Gnu (kind-of) Member in Portland, OR - 68 MERC M100

[mike68merc]

/Users/mikenieko/Desktop/MIke's 68 Merc.jpeg
I'm actually a "slightly used" member...(but low mile!)
I've Been a member for a few months & just figured out how to navigate the site efficiently. I just posted pics of my beater...(that's a term of endearment). It's a 68 Mercury M100 SWB Ranger with Factory Air & Bucket seats. It came with a 360, but It died on me last summer. (Right after I got it) The truck was intended to be my daily driver, so with the price of fuel, I decided on a small block. Found a running 302 & C4 trans on Craigslist for $200.00 & yes it seems to run great!! (I kept the 360 in case I ever want to put it back in.)
I'd intended to JUST change the engine, but when I took of the front clip, it kind of snowballed. I was only gonna paint the frame & firewall & add the motor, but...well... Ended up with a stage 4 Mustang II IFS from Fatman Fabrications, with Stainless A-Arms, 2" dropped spindles, Air Bags, power rack & pinion & Huge Wilwood brakes. Also got their rear 4 Link set up & kicked up the rear frame 6".
I boxed the rear frame section, and added a rear mounted fuel tank & hidden receiver. Didn't think that was low enough, so we kicked up the front frame section 1-1/2" & stretched the wheelbase 3/4" to center the front wheels in the wheel well.
It's wearing 20"x10" Coy's in the rear & 18"x8"s in front...It's kind of LOW.
I've got a running, Rolling (but not stopping) chassis. I'm getting ready to re-install the cab as soon as I complete the Brake Lines!!
I blame this site for most of my obsessive behavior!! It all began when I read the forums & found out how to add the tilt column from the 78-79 trucks. Then I saw the tank replacement forum, then the wiper delay articles, & the discussions on upgrading to later model front suspension with DISK BRAKES!!! & Power Steering!!! ...You see where I'm going with this...Right?!!!
So basically my current economic condition can be directly related to this web site!!!

My Attorneys will be in touch!

This is a great website & I'm excited to be a new member!
Thanks,
MIKE

http://photobucket.com/mikes68merc
PS. The truck will Still be my Daily Driver.

[1970FordTK]

Welcome to the home of the diseased Ford addicts (67-72). Seems you will fit in nicely to our modified and slamed ward.

[flyboy2610]

Welcome aboard!

[427blackpearl]

welcome from tennessee
if you ever get tired of spending money on your truck, you can always send it my way

[bluef250]

Welcome to the site. Working on our trucks can become an addictive, compulsive habit that may need counseling in order to return to sanity (or you could just buy 1 or 2 more for fun and join others in the poor house.)

[Brett6269]

from ny state..

[69F110]

Mike,

Welcome from Louisiana! We're glad you're here.

I couldn't see the pics.

[mike68merc]

Thank you all for the warm welcome.
From the response I'm getting, it seems the smartest thing I could do is get counseling to learn to live with it!!
Seems kind of like telling an alcoholic to have a beer & relax!...I guess I can live with that.
Thanks again,
Mike.

[mike68merc]

Hmmmmm, Did I do something wrong? I can't see the pictures either...whoops
I posted several on the Members site under "mikes 68merc" .... They went in all out of order, but I viewed them after I downloaded them. Guess I need to RE-re-read the tutorial on downloading pics.
MIKE

[RedneckTexan]

Howdy from TEXAS!

[td]

mike68merc,

i can't wait to see some pics of your truck, I've been contemplating a front suspension swap myself.
i love the coy wheels, are yours grey centers? sounds like your gonna have one sick ride when you get it all together.
you say snowballed, i say avalanche .
please show us some pics of whatever it looks like now.

O yea Welcome to the site!!

[mike68merc]

Think I fixed it...
Here's some pics of the old beater; http://photobucket.com/mikes68merc

Hope it works this time.
I think it took less time to build the truck than to learn how to share pics of it!

[td]

Mike,

thanks for the pics man, but i have to say i no longer like you . that is one sweet setup for sure Mike!!
i love every mod you made to the truck, can't wait to see it with the body on with the new paint, great choice going back with the stock color. keep the updates coming.

[mike68merc]

Mike,

thanks for the pics man, but i have to say i no longer like you . that is one sweet setup for sure Mike!!
i love every mod you made to the truck, can't wait to see it with the body on with the new paint, great choice going back with the stock color. keep the updates coming.

Thanks TD,
I appreciate that, especially since I've got several pics of YOUR truck on my computer for inspiration. Downloaded them months ago when I was researching build methods & tactics....You know, you've got to know what you want it to look like first, then see how others got theirs that way. There doesn't seem to be too many slammed Bumps around. (Even on this site).
I think we're "ahead of the curve" so to speak...but is it just me, or do they seem to be really jumping in popularity?!

By the way, yours has dropped beams & bags, right? Are you unhappy with the setup? It looks bitchin.
Thanks,
MIKE

[td]

Mike,

your absolutely right you do have to know what your shooting for in the beginning to get there. in days were most other desirable classics have already been grabed up i think the 67-72 f100's offer a very good platform to restore/customize at a affordable price, for now anyways. but i don't want you 2 think i just ran out and bought what i could find. Ive had a love for these trucks all my life, starting in 1975 when my father brought home a 6 year old used black 69 ranger,and then years later in 1988 giving me my first truck (72 custom) that i proceeded to almost kill myself in. i ran it off the road hit a tree and the only thing that stayed on the frame was the bed, frame and bed stayed at the tree and everything else cab, front clip, motor, trans all went off into a holler about 75 feet off the highway. i have pics of all the aftermath but I'd have to scan them to upload'em.

as for my suspension, i have a static drop only. some of the pics you might see in my photobucket were it looks layed out have been photoshoped, thats whats got me wanting to do a adjustable suspension setup.and then guys like you keep poping up with the bag project and just worsen my desire to spend a whole lot of money i don't have to spend at this time .

any way sorry for the big post ive got a big coffie buzz this morning but good luck finishing your truck and keep me posted on how thing are going. send me a private M. any time!


Tim.