Another rookie.

[KMCopeland]

This is a picture of my new baby. The hubcaps are soaking in soapy water -- but I've attached a picture of what they look like.

She's in really great shape for an old girl. Odometer reads 56,000 & change, and I'm going to assume that's 156,000. Has a couple of small spots on the paint that need first aid, the body side moldings are badly sunburnt & oxidized, but no dents at all, anywhere. The truck is in astonishingly good condition for a half-century of use, both inside and out.

I found a mechanic who understands the era, and is going to give her the once-over next week. I plan on using this truck to move 1,000 miles away later this summer. Am I completely nuts? Probably. I'm going to do it anyway. Call me crazy. Wouldn't be the first time.

It's a 360 V8, (real sluggish -- hope an old fashioned tune-up will improve that -- guess I'll find out) original radio, upholstery -- original everything really, including a factory-installed air conditioning that works beautifully. But I'd like to pull it out. I'll take good care of it in case I ever sell the truck, and the prospective buyer wants it. But I'd like to reclaim the space it uses. Any guidance on how hard that might be, or if it's a terrible idea or not?

This is a really nice forum. Someone has worked hard on it. I found more good links here, and great (free!) vintage pamphlets than anywhere else.

Glad to be a part of the group.

[Ranchero50]

welcome aboard, good looking truck. It should move you just as well as any other truck up through 1997 when the new front suspension was released. 360's in factory build are low RPM grunt engines, don't make much power above 3k and tend to run around that RPM at 70mph with 4.10 gears and get around 10-14mpg.

Enjoy it, I'd leave the AC in it.

Jamie

[BobbyFord]

from SoCal.
What state are you in?

[STROKER69]

Great looking truck, good find.

[MrMajestyk]

KMCopeland

Fine looking ride

[guerra]

from Midland Texas. Your not crazy go ffor it!!

[Mancar1]

Welcome aboard from Northern Ca. I also would leave that good working A/C in. If you do yank it, you won't have much trouble unloading it. Good looking Ford.

[Joshpow]

Welcome. Nice ol truck.

[forrestbump]

from SoCal. I'll second that motion to keep the factory A/C...rare stuff in Bumps.

[fireguywtc]

from Texas!

[3 Speed]

Welcome from Georgia!

That truck will be just fine on your move, especially after you have tuned her up.

I would leave the AC in it -- that is the one option I wish I had in my 67.

ENJOY!

[71 side step crazy]

Welcome that truck is sweet little number keep the a/c in it. That truck should do the job of moving you. The 360 is a work horse engine but can be built to move to

[KMCopeland]

from SoCal.
What state are you in?

Virginia.

[KMCopeland]

welcome aboard, good looking truck. It should move you just as well as any other truck up through 1997 when the new front suspension was released. 360's in factory build are low RPM grunt engines, don't make much power above 3k and tend to run around that RPM at 70mph with 4.10 gears and get around 10-14mpg.

Enjoy it, I'd leave the AC in it.

Jamie

Gadzooks. How depressing. Anything (not real hard) I can do to pep it up?

[KMCopeland]

I'll sure defer to what seems to be the consensus -- leave the ac in. I know you guys are right about. I wish I could take it apart, wash everything, and put it back together -- and back in the truck. Every time I turn it on I'm feel like I'm going to get Legionnaire's disease or something. I guess I'll break out the Q-tips and rubbing alcohol and do what I can.