What's up everyone I just got a 81 f150 from a guy and someone had stole all the fuses. I replaced all the fuses but I have no lights or guages or horn and the key wont start the truck. So I bumped it at the solenoid and got the truck running. I ran a wire from the battery to the coil to get it running.Does anyone have any ideas what could be wrong. I was wondering could the brain box or computer cause this . Thanks in advance.

 

An '81 has no computer - it's all hardwired, which is why you were able to hotwire it. Check the fusible links (colored molded rubber) at the starter relay near the battery. If they're bubbled up, or if they stretch, they're burned. Any parts store will sell you replacement ones (DON'T use normal wire) with instructions on the package. Read the gauge number off the molded end & buy the same gauge.

 

Thanks I'll give them a try.