Old Ford truck revival

Long story short, a 1967 F250 "High-Boy" came into mine and dad's hands about a year ago, and last winter, we officially decided to make a plow/work/dog truck out of it. It is in really good shape for a nearly 50 year old truck, but the old 390 in it was tired out, it only has 52,000 original miles, but here's the thing. It used to be the local towing company's light-duty wrecker (bought new by them), and most tow trucks spend lots of hours sitting around idling at a accident scene. So the engine itself had low miles, but thousands of hours of idling time on it. The engine could no longer pull very well, and developed a knock after about 2 weeks of operation.
So another long story short, we come across a 72 F250 that had a strong running 390 in it that had a full rebuild a few years back and got the truck for the motor and extra parts. It even had power steering and brakes from a 73-79 style Ford in it, our 67 had neither. And for those that don't know, driving one of these things without power steering or brakes is like driving an old dump truck with a load in the bucket. Trying to park the thing in a spot was a workout like no other, and since my dad has a bad back, it had to be refined. This power steering setup is the only way to go, Ford had a ram power-assist steering setup that could be dealer installed on 68-72 3/4 ton and 1 tons, but it was a total joke and ultimate pile of shit setup that was very unreliable and dangerous to operate. I won't go into details on it, but if you really want to know more, I am sure it wouldn't be hard to find some place online to read about it.
Over my winter break last year from college, I tore into the project with the help of a good friend of the family who has taught me just about everything I know about wrenching, really couldn't have done it all without his guidance so was very thankful for that! We got both engines stripped from the trucks, and took off the valve covers, intake manifold, exhaust manifolds, oil pan, and a few other parts that needed new gaskets put in. After doing a thorough evaluation of the good 390, we started putting the new gaskets in, special thanks to Summit Racing for prompt delivery of those! By this time however, it was getting time for me to head back to school for my second semester. Low and behold, the project was put on a standstill until summer came. I tried to tinker on it on weekends when I came home, but just did not have enough time to dedicate getting it finished.
Once summer was here, we never got around to doing anything on it until the middle of this month. Cleaned up the engine block and painted it Ford blue, and took the chrome valve covers, and air cleaner off the old, worn-out 390 and put them on. Finished doing the power brake swap, just a simple bolt-on deal. The booster just lined up on the firewall right in place of the old master-cylinder! Had to do some adjustments to get the brake lights to work with the new setup, but that wasn't a big deal. And then, we dropped the motor in and here it is now! I will try to get more pics of it up later, but am a little busy today. I know this isn't a site where there are many Ford guys, but any truck enthusiast should appriciate this ol' girl!

The day after it was running, the hood is still off. Good practice to consider, after putting a motor in, run the vehicle around a little while with no hood if it isn't against the law in your state. Why? Well, if anything starts spewing up from the engine compartment, you know you have a problem and can address it right away without having to deal with a potential sob story later. Another good practice is running straight water in the radiator for a few days before you add antifreeze, that way if a leak happens, you don't run the risk of poisoning any animals. (Notice dogs in the truck)

Yesterday after the hood was re-installed, I parked it next to my 78 Bronco and compared the rigs. Keep in mind, both are stock! The High-Boy was a factory option on these trucks, you had yourself a lifted truck from the factory that could haul close to 1,000lbs without any problems. They were the truck that the working man saved up his money to go out and buy. Note to yourself, they ride about as smooth as a running horse. This is not a truck you see little old ladies driving around on a regular basis! I counted 12 leafs on both leaf-packs in the back and 8 on the front packs, plus a block on the back ones. The towing company probably added those, but I have no idea.

And lastly, just another pic of the two parked side by side. I will get some more uploaded later. Sorry for the long post, it looks like it got a little longer than I was expecting!

 

More pics;




Pics of the freshened up, and re-painted 390! Looks brand new under there, there's just something about lifting the hood on an old vehicle and seeing something like that! Now, as long as no leaks flare up, it should stay that way until winter. The last picture is the old 72 camo truck the motor came out of. We would have used that truck, but it is pretty beat up, rusty, and the wiring harness was a rat's nest. Most of it just pulled off the motor when I took it out. No shrink fitting, electrical tape or anything. But, I am thinking maybe turning it into a mudding truck someday when I get some good income flowing in, it would be perfect for that!

 

Nice Highboy! That is a great looking truck. I'd love to find something like that.

I have a soft spot for old Fords. My first vehicle was a '79 F-150:

 

Very nice Indeed! I too have a soft spot for old Fords. On some other forums my handle is Fordman.

 

Thanks guys! I am the same way, 79 was the last great year for a lot of things. The trucks have never really been the same since, they still are good rigs though.