Hello From The Bahamas!

[Mugwump]

Michelle, welcome from California!

That's a sweet-lookin truck!

[foghorn]

Well let me be the first Okie to say Welcome and sweet lookn truck there.




Foggy

[nadams]

Another Welcome from Washington State! I love the color of your truck!

[69BahamaMamma]

I'll try to answer all your questions.

My grill is painted but I'm really not sure if it's aluminum or steel, I'll check that out for ya. I know it has a kindof crappy paint job that's peeling in some spots so that's on my list of things to re-do.

We do get lots of rust here, I have a VW thing that is rusting away as we type.

The truck moved here in 2002 but by the vin number I can tell she was assembled in California.

How difficult is it to check out all the steering components on a 69 F100? I've got some play in the steering and I'm thinking maybe it is effecting the cambers, she kind of looks like my VW in that respect (her front wheels have a slight tilt to them).

[F100builder]

Welcome from Idaho!

I've got some play in my steering too and have heard that the steering boxes can be adjusted (Saginaw box anyway) but I haven't tried it yet (anyone?). The negative camber you describe can be a result of worn kingpins/bushings (less of a visual effect on camber) but it's most likely due to old, tired coil springs. A previous owner may have also cut the springs in order to lower the front end. I've read that cutting more than two full coils out is getting carried away. If the camber is only off slightly, I believe the beams can be bent at an alignment shop (anyone?) to correct small misalignments. More than likely, you'll want to get some new coils but be aware that this will probably raise the front end a little. If the truck is too high, you'll have to cut the new ones but this doesn't seem to be the preferred method to lower the front end. I think no more than a couple is fine but you may want to do it in steps (start with maybe just 1/2 a coil first). Absolutely DO NOT heat the springs or cut with a torch. It's better to cut them with a metal cutting wheel or a hacksaw if you want a workout! Another alternative, if you want it lower with the new coils, is dropped i-beams (BTW, they come with new kingpins and bushings) but that's where the $$$ comes in.
I'm planning on 3" drop beams for mine and then perhaps just a little cutting of the coils to fine tune it.
Anyway, good luck and very nice truck!

[69BahamaMamma]

Good call on the coils being cut...it does look unusually low on the front end...I'll prolly replace them and leave her higher.

We don't really have any auto repair places around here so it's a do it yourself kindof place. I am related to a few good men who enjoy showing me how to work on her myself.

So what's up with calling our trucks bumps anyway? I've been around trucks my whole life and this is the first I've heard this.

[67mann]

I get to answer No.1 Q (i didn't know either ) 73 and newer body style concave in(dent or dents)as where are truck "bump" out
Did I say it right guy's

[Mugwump]

The "bump":

[RedneckTexan]

Howdy from TEXAS!

[F100builder]

Leave it to Mugwump to show us with an illustration! Now you need a T-shirt BahamaMamma! I'm wearing a creation of Mugwump's right now in fact! Waaaay

[69BahamaMamma]

I like your art Mugwump, as soon as I name her I'll have to have you make me a shirt. Still waiting on the truck to tell me her personality and her name.

[willowbilly3]

Welcome mudflap girl. That is a nice straight looking pickemup truck. Get the grill back to white and she would be just right.
Oh, and don't forget the "slicks" which are the previuos bidy style.

[67merc]

Welcome from Ontario!

[Bumpside70]

Welcome from Kentucky! It must be nice to live in that warm climate year round. Oh and nice looking truck by the way

[71 LONG BED]

How many Bumpsides do you see on the Island, and which island are you on? I have been to Newport. It is a beautiful place. I was there about 3 or 4 years ago and gas was $3.25 a gallon. I shudder to think what it's up to now!!!