Tristan Posted January 24, 2016 Share Posted January 24, 2016 (edited) I just started my first car project a 1985 Ford F-150 that my father owns. It runs but definitely needs some work from the second fuel tank not working to the speedometer not working.Background on the truck, it was purchased in the early 90's buy my uncle from the 1st owner then in 2014 my dad bought it from him. Since my dad already has a every day driver, he says that when I get my drivers license I can use it if I fix it up.Yesterday I started with the refreshed by cleaning all the junk out of the cab and cleaning the dash.This probably won't be the most interesting thread since I'm not going to paint the car or do a frame of restoration but I did feel that the mechanical stuff I am going to do could help some other people in the same position.Thanks for your time and good luck for on your projects. Edited January 24, 2016 by Tristan (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tristan Posted January 24, 2016 Author Share Posted January 24, 2016 The interior: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unimogjohn Posted January 24, 2016 Share Posted January 24, 2016 Your first truck is always special, even more so in that it has been in the family. Ask away with questions. Remember, it is better to eat an elephant on bite at a time. Don't tear everything apart all at once only to have it not run again. I always make sure that no matter what I do, the car will run and drive within a week or so. Good luck and keep us posted on your efforts. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tristan Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 (edited) Thanks for the advice! I did have a few questions like, what do I need to do to get the gauge cluster working? I believe that the fuel gauge is working but the odometer and the speedometer don't work, I'm not sure if the other gauges work.Thanks for your time and help! Edited January 25, 2016 by Tristan (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleach Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 My first new truck was an 85 F-150. It was a 2wd long bed with the 300 I-6 and 4 speed manual with over drive. It was basically a stripped down version that had swing away mirrors, rear step bumper, spare tire and power steering as options. It didn't even have a radio. It cost around $7000 then. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unimogjohn Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 Tristan, first, open your wallet a bit and get a factory service manual for the truck. You can find them on Ebay usually. The speedo and odometer are run by a cable from the transmission. The cable inside the sleeve may be broken or just worn out. Held in back of the speedo either by a slip clip or a threaded coupling. May have to pull the cluster to see, that is why you need the manual. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Barry B. Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 Good looking truck Tristan. I have an 86 stepside that came from Arizona, I plan to just touch up the original light blue paint and keep the originality, mine is completely rust free but has a few other problems like the carburetor over chokes and the weatherstrips were all dried out and horns don't work but otherwise the truck shows little wear and the 300 six runs well. Yours looks good and has a roomy cab with the rear seat setup. I saw an 86 Lariat at the Hershey show in October and it was like new. Parts availability is still good fortunately, many parts are available from Dennis Carpenter, Ebay or amazon. Good luck, Barry B. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tristan Posted February 12, 2016 Author Share Posted February 12, 2016 Thanks Barry B.!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akstraw Posted February 29, 2016 Share Posted February 29, 2016 Hi Tristan, A few years ago I was rejuvenating a 1993 F150; much as you are with yours, just to be a daily driver and work truck. I found a Ford F150 forum, and a Ford-Trucks forum on line that were both very helpful in troubleshooting problems such as your instrument cluster issue. Chances are, if you have the problem, somebody else has had it as well, and has already solved it. I am not knocking this forum by any means, but there are a gazillion F150 owners and enthusiasts out there, and the responsiveness on those forms was excellent. I would post a question in the morning, and have half a dozen replies by lunch time. Good luck with your project. Who can not love an old F150? Andrew 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tristan Posted May 3, 2016 Author Share Posted May 3, 2016 I was finally able to get some work done on the ford today. I replaced the broken driver side door handle and fixed the floppy Side mirror. Next I'll order the speedometer cable and try to figure out what I'm going to have to do with the exhaust (just found out its broken in half). I also have two questions, #1 is the hood won't open, I've tried the regular hood release latch in the dash and have tried banding on the hood and fishing my hand through the grill to get to the latch but I still can't get it open. #2 I have two very big dings in the bed of the truck and I wanted to hear some low cost options (it doesn't have to be perfect) for banging out the dent, Any help with these problem will be very appreciated! Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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