Proud New Owner of A 1968 F100 Ranger

[Subzero]

I just bought an above average shape 68 F100 Ranger. It has rust on the engine and other areas but is not severe- just surface rust. The truck runs good to say the least but needs a tune up and the heat is on 90% of the time( valve or cable is bad). Everything works good execpt the heat and some leak on the passenger side area as under the mat the carpet is wet. The interior is immaculate and looks close to new. The truck is white and green with a 360 and auto trans. This is my first car ever and what a great way to start out. The truck has been painted but it was painted over rust but still is a very nice truck at 5 foot away. What should I do to the truck first? I have $300 to invest into it initially? What will a car place charge for an oil change and new plugs?I bought it for 6000. Thanks for any tips
-Subzero

[F100builder]

Congrats on the sweet first ride and welcome to the site! The first thing I'd do if I were you is install a new heater core and stop that coolant from leaking onto your floor. Next up, since you'll have the cooling system open, verify the culprit for your heater-always-on issue. You may have to replace the heater valve under the hood (should be available at your parts store) or find the issue with its control cable. These two items shouldn't make too much of a dent in your $300 so I recommend getting to know your new truck a little better and take on the oil and plug change yourself. This is a good way to introduce yourself to a little routine maintenance and save yourself a little $$$ in the process. I'm guessing you can do all of this and still have $200 or so left to spend on the next 'to do' item. Good luck, have fun, and ask questions...you've come to the right place!

BTW...my first vehicle was an old Ford truck too and guess what? I still own it. It's a 1956 F100. If you treat your new truck right, you too might fall in love and hold onto her tight!

[gregamorton]

U need to learn how to change the oil as it pretty much is the easiest thing to do on a truck. Plugs and wires are just about the same. look up these things on google or someplace like that and you will be on your way. good luck with truck.

[fitzwell]

U need to learn how to change the oil as it pretty much is the easiest thing to do on a truck. Plugs and wires are just about the same. look up these things on google or someplace like that and you will be on your way. good luck with truck.

in spades. Take your time, invest in a quality shop manual, good tools, and some penetrating oil. if you have questions, ask. Do these things and you will. a) have a nice old truck and , b) gain skills that will serve you well for a long time.

[Subzero]

Thanks, after looking online it doesn't look to hard to do the plugs and oil after all. The floor has water from the window, as the air conditioner doesn't seem to be leaking. There is also no smell so I'm guessing its just water but is the air conditioner causing that? I have some experience with small engines but a 360 is a whole lot more complex than my antique 80cc Honda or John Deere mower so I'll have many more questions I'm sure. I got the valve closed on the heater from under the hood then it re-opened mid cruise down the road. Could it be the cable or valve, both possiblely? It has been sitting awhile and the engine misses occasionly while idling. Are most parts available at auto parts places like the valve? Should I consider trying to remove some rust from the engine? What does your engine look like if you have a similar truck? Thanks again for the warm welcome. I liked these trucks ever since I saw one down the street when I was little and it all paid off when I saw a guy rubbernecking my truck from his on the way home.

[sargentrs]

When doing a plug change, be sure and do one at a time. Remove the plug wire from the plug, remove the plug, check the gap and install the new plug, put the plug wire back on and move to the next one. This eliminates getting your wires mixed up and messing with your firing order. Surprisingly, you'll find most mechanical parts still available at your local parts store. On the heater valve, if your cable is stuck in the open position it will keep pressure on the valve to stay open. Try unhooking the cable from the valve, close it manually, then see if it opens back up. I wouldn't mess with any of the cosmetic things until you're more familiar with the truck and addressed any mechanical issues. No sense spending money only to wind up with a pretty 4000# yard ornament.

[papabug71]

to the site!

The other guys have got you started on what you need to do for the time being. Just remember, since this is your first vehicle, it's going to be a learning experience, It's going to be hands on & sometimes... it's going to be messy. These old trucks love to leak stuff.

Post some pics of your new rig!

[Subzero]

You guys are right- focus on the mechanical things first. What are some general facts about the truck? What kind of engine oil should I use? The truck is high mileage-142000. I try that out with the heater and see if it works. Hopefully I'll have even more money to invest by the end of today as I'm selling some old things via Craigslist. I will take some pictures too of the truck and post them.

[Subzero]

Should I be fine with useing 87 octane gas or should I go with a higher grade gasoline?
Thanks

[Ranchero50]

87 octane is fine, cheapest 10-30w oil you can find is fine for these guys. These trucks are very basic and simple to work on. Nothing like the monsters of today.

360 / C6 / 4.11 will net you around 10-13 mpg average. Just remember that these trucks were built to cruise at 55mph. Of course Gawd only knows what's been done to your truck over the years.

Post up some pics, sit back and read as much as you can on this site and others about your truck and you'll be fine.

[Subzero]

What spark plugs are the best for this truck? I also need to find an owner's manual and a shop manual. I have looked online but I found only very expensive ones. Its raining now so I can't take any good shots but I will take some when the weather breaks. The leak is from the windshield seal too.

[sargentrs]

No more than $50 for a shop manual on CD. However most info you need is right here in our heads and several of us have manuals if you need pics. The tech section is your friend. as for plugs, I believe in Champion or Auto lite R42.

[hazelnut]

Re: Spark plugs. Buy some regular plugs, Don't buy anything like bosch platum tip ect,ect spark plugs. Oh, and don't buy plugs from Advanced auto or anything else electrical for that matter.
The windshield gasket leaking. Is it split ? If it is you can just full the opening with black gasket sealer from inside the cab and be fine. Just lay something on the dash to keep any from getting on it.

[Subzero]

After looking closer I have discovered some holes along the edge of the floor board. They are small and the area around them is solid though. I would like to get these welded ASAP.

[Subzero]

Ok heres a picture. For some reason it said my pic had a too big file size so heres one from the ad off of craigslist. Everything seems to be good so far except the floor and the windshield and even the floor isnt that bad just about 3 holes along the edge. Im taking it to get an inspection tomorrow so lets see if it passes. I also bought a wateerproof cover from enterprise covers so it will be protected from the rain and weather.