questions on power steering, bed repair & radiator support

[BiffTirkle]

OK so I have a 65 long bed 300 big six with a 3 speed top loader out of a 65 falcon.

First is the most important, my radiator support is rusted pretty bad and I know ill ha e to replace it soon. From what I've read and searched. There isn't a direct replacement part. So, any suggestions?

Second my bed is pretty rusted up near the cab, I like the flare side beds with the wood slats but I'd like to keep the bed. Is there a method or way to get the wood slats in a long bed?

Third I'm considering putting power steering in the truck. I've read a few things about it and it seems like I can do it and I've got a couple of options, Im looking for the simplest method.


Each of these deserves a separate topic but rather than post 3 topics which I am sure has been discussed on here already. So if there is any topics or links to topics I would greatly appreciate any help or points in the right directions.
I've done some searching and have found some topics but need a bit more info or clarity.
Thanks for all the advice in advance

[Haus]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Steel-Core- ... 4c&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/65-66-FORD-TRUC ... 78&vxp=mtr

For power steering, I would suggest cruising craigslist. Buy a late 70's truck for $500-800 (running is even better) take the steering column, power steering gear box, disc brake setup from the front, power brake bracket and booster/master. Sell the sheet metal and engine/trans to get your money back, or strip it on down and just crush it. You will have your power steering items (minus your power steering pump and bracket for you 300) and all the other goodies when you decide to upgrage to disc and power brakes. You can also go to pick and pull or another salvage yard and pull the steering column and power gear box from a donor truck. ****Don't do the body swap method others will suggest to a 73 and up truck. Its a pain in the ass and you have to do some additional mods so your cab and bed line up and your rear tires are centered in the wheel wells. In addition to the frame being wider, the rear axel is also wider and will create other issues if you want to run wide tires****

[BiffTirkle]

haus thanks!! i might actually bid on that radiator support! i wasnt really ready to get into another project that, but for that piece in that good of condition i do appreciate the search you made.

your advice on the parts truck is noted, and i regret not buying a '73 for $300 from a friend of mine. the only reason i didnt was the brakes were all drum, he did have ac and power steering though. but still, couldnt justify paying 300, towing yanking off what i need then having to part out or scrap the rest. i just wasnt into that much of a project.

through my searching i found this on the power steering! its pretty cool, got to love the internet!
http://www.fordification.com/tech/powersteering.htm

i think my biggest issue overall is going to be trying to determine what to do with the bed. has anyone converted a bed into a wood slat bed?although my bed isnt ate up with rust so bad. its just at the cab. and its a bit crunched at the right tail light.

[Haus]

Depends what your time is worth to you. You can repair/weld the bed, but the corner may take some more skillz than some of us have depending on the damage. Only a few bolts and 3 wires are needed to just swap your bed for a good one. Keep an eye out and you will probably find one. Some trucks get demolished in the front or catch fire and guys will sell off whats left. May even find a cheap bed for sale. Heck there was a craigslist add in California for a whole truck for FREE!!! If you want a wood bed, I'm sure you can make it work too.

[BiffTirkle]

i found a guy on craigslist who was selling or parting out a parts truck he got. he's going to let me cut a section out of the bed of the truck at no cost, and thats pretty awesome! so there is that problem solved.

yesterday i pulled a power steering pump and bracket from a 72 f100, now all i need to do is go back and get the gear box and column. i didnt have all my tools for pulling those items with me.

and as for the radiator support, i suppose i'll just buy a new one and modify it...

thanks for the tips! i'll post pics of progress as i get started. for now im just in the parts gathering phase.