1969 USFS f-100

[chiggerranch69]

I just thought I would finally share some pics of my addition to the farm. It is a 69 f-100 built in Dallas for the Idaho USFS. The truck came from the factory with the 240, np-435, D60 with locker, spartan interior complete with radio delete, and a deluxe heater. I am not sure on the paint code, as it doesn't match and factory color. The truck only has about 38K and has set since around 1979. I am thinking about ditching the stepside and building a flatbed in the style of the factory ones. I just got done cutting the rust out and smoothing the dents,

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so it will be going to the paint shop next week so I will post pics of the progress as it happens.

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[killakobra]

noooooo, those beds are hard to find.

[basketcase0302]

I see potential there! Good luck with your build.

[jzjames]

I knew it was going to be a stepside when I read your title.
Wonder why the govt always ordered stepsides

[chiggerranch69]

Here is a pic of the cab almost done

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[killakobra]

where did you get the exhaust manifold?

[chiggerranch69]

I got te exhaust manifolds from a local junk yard from a mid 90's f-150 300 six. Fifty bucks or so. I painted them with the VHT "extreme" or whatever is the highest heat. I baked them in the oven as directed and so far, with about 15 minutes of engine break-in, the is no color change. I am sure it will eventually burn in some spots, but for now it looks awesome.

[67nukeford]

Looking good!

[chiggerranch69]

I am finally getting somewhere on my 69 USFS truck! I had my students rebuild the front suspension and steering and it turned out great. I cut out all the rust and replaced with new metal, but I am sub-par with the fine details. Our autobody program at the college I teach at is finishing the body work on the cab and panels. They started on it in January! The Instructor is a perfectionist, which is kinda frustrating sometimes, mainly because I had every intention of a quick "50 foot" paint job as I had planned to use this on the farm every day. Now it seems it will be near show quality when they are done. I am not complaining though! I will post more next week as it should have color on it. Goin' back with the USFS green!

[FreakysFords]

Gonna be one sweet truck!

Frank

[BiggDogg]

Looking good! Are you keeping the stepside bed on it?

[chiggerranch69]

Well the students finally got the truck painted (3 months later!). We had heartaches with runs and forearms in the paint and clear with required sanding and repainting. All that ended up costing me 2 gals of green, 1 of white, and 2.5 gals of clear! But at least I had free labor! Now I am waiting on all the trim, which should be here today, so this weekend and next week I should have it mostly together.

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[guerra]

looking good

[chiggerranch69]

After many months of working on everything else, I am finally getting somewhere! The glass guy put the front and rear glass in for 50 bucks, the flat bed is almost done, interior is done except for armrests, and I just got a steel grille that I will repaint soon. I hope to be on the road by the end of the month. I will post pics as soon as I can. Does anyone know if the 69 steering wheel was glossy or satin or flat black? I am fixing mine b/c all the cracks. I am also looking for the rear cab trim that seperates the 2 colors.