[robroy]

Good afternoon Ryan, BiggDogg, Rich, and FBomb100, thanks for your excellent replies!

Wow, It's amazing to see all those links together... I see this thread as a guide for anyone restoring their truck. They can be walked through almost everything. As you progress with your restoration, soon enough there's going to be an insanely detailed fully bumpside restoration walk through

Thanks Ryan! If anybody uses these threads as a guide, I just hope they don't repeat the mistakes I've made. And I'm always in favor of anything that's "insanely detailed!"

Robroy, all your progress and detailed posts are amazing, add to it the fact that you organized and linked all the info here... you deserve some type of award man!

Thank you BiggDogg, although the reward truly belongs to all the generous people that guided me along! They're the ones who provided the answers; I just provided the questions.

Im itching for the driving video...haha

Ask and ye shall receive Rich!

good job Robroy

Thanks FBomb100!!!

Today's Update:

Since becoming camera-free, I've realized that sharing photos of what's going on, and learning from experienced FORDification members is actually more fun for me than any other aspect of the project! Yet thanks to the great advice I've received in OT: May I ask for advice on a new DSLR camera?, I should be re-equipped soon.

On Thursday night Kasie and I took #50 on its latest test drive: all the way from Salinas to Moss Landing (twelve whole miles)! It did well, although it's still too loud to be comfortable (Kasie was an amazingly good sport).

Here's a Google Map that traces the route shown in the video.

Medium Quality H.264 (164MB) Low Quality WMV (201MB)

[Power By Ford 70 F250 4x4]

would you tell me what electric fan set up you with

[robroy]

Good day Power By Ford 70 F250 4x4, thanks for replying!

I haven't installed nor have I completely selected an electric fan setup. For the moment, I'm using an old flex-fan until the electric setup's in place.

Robroy

[terry1167]

Happy New Year Robroy. What an amazing project timeline and organization! I love the details, it's like reading a DIY manual. Thanks and good luck with the project!

[Mancar1]

Thank you robroy for all the time you have put into this thread and all other help and info you have posted. I have found great enjoyment in reading all you have contributed. John

[robroy]

Good day Terry and John, thanks for replying!

Happy New Year Robroy.

Happy 2011 to you too!

What an amazing project timeline and organization! I love the details, it's like reading a DIY manual. Thanks and good luck with the project!

Thanks Terry! I've considered re-organizing the thread list on a per-topic basis instead of a timeline basis, since folks looking through it might be more interested in "Brakes" than "Summer 2009." I think the thread links would grow too unwieldy if I included lists organized both ways.

Thank you robroy for all the time you have put into this thread and all other help and info you have posted. I have found great enjoyment in reading all you have contributed.

You're most welcome John! It's fun to know that people are still looking through these old threads and getting benefit from the advice given to me over the last few years.

Terry and John, thank you both for your excellent replies!
Robroy