My '65 Stepside "Refresh"....

HillBillyF100 · Post by **HillBillyF100** » July 16, 2010, 1:21 pm

Hey all..My name is Brian and I am a newb here, although I have been around these old trucks for a little while..I thought I'd come on here and share my truck and "build"..Keep in mind, this is a low budget build..I will atttempt to be up front and honest about the cost of the parts, because I am curious as to how "low" budget of a build I can do..I will also be posting videos on youtube either as I do the repairs, or after the repairs are complete..My hope is to have this truck on the rode before the end of summer, and for it NOT to snowball into a full fledged "redo"..
Here are the details on the truck..
I bought the truck for $225 off Craigslist. It had been sitting for many years, but it seems to be in pretty decent shape. There are some rust holes that need filled, and paint. I am not 100% sure how I will repair them..The right way, or the quick way..I honestly am leaning toward the quick way, just so I can get it on the rode..
Please go check out my videos (I'll post a link here)..If you feel inclined, then subscribe to my channel on youtube and stay informed..
Here is the introduction video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqDTcdRMSG8
Here is the 2nd update, took the gas tank out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q150Fr5rDDE
And here is the latest video..Start up..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwNRYcja6EQ

IF you all would prefer pics instead, then just let me know..I'm still early enough into this build that I could start snapping pics and not have missed much..
Again, this isn't a "frame off build", but more of a quick refresh..
Hope you all enjoy..

Michelle · Post by **Michelle** » July 16, 2010, 1:46 pm

Welcome from Central Texas. I am just finishing up on my truck and to tell the truth, I am glad to be on the down hill side with very little left to do. I started out like you. I had a low mile truck and I was just going to do a token or a low budget restoration, but as has always happened to me before, it ended up being a full blown effort. Good luck on your truck and we hope to meet you some day, perhaps at Slick Stock in Iowas this next month.

HillBillyF100 · Post by **HillBillyF100** » July 16, 2010, 1:56 pm

Great to see someone else from Texas here..(Denton here)..And I can relate about the "snowball" effect that comes with these trucks..I am fighting the urge to do more to mine now..
As far as Slick Stock, I won't be able to make that trip this year...Too far, and I went to the Supernationals and the Show-Me F-100 show in Branson..All other shows will have to be local for me...I would like to get more info on the Slick Stock shows though..I've read a bit about them here..They seem interesting/fun!
Thanks for the welcome!
B

Michelle · Post by **Michelle** » July 16, 2010, 2:05 pm

I will be coming through Denton on my way to Slick Stock next month.

There are quite a few Texans on the board. Almost enough to start another club in Houston several around Central Texas and a bunch more around the DFW area.

jakdad · Post by **jakdad** » July 16, 2010, 2:15 pm

Michelle wrote:Welcome from Central Texas. I am just finishing up on my truck and to tell the truth, I am glad to be on the down hill side with very little left to do. I started out like you. I had a low mile truck and I was just going to do a token or a low budget restoration, but as has always happened to me before, it ended up being a full blown effort. Good luck on your truck and we hope to meet you some day, perhaps at Slick Stock in Iowas this next month.

Hey Michelle, I spent a little time in central Texas, near Killeen.

PFM-64f100 · Post by **PFM-64f100** » July 16, 2010, 2:19 pm

Cool your not to far from me... Serveral of us in the area here now. I like pictures better and I don't have to wait for video to load. Plus you can't have enough pictures. Where about in Denton are you?

HillBillyF100 · Post by **HillBillyF100** » July 16, 2010, 2:33 pm

I am just off Loop 288..Near US380...
That is cool that there are a lot people in this area with these slicks! Crazy thing, I have had my '55 F-100 for years..(not finished of course), and I've thought a lot about starting an F-100 club for this area..There used to be a "Lonestar F-100 Club", but not sure what ever happened to 'em..

As far as the pics, I'll start posting them here too..Of course I'll still video too..

Brian Taylor · Post by **Brian Taylor** » July 16, 2010, 3:04 pm

Welcome to the forum and the DFW area slicks. I am down in Grand Prairie but I come up that way as often as possible to visit Chris (PFM) in Haslet. I will try to come up and give the welcome wagon visit I try to make to all slick owners in the area.
Watched your youtube shots and the truck looks good. I know about a low budget build I am on a 20 bucks a week or less for mine. If you have some free time let me know and I will try and make it up to check out your ride.
You need to try and see Chris's crew cab it is sweet and not too far from you. He could use a helping hand too if you stop by, I usually try to help him every time I come up. He is trying to have the truck ready for Slick stock.
BT

HillBillyF100 · Post by **HillBillyF100** » July 16, 2010, 3:12 pm

Sounds good..I am up for lending a helping hand when I can..As far as coming to check out my truck..come on! It isn't much to look at right now, and my garage is a disaster at the moment...So as long as you realize that, then you're welcome!

Brian Taylor · Post by **Brian Taylor** » July 16, 2010, 4:15 pm

That sounds like 90% of our garages, and like many, mine never gets in the garage. My truck is ugly to all that see it but me. If you are around this weekend I may be up that way.
Drop me an email or PM.

lastwagen 66 · Post by **lastwagen 66** » July 16, 2010, 5:22 pm

Well neighbor,

from down the road....I'm over in Coppell, the extreme northwest corner of Dallas county.

Thanks for the links to your videos. I enjoyed watching (I'm more of a picture guy - more detail, less roller-coaster effects

. )

Yeah, there are many (not sure exactly how many) Slick owners in this area. Maybe some day we'll get a roll call or a list. Anyway, glad you're on board and part of the show

Carl

Post by **Greg D** » July 16, 2010, 11:54 pm

Welcome to Slick 60s.
I used to stay at the T/A in Denton every time I ran to San Antonio. Always had to leave Omaha abit early though - that place really fills up!

HillBillyF100 · Post by **HillBillyF100** » July 17, 2010, 2:20 am

Well, for sure I am interested in getting together with people with similiar interests..Like many, I do stay pretty busy with life, but I'd hang out when I could! Of course, once I get my truck on the road, I may want to convoy to some shows..Not to win anything, but just to have fun! Man, I'd love to make it to a show late this season...

I'll try to get some pics tomorrow for ya'll!

HillBillyF100 · Post by **HillBillyF100** » July 19, 2010, 4:13 pm

Still no pics to post..I'll try to post them tonight..I did however attempt to pressure wash the engine, and spray all the loose paint off the body..
It occurred to me, I am calling this engine a 390, because that's what the PO said it was, and I think I remember the 390's and 352's are the same block/look..Is there any sure signs that might clue me in as to what engine I actually do have? I ask, because I saw some pics of a 352, and they looked real similar to what I am calling a 390..
Anyone?
Thanks!

jakdad · Post by **jakdad** » July 19, 2010, 5:46 pm

Hi Billy,
The 352 and 390 are both FE engines. Thye 352 has a 3.5" stroke while the 390 stroke is 3.78. Best way to tell is to remove plugs. Get a piston to BDC and measure the depth through the plug hole. The 390 will look like about 3.75" and thje 352 3.5". Good luck......................

Michelle · Post by **Michelle** » July 19, 2010, 6:48 pm

jakdad wrote: Hey Michelle, I spent a little time in central Texas, near Killeen.

You must have been at Ft. Hood.

jakdad · Post by **jakdad** » July 19, 2010, 7:15 pm

Michelle wrote:
jakdad wrote: Hey Michelle, I spent a little time in central Texas, near Killeen.
You must have been at Ft. Hood.

Yep, You got me!

HillBillyF100 · Post by **HillBillyF100** » July 19, 2010, 10:08 pm

jakdad wrote:Hi Billy,
The 352 and 390 are both FE engines. Thye 352 has a 3.5" stroke while the 390 stroke is 3.78. Best way to tell is to remove plugs. Get a piston to BDC and measure the depth through the plug hole. The 390 will look like about 3.75" and thje 352 3.5". Good luck......................

Sheesh..That actually takes work..I'll just keep calling it a 390..LOL
nah..I'll have to check into that when I tune it up..
Thanks for the info..

HillBillyF100 · Post by **HillBillyF100** » July 21, 2010, 10:31 am

Ok, so I am still in a self placed "holding pattern" with the truck...I am really thinking about swapping the suspension..I visited a shop last night that makes and sells brackets to install a Aerostar into a '53-'56 F-100.. (Here is the video of the set up) http://www.youtube.com/user/HillBillyF1 ... vjzrTECJHM
But, after doing some research, I am not thinking that this suspension would be the best for me, only because, if I'm gonna do a swap, I want to have a lowered stance afterwards.. I have read that the Aerostar will only give you like a 3-5 inch drop..
Now, I am wondering if the Volare might be a better option for me....It has the same bolt pattern as my rear, and the swap results in a lower sitting truck..AND, I could go even lower if I wanted...I really don't care so much about ride quality, as long as it has some suspension/give..(I used to own a lowered minitruck..I am used to riding in a "boxcar"..)

Thoughts?
Anyone wanna talk me out of the Volare and into something else?

~On a side note, IF anyone is looking to install a Aerostar, then you need to check out my link above!

HillBillyF100 · Post by **HillBillyF100** » July 23, 2010, 10:35 pm