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In this Discussion
- corey_andrews April 2010
- Oldcar_Mechanic April 2010
1976 Ford F100
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So I am new to this owning a nice old car thing, just bought a 1976 Ford F100 Stepside from my grandfather who kept the thing in his garage for about 25 years then took it out spruced it up a bit and decided to sell it to me. If anyone knows anything and would be willing to share any information, tips, any kind of information on that car or suggestions for any work that might be easy to do please feel free to comment, the profile picture is of the truck
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25 years of sitting can take a toll on a vehicle. One thing is what shape was it in when it was put away? Regardless, things need to be looked over to be sure that it is safe and as trouble free as you can make it.
You need to check the belts. Cracks, frayed, oily belts....replace.
Check the hoses. If they are soft, replace them.
Check the wireing to be sure it's in decent condition. Animlas like to chew on them and then they become hazadous.
What is the condition of the brakes? You need to take ALL the drums off and check the linnings and to be sure all the hardware is there. Pull back the rubber dust caps on the cylinders and be sure that there is no corrosion going on there. What condition is the brake fluid in? If in doubt, flsh it with clean stuff. It should be flushed every couple of years anyway automatically. Look at the three flex lines in the system (One at each front wheel and one at the differential where the lines brake to the individual rear wheels.
What condition is the fuel in? Look also at the flex lines in the fuel system like at the pump to frame or at the filter. Maybe replace the fuel filter.
Basically look it over real good. You may not have to do anything to it.
The best tip I can give you is enjoy the heck out it and have fun. You'll get hooked and enjoy the ride.
Best of luck with it.
Ron -
Thanks Ron, yeah my grandfather has taken it into a mechanic over the past 3 years a couple times each year to take care of any mechanical issues, so now it is running and driving great, The idle is a little rough which I will get checked out. Im thinking about any customizations that might be common on trucks like this or any good places to find parts that go with this model of vehicle. I appreciate all the input!
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Well, it sounds like you struck gold Corey. Great to hear that the truck has been taken care of over the years.
Go to car shows, cruise nights and any events that involve old cars and you will get all kinds of ideas. There is a lot of talent out there and you can use many of the ideas for your own truck even if it's not a truck you're looking at.
Check into local clubs that may cater to these Ford trucks because there is a good following.
Have a ball and if you can post some pictures.
Ron
