I never posted any kind of build thread so I might as well post an update, as much for the common interest, as in an effort to re-spark some interest from me in the stalled project. A couple of years ago I picked up a couple of F100s a 61 with a 223 and a 64 with a 292. The 292 was locked up (hood up, no air cleaner for years) and believe it or not it was in worse shape, rust through the roof, drip rails, etc so I sold it to help offset costs on the 61. As found, it was last tagged in '98 and had been sitting there since.
Now in hindsight, I should have put a better plan together and prioritized work based on getting the thing rolling under its own power, but I wanted to see changes and do fun stuff so I kind of just took a shotgun approach. I started off taking the bed rack off of it and just in general cleaning out the years of dirt and debris. The previous owner told me first gear was out of the 3 speed, so I opened it up and it was pretty nasty, looked like it had been run dry and got hot. I cleaned it up, washed it out, new seals and gaskets and a fresh speedo gear. Then resurfaced flywheel and new clutch. Had Nastalgia Sid drop my axle and put new bushings, Posies, and shocks all around to try and help the stance.
Put in a new Dual pot master, I think for a '68 mustang? New steel lines and brakes all around. Started playing with wiring and most of it worked! Lights, wipers, even the blower for the heater. At some point in here I picked up a set of TT knock offs and I think it helped the look.
Now is where I started to stall.......rust. I have ZERO body experience. Both pans and cab braces are shot, it needs cab corners, and the bed steps and the bottom 6" of the rear fenders. The tailgate looks like it has a had a telephone pole dropped on it, picked up a suitable replacement while on the hunt for the bed steps. Then the usual stuff, the seat is on bad shape, window seals are all cracked and half gone, fuel tank clips, fuel tank and I'm sure a few things I'm forgetting. I picked up a rear leather seat from an off topic super duty pickup that actually looks ok (and has cupholder). Picked up a new tank and sender, window seals and other parts I could source that I new I would need to make it drive able. But I stalled on the floors. I don't have any idea what I am doing so after I cut the driver's side out, then kept removing metal until I found something solid, I realized I was going to have to build patches without a reference as most of what was gone is what the cab mounts weld to. Needless to say after fighting it for a while and getting frustrated more than I should I haven't touched it for a few months. My short term plan was to get the floors done and save the cab corners and whatnot for the future, just get it safe to drive. But now I'm just trying to figure out where to head with it.
Well the 223 runs, but I also have a couple of 292s on a shelf that I could probably build one of them if I needed to. More power would be great, but I'd like to just be able to cruise.
From those that have been here with a project beyond their ability to do "right", would it be crazy to just patch the cab/inner fender and get the cab mounts and floors in? For what this truck will be can I get away with lap welding the pans in? I know there is a better way, and aside from just the skill, it would require tearing into the rockers and steps as well. But I don't imagine this will ever be a complete resto job. If I'm being honest I imagine getting it rolling and cruising, and just enjoying it until I can save/sell it to get into something more solid in the future. I fell bad for a half assed approach, but chasing perfection could add years.
I prefer to butt weld sheet metal however floor pans are fine to be lapped. Once you have seam sealer over the join and some stone guard the repair is quite presentable.
Don’t fret about butt vs lap until you buy the panels and see what’s involved to fit them. Once they’re in hand you’ll figure out your skill development path. For a first project you’ll probably be lap welding. Nothing to be ashamed of, and it can always be redone ten years from now. complete pans / floors for the entire cab are available now, albiet pricey.
I would just do whatever it takes to get it on the road quickly so you can enjoy it and do cool stuff with your brother...assuming you have a brother.
Some more pics from the work so far The trans when I opened it up Got the lights working Clearance after lowering it Rear wheels were wider than I expected
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