What I've learned about fixing up a bump...

No tech discussion, please

Moderator: FORDification

Post Reply
User avatar
sublimer
Preferred User
Preferred User
Posts: 259
Joined: Wed Aug 31, 2011 7:00 pm
Location: Blacksburg, VA

What I've learned about fixing up a bump...

Post by sublimer »

I've owned Lucy for over a month now, and I'm not a mechanic, but I am an engineer, a naturally curious person, and stubborn--this is also a pretty decent recipe for fixing up a bump, especially the stubborn part :lol:

When I first got Lucy, I made a "to-do" list. Well, I haven't touched much on that list because of all the random things that pop up that need more immediate attention. I had things like, replace the shocks, get a better air filter, and fix the wiring on the top of my list...but what have I done so far...rebuilt the starting system, fight with the heater, and fix random things light the dash lights and license plate light.

This has taught me that you can't schedule how to fix a bump, just fix the problems as they arise, and when you have a chance, knock something off that you've wanted to fix! So, although I really want to replace the shocks, I need to fix the heater first and replace the battery because these directly affect the functioning of the vehicle (the broken heater fogs up the windows making it unsafe and the battery struggles to hold a charge and it likes to die in the most inconvenient places).

I would be remiss to say I didn't fix things that were on that list, like the windshield, wipers, and new carpeting.

Another thing I've learned is that you're 43 year old vehicle can easily behave like a 43 year old vehicle! I've killed it on the middle of intersections and major roads a few times :cry:. Like today, but I was lucky to be stuck between 2 cars (that were together), they said got out, hooked tow straps up to Lucy and pulled me back to my place--very humbly too! My battery didn't have enough juice to turn the engine over. They understood and said they own classic cars and know what I'm going through :hd: It was a blessing to have them there :pray:

I've also almost 4x the knowledge of vehicles so far...I still wouldn't call myself an expert, but I've had my neighbors come up to me recently and ask for my opinion on whats wrong with their *insert modern import car here*

Fixing up a bump is frustrating, but you need to be able to defer that frustration in the fact that it's a project, it wouldn't be fun--and you wouldn't have good stories--if it weren't for all the frustations. But! One of the biggest rushes is completing a project that enhances a fince piece of quality American engineering and white/blue collar work!

I've enjoyed Lucy though, she give me headaches, but the thrills are worth it!

Thanks to everyone on this forum who has provided help, and their expertise to keep Lucy going! :woohoo: :fr: :woohoo: :fr: Y'all are great!

I've been meaning to more formally introduce myself, but my name is Drew and I'm a recent grad from Virginia Tech! GO HOKIES :hd: :D :clap: :hd: :D :clap: :hd:
1968 Ford F-100
240cid (3.9L) Inline 6
3-speed on the Floor
2-tone Blacks & White
Custom Homemade Headliner
Moveable Speakers
goldies67
Preferred User
Preferred User
Posts: 283
Joined: Mon Jun 27, 2011 4:06 pm
Location: north attleboro mass

Re: What I've learned about fixing up a bump...

Post by goldies67 »

hey drew! mike here! and go mountaineers! :thup:
1967 f100 styleside
User avatar
Mancar1
100% FORDified!
100% FORDified!
Posts: 5390
Joined: Thu Jun 10, 2010 8:13 am
Location: USS Gramps Garage (DD-727) Tehama County, Northern Ca.

Re: What I've learned about fixing up a bump...

Post by Mancar1 »

Great post Drew. Sounds like you are doing just fine with the Bump. Yes a Bump at times can drive you to the edge. I know there has been times when I have thought about pushing the 68 over the edge :lol: :lol: :lol: John
May your sails stay full, and your knots not slip. Unless a slip knot.
Once I thought I was wrong, but I was wrong.
Life is a banquet, and every days a feast.
68 F-250 CS 390 C-6 P/S A/C front disc. 2nd owner.
2016 GMC Terrain Denali 301 HP V-6 AWD.
2009 Silverado Crew Cab, V-8, 4X4.
DD-727
DD-806
AE-35
LSD-39
AS-41
AR-8
User avatar
sublimer
Preferred User
Preferred User
Posts: 259
Joined: Wed Aug 31, 2011 7:00 pm
Location: Blacksburg, VA

Re: What I've learned about fixing up a bump...

Post by sublimer »

goldies67 wrote:hey drew! mike here! and go mountaineers! :thup:
I see you're from North Attleboro, one of my good friends is originally from there! WVU is gonna have issues since the ACC and SEC said "no" to them.
1968 Ford F-100
240cid (3.9L) Inline 6
3-speed on the Floor
2-tone Blacks & White
Custom Homemade Headliner
Moveable Speakers
Whateverman
Blue Oval Guru
Blue Oval Guru
Posts: 1257
Joined: Sat Jan 08, 2011 6:45 pm
Location: Comox Valley B.C. Canada

Re: What I've learned about fixing up a bump...

Post by Whateverman »

lol you gotta be stubborn to own a bump lol (but its worth it )
Moe
-
while i'm here,if you don't need the heater to defrost your windows just bypass the heater core -run a heater hose from the bung on the water pump to the bung on the intake (or head or wherever it is on the six you've got) - then you can still enjoy rolling around in it....and can afford to fix the other more pressing issues that pop up
- still got my first first car 20+yrs later : 69 f100 sorta kinda pretending its a Mercury M100 w/a 70 f350 sport custom cab (factory buckets) 67 grille with 69 ranger cooneyes 68 merc box and hood,some supercool fiberglass fenders i scored way back when, 76 f150 disc brake frontend..currently running a 90 5.0HO 4bbl/c4 auto & 3.50 posi...originally a 360/c6 f100 Ranger with dealer added towpack (incl. kelsey hays trailer brake),boxside toolbox,behind the seat stowage & belly tank...only original parts left on 'er are the frame,rear end,rear springs,and rear bumper...
goldies67
Preferred User
Preferred User
Posts: 283
Joined: Mon Jun 27, 2011 4:06 pm
Location: north attleboro mass

Re: What I've learned about fixing up a bump...

Post by goldies67 »

sublimer wrote:
goldies67 wrote:hey drew! mike here! and go mountaineers! :thup:
I see you're from North Attleboro, one of my good friends is originally from there! WVU is gonna have issues since the ACC and SEC said "no" to them.
small world,i hear ya on wvu.........
1967 f100 styleside
User avatar
sargentrs
100% FORDified!
100% FORDified!
Posts: 9866
Joined: Fri Jun 22, 2007 9:30 am
Location: Georgia, Jasper

Re: What I've learned about fixing up a bump...

Post by sargentrs »

Are you ever really "done" working on your bump? I can't remember who it is but one of the members here has a great signature.....

Remember, the goal is to start what you finish.

Cracked me up the first time I read it.
Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
User avatar
FLATBEDFORD
100% FORDified!
100% FORDified!
Posts: 1818
Joined: Sat Feb 18, 2006 1:34 pm
Location: New York, Crugers
Contact:

Re: What I've learned about fixing up a bump...

Post by FLATBEDFORD »

I think the hardest thing to do is to try to keep your bump or any old machine running and usable while you work on it. I am always afraid to dig in too deep and end up with a pile of parts clogging up my driveway and no truck. Maintenance also gets in the way of restoration. I am almost at the point where i have decided to just give up and let mine be an old truck and just run it until it falls apart. Time, money, and lack of indoor work space have help me back since I bought it 5 1/2 years ago.
Steve

1970 F350 DRW Factory 9' Platform/Stake, 360, T18.
Passed on to new care taker July, 2013

My Photo Gallery
http://s115.photobucket.com/albums/n298/flatbedford/
towtruckerfour
Blue Oval Fanatic
Blue Oval Fanatic
Posts: 929
Joined: Thu Dec 18, 2008 1:33 pm
Location: Mountain Home,Idaho
Contact:

Re: What I've learned about fixing up a bump...

Post by towtruckerfour »

These trucks do have their moments. Whenever I need to do serious work on one truck, I make sure the other one is drivable since they are my daily drivers. Its funny how the trucks are the ones my son will drive when his Toyota breaks down. I love having a vehicle I can do just about any repair on with maybe a few cuss words along the way. :lol:
Troy
Why is it that the trucks are always the best running vehicles in the family?
Ford means "found on road daily"
70 F100 Custom-352 w/68 Highboy 4x4 frame. My play/project truck
70 F250 Explorer-390/C6 auto. My work truck
04 Mitsubishi montero-family car
MrMajestyk
Blue Oval Fan
Blue Oval Fan
Posts: 508
Joined: Sun Apr 17, 2011 11:55 pm
Location: Phoenix, Arizona.

Re: What I've learned about fixing up a bump...

Post by MrMajestyk »

towtruckerfour wrote: I love having a vehicle I can do just about any repair on with maybe a few cuss words along the way. :lol:
:yt: :lol:
cdeal28078
100% FORDified!
100% FORDified!
Posts: 1982
Joined: Mon Aug 15, 2005 8:45 am
Location: North Carolina, Huntersville

Re: What I've learned about fixing up a bump...

Post by cdeal28078 »

Unless you do a complete and total frame off, rotisserie style restoration and then never drive it and store it in a climate controlled shop it will NEVER be finished. I promise you that.
I did a back yard restore on mine. That means I took off the bed, front clip, doors, all the glass except the front and cleaned, painted and replaced what I could for around $5000 about 10 years ago. This was not including mechanical stuff, just the body. Now there is rust popping out on the side of the cowl at the fenders and at the bottoms of the fenders as well as a small area along the bed seams. It was holding up real good until I had to sell my daily driver 86 Bronco to pay for my daughter's college books about 2 years ago. Now it is my DD and sits outside almost all of the time. Sure has taken a toll on her.
I have a 93 F150 my dad owne until it was totaled that I am trying to get on the road. Once I do that I'll get my 71 looking good again.
Just remember it is supposed to be something you enjoy doing. What is it they call it a Toil Of Love? lol
clint
71 F100 SportCustom
460 C6. Disc Brake/Power-steering/automatic Swap. 3.00
1986 Bronco 5.0 AOD
fixerupper
New Member
New Member
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Jun 27, 2011 4:49 pm

Re: What I've learned about fixing up a bump...

Post by fixerupper »

I hate to do it to a fellow Bump owner but.... GO TIGERS! :D :wink:
User avatar
AlleyCat
Blue Oval Guru
Blue Oval Guru
Posts: 1283
Joined: Sat May 12, 2007 8:28 pm
Location: Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh

Re: What I've learned about fixing up a bump...

Post by AlleyCat »

When mine starts to have " issues " I just think about the modern heavy trucks I work on every day. The very thought of those over complicated, over computerized mechanical nightmares makes any problem with a bump seem as inconsequential as taking out the trash. :lol:
Clay

72 F100 4x2 Custom,289, C4 " Slow Ride "
70 F250 4x2 Ranger XLT , 360, C6 "B52 - IV"
96 F150 4x2 XL, 300, E4OD, daily driver

" Professional Wrecker Operators - We Pull for America "
Post Reply