New Member - 1986 F250HD

[MarkThomas]

New member, been working on my '86 HD for a while now.  She has fresh paint and a lot of new stuff, but still a ways to go.

Looking forward to working out the kinks with you guys.

[old55pete]

Welcome Mark. I am sure someone will be along to get you set up and ask if you want to be on the members map. Enjoy your time here as there are a lot of smart folks here.

WOW, nice truck.

[MarkThomas]

Thanks.  Like everyone here, she's a work of love in progress.

[1986F150Six]

Wow! Nice truck!

[ArdWrknTrk]

Welcome Mark!  

Since Gary has literally dis-and re-assembled his 250HD and documented almost every atrocity that could be possibly inflicted on it by  you will find the knowledge base you need right here.

That's unique.
I've never seen a 5.0 in a HD truck.
Didn't think that unicorn existed.

[Gary Lewis]

Welcome!  I was driving my 250HD (more like a 350 now) on an outing today, so am late to welcome you.

But, as Steve said, we have a map (Bullnose Forum/Member's Map in the menu) and we'd love to add you if we knew your zip code.

Nice truck!  I look forward to learning more about it.

[grumpin]

Welcome!

[MarkThomas]

Thanks Gary, actually you helped me on FB find the right adapter plate for my seat upgrade - huge help there.  So, definitely looking forward to reading about more upgrades and settling some outstanding issues that I'm just putting up with for the time.  My zip is 47421.

[MarkThomas]

Outstanding!  Actually I'm working through some engine issues and chasing down/diagnosing some cruise and acceleration rough running right now.  But, way on down the road I'll be looking into possibly swapping my NP435 out to an FX 5 to maintain decent granny, but add an OD for highway.

[Gary Lewis]

Mark - Please check the map to see that I did it correctly.  Basically Bedford?

As for previous help, I hadn't made the connection.  But glad it was a help.

[MarkThomas]

Yup - that'll work.

This was the plate I found and used:


How the new seats fit:


Installed:


Newer Pic with some dash and door panel work done:

[nlongo33]

i like seat upgrade...i am new to this Ford stuff please dont hold that against me....could you give me details on that seat upgrade?

of course thank you and nice truck

[MarkThomas]

Thanks.  Lotta work, enjoy the old gal.

Gary can probably give you the exact details and the link to his work - that's where I got it last summer - but the bench in my truck was way passed saving and I wanted an upgrade to the newer 60-40 split bench that came with the later models.

This adapter plate makes it an easy transition as you can see the seats bolt directly to the adapter plate and the plate bolts directly to the existing holes in the bullnose floor pan.  Gary can tell you the make/year/models this plate was used - mid 90's I think - and the rest is searching the net, putting out feelers, maybe scrounging around some junk yards to find one.

Bottom line - absolutely awesome upgrade.  The seat is much more comfortable.  The existing seatbelts still work.  With the adapter its an easy to do upgrade.  The middle (40%) seat folds down and I have cup holders, a place to rest my right arm, and extra storage.  Plus, you can flip the middle part up and you still have room for three people.

[nlongo33]

awesome thanks

[Machspeed]

Mark, a little late from me but, welcome to the forum. Nice looking truck and you've been busy with it! I noted that it has a new paint job, seat replaced, etc. You should post it up in the "Projects" thread. Also, consider reading through the  thread, "I Want Your Truck" and sending me information so I can, at some point, enter it in our Truck Of The Month Contest. Good to have you!