83 F100 Upgrade

[Bisquik1959]

I hope it makes a small difference. I drive 120 miles a day in hilly terrain. 65mph in the morning while on a conference call (downhill) and 75-80 on the way home (uphill). I generally get 15 to 16 mpg. The only factor that really screws up the mileage is the wind. This time of year, its very windy and can cause the mpg to drop drastically.

[Gary Lewis]

Let us know what you find, please.

[Bisquik1959]

Finally got the door windows tinted. That will make a much more pleasant drive out here in the desert.

[Gary Lewis]

That looks good.  Janey and I were just talking today about the lack of tint on Big Blue.  What % tint did you use?

[Bisquik1959]

I believe it is 30% on the door windows and the rear window is limo.

[Gary Lewis]

Thanks.

[Bisquik1959]

I am getting ready to put my new bumper on this weekend. Thought I would get some of the remaining Arkansas off of it while I am building bumper brackets. Who would of thought that there was a factory license plate bracket and light hiding under the back of the bed?!

If it wasn't for a little fender bender before I got the truck, I would of done a roll pan. But I finally found a good bumper and can't wait to get it on!

[ArdWrknTrk]

Congratulations!
That's a nice upgrade from "bumper delete"  

[Gary Lewis]

Yes, that looks good!  A good upgrade.  

[1986F150Six]

Nice!

[FuzzFace2]

Bumper dose look nice.
You don't find many that still have a plate bracket and light in place!
And the light works too

Question
On that air dam you made did it help any?
If not do you think if it was a little lower it might help more?
Also if you have any pictures of how you made it and attached it to the truck would help.
At mid 14's MPG, working on the fuel & timing side now, I can use all the help I can get.
Thanks
Dave ----

[Bisquik1959]

As for the fuel mileage... I haven't seen any increases and get around 15 currently. However, since putting it on I haven't had a week that hasn't had heavy wind that screws with my mileage. Also, the last week I have been burning up left over 96 octane from dune season. It will go bad sitting till June. The truck doesn't get very good mileage with it. So long story short, I haven't noticed any differences yet.
The air dam was a piece of thin 2x2x48 aluminum angle. I just rounded the edges and bolted it to the mounting holes on the bottom of the bumper.
I have thought of lowering it some day. I think that would help with mileage a bit. Dream beams are on my wish list.

[FuzzFace2]

Thanks for the feed back.
Yea I think if it was just a little lower to keep the air from going under the truck would help.
Thing is finding the "sweet spot" as going to low may hurt also.

I wanted to the beams but my 81 uses kingpins and they don't make them for my truck.
I have seen they started but its for the other size pins not mine
Next project maybe LOL
Dave ----

[Bisquik1959]

Got the bumper mounts fabbed up. Just need to get the chrome carriage bolts and the replacement license plate lights. Love the new look over the Arkansas diamond tread bumper.

[Gary Lewis]

Looks good!  

On the carriage bolts, I went stainless.  The capped chrome ones tend to rust and be hard to get out, so I thought these would be better.  We shall see.

[Bisquik1959]

The local hardware store has chrome or polished stainless. I will get one of those. I was extremely disappointed in the cheapo Ford capped bolts. I had to drill those out when putting on the front bumper guards.

[Gary Lewis]

Yes, I've had fits with the capped ones.

[Bisquik1959]

The local place has a good selection of the polished and chrome. I get the polished acorn nuts and other fancy stuff when working on my 55 Dodge. Its not cheap, but looks good and is good quality.

[FuzzFace2]

Bumper bolts!
We don't need no stinking bumper bolts



Bumper looks good on there.
What did you do for brackets use the old ones and "make them work"?
Dave ----

[ArdWrknTrk]

What did you do Dave?
Weld them on the inside and bondo over them?