So here it is: "Baby Truck"

[BigJake460]

So here it is, my project. I was going to try and sell her and buy into the whole "gotta have an SUV for overlanding" theory. Truth is, I'm a truck guy, always have been. I've been all over this country on both dirt and paved roads seated on an old bench seat, no reason to change that now. I've wanted and old Ford truck for a VERY long time, and now I have one, so why sell it? Build what you have, drive what you know. She is a 1970 F-100 2wd shortbed. Originally had a smallblock in her (no engine when I got her), and still has a good C4. Plans are a 4x4 conversion using a later 70's truck either 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton, whichever comes first. Drivetrain will hopefully be a 351W and 5-speed manual and transfer case from an 80's model pickup. Then from there all the upgrades I see fit for off road fun. I'll post some more pictures when I get a little more time later. Just wanted to get this rolling for now.

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[old_man]

I love those. I helped my son in law do some serious mods. We air bagged it so it would slam, I shaved all the trim and door handles and did remote poppers. I painted it satin black with ghost flames of slightly lighter grey and a touch more shinny. It was really nice.

 

[Joey83]

A wise man once said "It doesn’t matter what you drive."

 

[000]

Would be a good candidate for a propane conversion? A friend in hs did that to his. He had a tank where a crossbed toolbox would go and got incredible range and it never sputtered on the steep stuff like his carburetor did. He worked at a propane shop so his discount played a big part in this. I don’t know if it’d be economical anymore.


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[58-fc170]

Trucks are where is it at for overlanding in my opinion. No need for expensive roof racks and storage systems, you have a bed that was designed to haul stuff from the factory. Plus I rarely see more than two people in an overlanding vehicle so why start with an SUV only to gut the back and turn it into a truck. Needless to say I have both an SUV and a truck.

Don't over look a mildly built 300 6 cylinder for your build, they can make plenty of power and leave a ton of room in the engine bay for other accessories.

 

[old_man]

Back on the ranch, we ran butane/propane in all the trucks. The conversion was fairly easy. Back then you were lucky to get 50k miles on a leaded gas engine, but with a few changes, on propane you could get 100k miles.

 

[BigJake460]

Thanks yall for the comments and compliments. I agree that in most situations a truck is pretty much a perfect vehicle for "overland" adventures. Pretty much my whole life Ive been loading up a truck with my gear and seeing where the path might go. My only reserve is that I have a 16 year old son who loves going with us on our camping trips, but we also have a nice newish f150 we all fit comfortably in for longer trips. I guess my idea is to build a truck I love and will enjoy, until someone comes along and offers me enough cash that Im good with letting it go....then have the money to get into a 71 or 72 K5. Either way, it's gonna be fun.

I'm not a huge fan of doing propane conversions, so I dont think it is something I would persue. But Im always up for research, and if I find a solid reason to do it then I might give it a shot. I agree a 300 inline 6 is a pretty bullet proof option, but I have experience and time with the Ford small blocks, and other vehicles in my group run them so having spare parts around gets a lot easier. For instance; all of our trailers and all of our rigs run the 5 on 5 1/2 lug pattern axles....in the time since I first posted this we have found a 5 lug donor I just need to get the cash together to pick up. The interchange-ability between all of our vehicles helps make sure we all get home with minimum weight in carrying spare parts and supplies. Of course I always welcome input and creative ideas, you never know where inspiration may come from. Thanks again guys!

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[BigJake460]

Here is a few more pictures of how she is starting out. They we she was when I got her this spring (not much has changed as I have been busy with other projects).











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[58-fc170]

I wish there were trucks that old in that good of shape here in Michigan. A great idea keeping all the groups vehicles in a similar parts pool. Down side you probably don't welcome the chevy folks.

 

[BigJake460]

Oh we welcome anybody who wants to join, Chevy or no haha. I'm actually the "token Chevy guy" of the group, I have a 1979 Camaro I've owned for almost 20 years.

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