1983 F150 4x4 short bed

[rooster5673]

I have a 1983 F150 4X4 short bed 4.9 300 inline, and I am starting to restore it. I bought it new in January of 1983. Rebuild on engine 1984 at 117,000 miles. Truck has 172,000 as of this date. The truck was given to my grandson because he wants to restore it in 2018. My wife told him when he was old enough to get his drivers permit that he could have Papaws truck. It was put in the barn and was left and he could not start work on it . It set about a year. I went and got it couple weeks ago and brought it home. Wash and put in garage and started looking at things that I needed to do. Short of a total restore I need to replaced fenders cab corners and work on bed over wheels, It has be kept stock entire 36 years.

[Steve83]

Pics?

http://www.supermotors.net/forums/thid-5972-how-do-i-post-pictures-sounds-and-or-videos

[ArdWrknTrk]

Welcome to the forum Rooster!  

So, your truck is now back in your hands.
Do you have any experience with body work or welding?

With 50k on the engine it's hardly broken in.
You should go over all the rubber bits though. (brake hoses, cab and bed mounts, spring bushings and shackles, etc)
Check the steering components too to make sure it's safe.

For some things time takes its toll no matter how well cared for.

[Gary Lewis]

Welcome!  

Where's home?  We have a member's map (Bullnose Forum/Member's Map in the menu) and I'd be happy to add you to it.

And Steve is right, we need to see pictures!  How to do that is in Bullnose Forum/Forum FAQ's.

[1986F150Six]

Welcome!

[Ray Cecil]

Rooster, this is the best forum community to be a part of for bullnose trucks. Welcome. We would all love to see some photos!

[rooster5673]

Well I have a welder played around with it some but don't have much experience. I have replaced brakes on it several times. Like I mention rebuild at 117,000 miles and is strong for 300. I have been checking to find fenders ,dash pad, cab corners, hub caps that fit 4x4 front. I really don't know how much I can do now just a work in progress. It will go back to my grandson at sometime.

[rooster5673]

I have some on my phone I will try to post. Thanks

[rooster5673]

Jim I have a stick welder not much experience . I have done brakes several times rebuild at 117,000. It will be a work in progress. Looking to replace the fenders first replaced fuel straps last week. The best is it's back home in the garage where I can do when I have the time. Thanks for any information that you have.

[ArdWrknTrk]

What style wheel covers would you like?
I have type 3's.
David is our resident eBay sleuth. He can likely turn up what you want.

Cab corners are tough to weld in with the bed on. (doubly so with a stick, I'd imagine)
You might consider panel bonding adhesive. It requires much less ((welding)) skill and access.

Gary has some discussion about this, when he had to modify his dad's trucks transmission tunnel for the bigger E4OD tranny.

((edit))

[Gary Lewis]

Panel bonding adhesive WORKS!  

[ArdWrknTrk]

Of course it works, Gary.  

But this seems like an ideal use case, doesn't it?

[Gary Lewis]

Yes, it seems like the perfect place to use it.

[rooster5673]

[rooster5673]

[rooster5673]

[rooster5673]

[rooster5673]

[rooster5673]

[rooster5673]