So I am looking at a '78 Ford F150 later today. I am looking for any advice on what to look at that I might not think about. If there are any previous owners of 70's F150 who remember little issues or hidden problems that would be the most helpful. I am planning on adding it to my collection for restoration. I already have a '74 F100 I am in the process of restoring. Thanks for any advice or help.

Later
Chris

 

My biggest concern would be rust. Mechanically, those things are strong.

 

Thanks Glc,
I did a drive by and all the rust was minimal surface rust. Will take a better look at the floorboards when I test drive it. Thanks again for the help.

 

That is my favorite bodystyle I think starting in 1971.

I thought they 'thinned' the truck out too much in 1980.
I didn't care for the square headlights when they went standard in 1979.

I know the '77 had round headlights.

How about your '78, round or square?
I think that year it depended on the package.

 

Check the front cab mount's, Behind the seat where the floor and back panel meet and the inside of the frame at the rear shock mounts. Those are the most common area's for rust. The 73-79's are my favorite style and after doing 6 of them from the ground up I have many spare parts if you need any or If there is anything you need to know just ask. Now how about a diesel Repower http://www.thedieselgarage.com/TOTM/apr07.htm

 

So I did it, added the '78 F150 to my '74 F100 for my ford pickup collection. The engine purrs, it was so quiet I thought it stalled. I will post some pictures, thanks everyone for the help and advice.

Chris

 

i like the split grill's of the '78 trucks

 

Which engine and tranny does it have?

 

'73.

'78 Customs and Explorers had round while the Rangers, Ranger XLTs, and XLT Lariats had square.

My preference is the square



Congrat's on yer buy, these trucks are friggin tanks and awesome to play with.

Adrianspeeder