My Grandfather's pick-up

Discussion in 'Car & Truck Talk' started by OrthmannJ, Jan 21, 2014.

  1. Krash Kadillak

    Krash Kadillak Well-Known Member

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    A lot of benefits there, with few drawbacks, except maybe the initial expense. Well worth the money, IMO.
     
  2. Doghead

    Doghead Well-Known Member

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    The initial expense will pay back, through improved fuel economy, as long as the vehicles gets driven to the point of windfall
     
  3. OrthmannJ

    OrthmannJ Always looking for old ford crew cabs

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    This truck is going to be Caleb's someday. Initially it will be his daily transport, when he turns 16, so I am doing this upgrade with that in mind. I want this to be a reliable, dependable vehicle for that eventuality.
    In the meantime, I want it to be something that I enjoy driving. The added performance and convenience will only add to the overall experience.
     
  4. OrthmannJ

    OrthmannJ Always looking for old ford crew cabs

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    Just picked up the wheels from the powdercoater's and dropped the truck off at the tire shop.

    IMG_6450.JPG

    I'm pretty excited to see how she looks with her fancy refinished shoes.

    IMG_6452.JPG
     
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  5. 60Mercman

    60Mercman Well-Known Member

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    Those wheels look great. Lucky Caleb! Both the boys are gonna get nice rides.
     
  6. OrthmannJ

    OrthmannJ Always looking for old ford crew cabs

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    Here they are on the truck!
    IMG_6453.JPG IMG_6455.JPG
     
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  7. OrthmannJ

    OrthmannJ Always looking for old ford crew cabs

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    Yep. Lucky boys indeed.
    Got to keep them in the family though. I'm just the temporary caretaker of these vehicles.
     
  8. Grizz

    Grizz Are we there yet???

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    Lookin good! Maybe you outta get a test vehicle to test their driving behavior before you let them dive into the heirlooms?
     
  9. 60Mercman

    60Mercman Well-Known Member

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    Hopefully you’ll have a couple of grand kids you can talk it up with and know where they are going for the next 70 years. Fortunately you have two great boys, and they won’t be on Craigslist before you’re up there with Grandpa. I always have a sad feeling when I see cars like that yellow ‘69 T-Bird in the family for 50 years. Then bloop. The wheels look great by the way!
     
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  10. Silvertwinkiehobo

    Silvertwinkiehobo "Everything that breaks starts with 'F.'"

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  11. OrthmannJ

    OrthmannJ Always looking for old ford crew cabs

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    That's my hope.

    Thanks!
     
  12. OrthmannJ

    OrthmannJ Always looking for old ford crew cabs

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    Getting ready for the EFI upgrade.
    First step:
    Wash the engine
    IMG_6762.JPG IMG_6763.JPG
     
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  13. OrthmannJ

    OrthmannJ Always looking for old ford crew cabs

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    And so, the 2 barrel to 4 barrel, carbonation, to EFI project has begun.
    Progress has been slow. As always there are unforeseen issues. I figured I might as well share some progress pics though.

    Ordered some FORD blue from local parts supplier.
    IMG_7059.JPG
    My buddy, who is a GM guy and a Pontiac nerd was quick to point out that it was actually Pontiac blue. I rebuffed him saying he was a fool. [​IMG]

    (It looks pretty Pontiacish to me... [​IMG] but we're going with it at this point.)

    I had to get a new thermostat housing, one with a plug so I could get the sensor jobby in there.
    IMG_7057.JPG
    Learning all kinds of "fun" stuff with this project.
    IMG_7058.JPG
    It's all coming together, slowly but surely.
    Mostly slowly.
     
  14. Silvertwinkiehobo

    Silvertwinkiehobo "Everything that breaks starts with 'F.'"

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    As a technician, I need to point out the gauge sender won't always work in that location. Like the coolant temp sensor, it needs to be exposed to the coolant flow BEHIND the thermostat. If you can source a heater hose stanchion/nipple that has a sensor bung in it, you can place the sensor in it, and still have coolant flow past it, whilst putting the sender back where it originally was. I think late '80s-early '97 EFI Windsors have a proper part that will fit. I'll snap a pic of the one on my F150 and post it up. As for the hole in the t-stat housing, just pop a pipe plug in it.
     
  15. Silvertwinkiehobo

    Silvertwinkiehobo "Everything that breaks starts with 'F.'"

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    Here's the one on my F150:

    IMG_20200721_194935.jpg

    It has the hose nipple and the bung for the sensor. The sender will never register temperature while the thermostat is closed...which brings up a point: if the thermostat got stuck closed, how would you know if the engine was overheating?
     

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