Bought a new project.







I took the old seat cover off today and put a new one on. I think
it fits the truck perfectly too.

I also installed new outside rear view mirrors. I had to remove
the door panels to get to the nuts so I lubed all of the window
mechanisms while I was in there and scrubbed the door panels
for what its worth.

When I first got it there was a power steering fluid leak that
would drain the pump over night. My big fear was a bad ram or
control valve. Such a junky PS system.

Grateful that it was just a seal on the back of the pump for the
pressure hose. One gasket out of a $12 PS pump OH kit and 20
minutes and the leak is fixed. :)

It still has more issues like no dash lights, turn signals, dome
light and a few other minor things. BUTT!!!!! The backup lights
work. :eek: :D
 






I took the old seat cover off today and put a new one on. I think
it fits the truck perfectly too.

I also installed new outside rear view mirrors. I had to remove
the door panels to get to the nuts so I lubed all of the window
mechanisms while I was in there and scrubbed the door panels
for what its worth.

When I first got it there was a power steering fluid leak that
would drain the pump over night. My big fear was a bad ram or
control valve. Such a junky PS system.

Grateful that it was just a seal on the back of the pump for the
pressure hose. One gasket out of a $12 PS pump OH kit and 20
minutes and the leak is fixed. :)

It still has more issues like no dash lights, turn signals, dome
light and a few other minor things. BUTT!!!!! The backup lights
work. :eek: :D

What about the most important part? Does the radio work?
 
Dont know about Ford, but GM that era had the dash lghts and tailights on the same fuse. If your tail are out , the signals wont work

Thanks for the heads up, I think back in the day all domestic vehicles the dash and tail lights were on the same circuit just for that very reason.

I haven't even checked into it yet. I have another project that I need to put in front of this one.
 
Dont know about Ford, but GM that era had the dash lights and tailights on the same fuse. If your tail are out , the signals wont work

Tail lights work. The rheostat in the headlight switch feel like its junk so I ordered a new switch.




I did get my new washer fluid reservoir and pump installed. New wiper blades and I'm a happy camper.

One of these days I'll get the engine compartment cleaned up. :rolleyes:
 


I added an engine flush, ran it for about 10 minutes and then
changed the oil and filter.

First oil change in over 20 years. :eek: It came out like black gasoline.

Got it greased and a few other things fixed too.

I've ordered some Amsoil flush and will do this one more time in
a few hundred miles and then switch over to Mobile 1 full
synthetic like I run in my other vehicles.
 


I also got me new glove box liner installed. The original one crumbled when
I took it out when I removed the dash to install the new dash pad.
 




I installed my new headlight switch yesterday so now all the dash lights
are working once again.



I fixed the dome light too. I have a new lens ordered.



I took the instrument cluster apart and cleaned it too.
45 years is going to keep a few things from ever looking new again. :(

Put my new steering wheel cover on too. Still need to do some detailing. ;)





None of the marker lights worked, thankfully they just needed new bulbs
in all four corners.

I got the brake lights working too and need to replace one of the backup light bulbs.



I got my new spark plug wires yesterday too.
I have no idea why but it took nearly a month for them to get here.



They should work well with the Motorcraft spark plugs I already installed.

After working on it yesterday I took it out for a spin here in the canyon.
I pushed it real hard, probably harder than its ever been pushed. :D
That 55 year old 390 runs great. I'm actually impressed with how well it runs.

I have more parts already ordered and there is still tons to do.
It will never "look" any better than it does but it will be dependable enough to take me anywhere I want to go. :D
 




I got my new tailgate latch installed today. I've had the latch for a while but
it took some time to find and get those new yellow rod clips.
Even as ugly as it is the tailgate now opens and closes great.



I borrowed a friends buffer and buffed out the fender.
I used Meguiars Ultra rubbing compound.






A good friend saw my picture and told me that I was wasting time and energy
buffing and to just use baby wipes. He told me they take the oxidation right off. I laughed.

Then I stepped outside and tried a few. I'm stunned.
 
Back in 1988 I bought a 1977 F-150 4x4 short bed from the original owner. Had 37, 200 miles on the clock. The 351 was a gas hog but ran fine. Gave it my son in law when it had 116,000 miles, that was in 2003. He had a body shop & fixed the dents & now is a show truck that is not for sale. I drove it not long ago. Good old truck.
 
Old 44 Guy, that was really low mileage for an eleven year old truck.

I think these are good looking trucks. I'll never paint mine and I'm not restoring
it, I just want to be able to get in, fire it up and go anywhere I want.
So I guess I'm restoring the mechanical side.

I'm pretty sure this one will be a gas hog too. I'm still waiting to get a
title for it from the state.
 

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