Manny's 67' F-250 Highboy Restoration

[Manny]

Then i had to work on the shaft. This may be changed to a aftermarket double d shaft later but for now this gets going.

Had to cut out 5-6 inches or so.. two cuts to get it right.


Welding magnets are your best freind just go buy some if you don't have them.


I cut the shaft to a heavy v. Cut the shaft to a point to allow full weld of the shaft. Angle iron and magnets to hold it dead straight. After tacs it was impressive how straight it was.


Full welded should be good.


Actually full welded then went overkill and sleeved it with tubing for that extra protection. Also as i welded it i aligned the joints to prevent binding in the shaft as the joints worked. Happy with it overall.




Much Much more to come gotta get the frame horn finished up.

[cdnwillyg]

Not to familiar with High Boys, do they come with power steering?
Lots of fab work going on here, buy choice, no kits available?
When I did my 55 F100 I found the fab work the most interesting and at times challenging but the most fun!
Keep up the good work.

[Manny]

Not to familiar with High Boys, do they come with power steering?
Lots of fab work going on here, buy choice, no kits available?
When I did my 55 F100 I found the fab work the most interesting and at times challenging but the most fun!
Keep up the good work.

The high boy trucks especially bumps most were manual steering. The trucks that had power steering were what was called external power steering. consisted of the manual box and tie rod fluid control valve, and then a ram on the front axle. The system worked kinda but parts that wore out made for a lane changing leaking not that great mess. Of all the highboys i have messed with only one with the external power steering I called working properly. Of course all the components were new. There are conversion kits that are $750.00 up i have time to fab don't like spending the money, and prefer doing it myself to a fault. So converting using a internal box is what many highboy owners do. The 78-79 F250 4x4 box is the best fit to use. They are getting rare but have a great guy that seems to always find what i'm hunting. Yes as you said the fabrication i love a lot and is often very rewarding and fun. Got plenty more rewarding work to do!

[hfdco4]

Looks like I will be using this for my guide as well Manny! I love how that weld came out, very good!


The 1967 to 1972 F250 4x4 didn't have factory power steering at all. The system that Manny is talking about was first offered in 73 or 74 and ended in 77 on F250 4x4s. When ford changed from divorced to married transfer case they also offered the integral power steering. Just a little history.

[Manny]

Spot on with the history. I have never said no bump highboys with power, but i have never ever seen one. So chances are your correct that the external system never showed up until 73-74.

Another thing i have collected is my cab chassis fuel tank and skid plate. 30?? gallon rear tank from a 80-86 cab chassis f350. They had narrow frames as the highboy did so i hope to set this tank behind the axle in addition to the in cab tank. 429 may be thirsty...




Lots to fab that in i am sure.

[Lone Ranger]

Awesome work. Your moving right along. Good write up on the steering conversion. I might have to copy you on that

[hfdco4]

That 80-86 Ford Tank is a great way to go. The junkyard near me kills all the gas tanks so I had to come up with a different plan.

[DuckRyder]

I’d love to see a detailed description of the fuel tank install, take pictures and share when the time comes...

[hdman90]

Manny,

I am seriously excited to watch this thing come together! My wife and I also have quite the history with my '69, so like you the emotional attachment is unexplainable. Also, I'm sure the day will come when I finally break down and also rebuild it and have it be next to new again.

Keep up the good work, and keep us updated as always!

BJ

[Manny]

I am seriously excited to watch this thing come together! My wife and I also have quite the history with my '69, so like you the emotional attachment is unexplainable. Also, I'm sure the day will come when I finally break down and also rebuild it and have it be next to new again.

I’d love to see a detailed description of the fuel tank install, take pictures and share when the time comes...

Thanks guys for the kind words it means a lot. Also a reason to make this build thread to keep me honest and moving. I plan to keep it detailed and give information out when i get the front clip off this weekend i will give very specific measurements and give some more pictures. The fuel tank is going to be interesting as a cross member has to be moved but when the bed is off it will happen.

This weekend is going to try a get bedside toolbox mounted and welded in. Also going to get the front clip off. Past night or two i have been brave a very honest with myself on the old cab. A body pic hammer is a friend that is always honest. I have heard the wives tale of Canadian built trucks did not have the same metal treatment as america, Looking at my Ontario factory cab i might agree. Also the owner said when i bought the truck said it sat driver side down for 6 years. Yeah driver side is hammered.





Someone caulked the driprail before i got it 6-8 inches in the front corner rotted out.


rear tail of cab mounts both sides.


driver cab mount


driver side drip rail and upper valance is bad but fixable....



I know that looks bad but some of my crazy northern friends want to build the wasteland wrecker from the road warrior... so the top from that cab as it was a convertible will fix my cab. Gonna be interesting!

[cdnwillyg]

Manny looks like a bit of work a head of you, I hope you are good at metal body work!
Your truck reminds me of the state my 55 F100 was in when I did it, in the end all that was original to the truck was its cab, doors and hood. But it was a blast that lasted 10 years!!
Go get em!!

[Lone Ranger]

It all looks manageable seeing your other work. Just do one section at a time and don't get bogged down with the mig welder. Looks like most of it you can hide anyways. I love that tan color....I now need one that color haha. Somebody on here (can't remember who sorry) said to drill tiny holes through your inner fender mounts and cab for easy reassembly- wish I would have done that.

[Manny]

Manny looks like a bit of work a head of you, I hope you are good at metal body work! Go get em!!

Nope not the best will be better after this for sure! Good Lord willing!

It all looks manageable seeing your other work. Just do one section at a time and don't get bogged down with the mig welder. Looks like most of it you can hide anyways. I love that tan color.... said to drill tiny holes through your inner fender mounts and cab for easy reassembly- wish I would have done that.

It's a little overwhelming but i know i just have to save it. I have the other top parts to help get it patched for the stuff there is no replacement panels. The truck will be going back Pebble beige little grayer than where she is now. As for the drilling holes will do that on the doors. However the front clip fenders core support inner fenders are pretty much just junk so that's going to be mock it in primer drill and locate then paint i think.. Stay tuned to find out after this short break The break being work tomorrow and then got two days off to do some stuff.

[Lone Ranger]

I got two replacement galvanized/primered fenders and a replacement galvanized inner fender off eBay.- not the cheapest but they shouldn't rust- 480 for all. Then my core support from rock auto I believe- 230 I think. That's back when I had money left over from selling my last project truck.(mixed blessing but still miss it)
I'll be tuned in after the break

[hdman90]

Wow, looks like a lot of rot to work around! But with practice, I'm sure you will be able to tackle it!

Keep on truckin'!