1966 F100 EcoBoost Engine Swap (EcoBoosted)

[bulletpruf]

Randy - I feel your pain with the rivets! Chiseled out a bunch when I converted my F350 to 4x4. Anyway, as you know, that's the only way to really get the job done right, so kudos to you for going the extra mile. Truck is going to be fantastic when it's done.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Randy - I feel your pain with the rivets! Chiseled out a bunch when I converted my F350 to 4x4. Anyway, as you know, that's the only way to really get the job done right, so kudos to you for going the extra mile. Truck is going to be fantastic when it's done.

All brackets removed along with other rivited mounting points & cross members. Finally ready for blasting and paint.
7 hours until dark. Can it be done?

Really wanting to remove bed too but not sure where i would put it or how.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Ran out of blasting media. Local T-S has been out for a couple weeks. 2+ hour drive to go to next store and back. 600lb more. Spent small fortune in media already.
All i got done before had to chase after media. Back now felling it big time. Less than a hour before sunset my get-up-go already got-up-n-left. Probably a solid hour of blasting left.

 

[Mr.zippy]

Good Lord that frame has tons of holes in it! I know you removed plenty of rivets, but is that normal for a frame to have that many brackets, bolts, etc?

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Good Lord that frame has tons of holes in it! I know you removed plenty of rivets, but is that normal for a frame to have that many brackets, bolts, etc?

Big Truck yeah F100/250 no.
There were many many engine options avail in these from gas to diesel, plus a bunch of different transmission combo's.
Depending on truck GVW that depended on how many frames were tied together. Many of the holes were for frame section alignment while others were for Drivetrain combos plus which cab steps and or fuel tanks or other accessories like Brake boosters or air brakes etc.
My truck is the max WB avail at 212" and near top GVW for single axle at 24,000 lb. It has a full frame plus a second frame wrapped around other. First few feet are single but then 2-3 layers of frame depending on which section. All the cross members can be moved in multiple places also but all are riveted in. No extra holes so far in this one. So many that if I need to mount something will not have to drill extras. Now that cross members are out it will be much easier to find proper spot for the 7.3 zilla 6R140 combo I plan on using. The cabs are raised a bunch for visibility along with making room for some of the inline diesels.
Pretty sure the Railroad selected this model because of track width which is 6" narrower than a F600-850

Brackets removed from frame were for front engine mount on a FT engine, then front and rear leaf spring mounting points plus engine mount brackets, fender support brackets. Other cross members are for carrier bearings and frame stiffness. This is a 3 piece driveshaft with multiple carrier bearings because of 212" WB.

 

[LXCam]

Randy where’s that TS at, the one in Prescott. If that’s it I can pick it up tomorrow afternoon and bring it to you on Wednesday

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Congrats to all who are retiring soon! I've been retired since '16...I think anyone with hobbies/interests will enjoy it, except for the inevitable aches and pains.

So sorry to hijack the current subject, but how do you put the frame back together, nuts and bolts? Or, can you actually do factory riveting in your back yard? I can't wait to see the further progress.

Pretty sure these were hot riveted together as with multiple layers there is some swelling of rivets between layers that would indicate that making it near impossible to get rivets out clean without messing up the holes and frame layer alignment.
That would take one HUGE rivet machine to make the frames.

I will just use Grade 8 hardware to assemble it all making it easy if there is ever another round of upgrades. Blasting and painting all those pieces separate is a HUGE task but will look so much better and quality of job that much better.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Randy where’s that TS at, the one in Prescott. If that’s it I can pick it up tomorrow afternoon and bring it to you on Wednesday

Nearest was fountain hills.
98 deg today and no AC working in my daily driver ‘66 so loaded 650 lb of media in my Ford 500.

 

[LXCam]

Well if it’s up here I drive right by it twice a day, 6 days a week

Unfortunately it’s 4am on my way down when I do.

So the offer stands if you need it bud.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Doors open. Nice cool morning.
Hoping to finish blasting before it gets too HOT

 

[TimeWarpF100]

In final prep.
PDI
Winch Install

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Really want it. But…

I see it's got Michelin tires too!

 

[36truck]

Nice truck/ Interesting that Ford went with the side step in the box side vs. The one that went under the box.

 

[bulletpruf]

Randy - do you recycle your blast media? If I’m blasting outside I try to do it on top of a tarp. I have to sift the media before reusing but I get several iterations out of a batch.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

The Nice truck/ Interesting that Ford went with the side step in the box side vs. The one that went under the box.

They have a fancier pop out or extended step on higher up trim levels. Just a XL work truck with the HO engine, the rest is all “work” related. This truck has bumper step also.

Randy - do you recycle your blast media? If I’m blasting outside I try to do it on top of a tarp. I have to sift the media before reusing but I get several iterations out of a batch.

Typically I recycle many times over. Reason all fresh on this one is Spokane 31+ yrs and then so many years in Montana. Takes 3x as long & 3x the media as nice AZ stuff. Not to mention sifting with a already overworked back. Plus i still have so much stuff yet to blast. Things like door jambs and small parts the media works great after 2-3 x use.
I sort it in buckets and bags according to x used.
All the brackets & crossmembers that were riveted to frame the 1 use media will be used. Since i still have so many trucks/projects left to do the fresh stuff was worth it on this project especially the frame.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

It’s in Primer!
Had to do a bit of scrambling to find black to apply next. Good thing for left overs from more years ago than i can count that has been discontinued. At least PPG updated the mix for later reducer & hardener. I have about 2.5 hours to spray the black.

 

[36truck]

Nice work Randy. You have some great weather today & tomorrow.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Nice work Randy. You have some great weather today & tomorrow.

Next couple days. Very very windy today. Strong enough winds it shredded my awning.
Did get primer/paint on frame. All i had for black was DAR 9300 Gloss. So tomorrow i plan on sanding frame with P500 wet then applying Satin Clear to match bottom of cab. Might have to touch up black if i sand thru.

 

[Mr.zippy]

Did you spray paint in the heavy wind? Where’s the overspray

 

[36truck]

Wow the wind made short work of the covering.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Did you spray paint in the heavy wind? Where’s the overspray

Yep I had to get it done. About 1/2 the time the wind was blowing hard enough the paint was not hitting frame. Where did it go? pretty sure it all went on my glasses!

Wow the wind made short work of the covering.

Messed it up pretty good.

 

[Mr.zippy]

That ***** Randy……..I hope next couple of days go well for you!

 

[TimeWarpF100]

That ***** Randy……..I hope next couple of days go well for you!

I got enough paint on it for good base.
I wanted to use up the 25+ yr old black. A new gallon of concept black gotta be 600.00 plus hardener/reducer.

 

[Bob Heine]

I got enough paint on it for good base.
I wanted to use up the 25+ yr old black. A new gallon of concept black gotta be 600.00 plus hardener/reducer.

Randy, there are options for half that much. Give SPI (Southern Polyurethanes Inc.) a call (706-781-2220) they should be able to give you the name of a local supplier. If not, they ship direct to you (sadly, that would take 4 days). Don't be surprised if Barry (the owner) answers your call. I don't get a discount or paid for mentioning SPI, I just find the company to be one of those rare ones that cares about what you are doing, not just how much you are going to spend. Here are the current prices from their website (https://www.southernpolyurethanes.com/pricing):

#4201-1 Black Black Single Stage Gallon 4:1 Uses 2100 series activators $253.22
#2201-1 Flat Black Single Stage Gallon 4:1, 6:1 or 8:1 Uses 2100 series activators $299.95
#2104-4 Very Slow Activator - Quart $48.40
#895-1 Very Slow Urethane Grade Reducers Gallon $66.51

Where I am in Florida is cooler than where you are in Arizona but without the humidity I suspect the Very Slow products would be the right match.

The black may not match what you are spraying because there's no hint of brown or blue in it. It's just pure black. The gloss in the Flat Black is adjustable: "4:1 gives you an egg-shell finish. 6:1 mix you will have a nice flat black (most popular choice). 8:1 mix and you will have black with zero shine leaning to a slight gray scale but it's only noticeable if painted on a panel next to the other mix ratios of Matte Black."

 

[jackson1701]

I have the same blaster, tried the black diamond from TSC. I'm having horrible luck as the blast media keeps jamming up in my nozzle 1/4" opening. Any tips? Thanks, Steve

 

[smurfslayer]

Absolutely no for sure updated anything on RaptorR & nothing yet to indicate there will be a 24 R. For the most part those wanna-be “news” authority place see something in camo & make up something with a headline strictly to get views. Wrong info 98.267% of the time.

There are several outlets reporting the 2024 changes, plus we know the R is continuing for a few years. May make sense to back out somehow. Ford won’t let you flip… new contingencies in place.
I was surprised at your super duty order. That is a bare bones truck that not many will want anytime soon. In any case, keep the weird superduty for a year, let the 23 raptor go to another person, and go 24+ raptor R…. Solves many problems.
When you get it, pictures… or assume it’s a Prius.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Randy, there are options for half that much. Give SPI (Southern Polyurethanes Inc.) a call (706-781-2220) they should be able to give you the name of a local supplier. If not, they ship direct to you (sadly, that would take 4 days). Don't be surprised if Barry (the owner) answers your call. I don't get a discount or paid for mentioning SPI, I just find the company to be one of those rare ones that cares about what you are doing, not just how much you are going to spend. Here are the current prices from their website (https://www.southernpolyurethanes.com/pricing):

#4201-1 Black Black Single Stage Gallon 4:1 Uses 2100 series activators $253.22
#2201-1 Flat Black Single Stage Gallon 4:1, 6:1 or 8:1 Uses 2100 series activators $299.95
#2104-4 Very Slow Activator - Quart $48.40
#895-1 Very Slow Urethane Grade Reducers Gallon $66.51

Where I am in Florida is cooler than where you are in Arizona but without the humidity I suspect the Very Slow products would be the right match.

The black may not match what you are spraying because there's no hint of brown or blue in it. It's just pure black. The gloss in the Flat Black is adjustable: "4:1 gives you an egg-shell finish. 6:1 mix you will have a nice flat black (most popular choice). 8:1 mix and you will have black with zero shine leaning to a slight gray scale but it's only noticeable if painted on a panel next to the other mix ratios of Matte Black."

Thanks for the reminder! Was thinking i had some SPI black but did not so had to use what i had on hand. I have a boatload of SPI primers. Did not want to wait on shipping. Got old, total brain dead can’t remember basic stuff. Looks like at least 5 2 gallon kits of SPI primers. No black.
Kinda wishing now after blasting of frame i would have floated it with filler prior to primer but not trying to make a show truck. Too many other projects in the works. Very little will be visible
SPI shelf is 2 deep. Might be more in other cabinet too.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

I have the same blaster, tried the black diamond from TSC. I'm having horrible luck as the blast media keeps jamming up in my nozzle 1/4" opening. Any tips? Thanks, Steve

You must be using black bags with heavy media?
If you are using fine (which is by far the best) in red bags and it’s plugging up you have a moisture issue.
I bought this blaster in 1976 so have a “few” hours of blasting over the years.

How much pressure, 1/4” tip seems like overkill unless you have a 50 cfm compressor or more.
Mine is like 27 cfm and barely adequate with much smaller tip.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

There are several outlets reporting the 2024 changes, plus we know the R is continuing for a few years. May make sense to back out somehow. Ford won’t let you flip… new contingencies in place.
I was surprised at your super duty order. That is a bare bones truck that not many will want anytime soon. In any case, keep the weird superduty for a year, let the 23 raptor go to another person, and go 24+ raptor R…. Solves many problems.
When you get it, pictures… or assume it’s a Prius.

You have more false information than a CNn reporter.

I could care less what you think of the 250 order I didn’t order it to your specs or anyone else’s. I ordered it specifically what i wanted. If i were to order another it would have exact specs zero changes. Dealer has others standing in line waiting if I don’t take it.

As far as the R goes why in the world after waiting 3 1/2 + yrs and having the day it rolls off assembly line 10 days away cancel order or give to somebody else?

You should probably not believe everything you read on internet as facts.

And yes i heard today there will be a ‘24 R. It will be virtually identical to job 2 R’s.

It’s now or never for my R. Couldn’t pay me enough to order & wait for a 24.
Heated steering wheel and a cosmetic change… whoop~ding.

Multiple reasons for Regular cab:
1) get it to fit in my garage (that’s a biggie!)
2) wanted lightest version
3) Camper Special gotta have 8’ bed
4) cost
The list goes on …

 

[Retctddvr]

There are several outlets reporting the 2024 changes, plus we know the R is continuing for a few years. May make sense to back out somehow. Ford won’t let you flip… new contingencies in place.
I was surprised at your super duty order. That is a bare bones truck that not many will want anytime soon. In any case, keep the weird superduty for a year, let the 23 raptor go to another person, and go 24+ raptor R…. Solves many problems.
When you get it, pictures… or assume it’s a Prius.

Been reading Randy's blog for several years, only possible mistake I've seen on his part might be working too hard. Keep on trucking Randy, we all love learning from you. Frame is looking good.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Got some blasting media in eye even tho had on glasses plus the blasting hood. Got a bit of an infection but it’s clearing now.
Spent a few hours yesterday and a hour or so early this morning wet sanding in and outside of frame. I then spotted as needed with black then shot some of the PPG Satin Clear over entire frame. Quite pleased with end results. Most will not be visible with cab and side skirts/running boards on but at least i know it’s done.
It was such a mess before one couldn’t crawl under without dirt falling somewhere.
Now ready for assy.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Next up is to restore front axle/steering.
Get it back in frame so truck can be moved again.

Then on to Rainbow cab n doors.
Then N crew cab n doors.

 

[jackson1701]

You must be using black bags with heavy media?
If you are using fine (which is by far the best) in red bags and it’s plugging up you have a moisture issue.
I bought this blaster in 1976 so have a “few” hours of blasting over the years.

How much pressure, 1/4” tip seems like overkill unless you have a 50 cfm compressor or more.
Mine is like 27 cfm and barely adequate with much smaller tip.

Thanks for the tip, Randy. I had the black bags, that is all my local TSC carries. I'll check on the red bags. I'll go back to my original tip, I only tried the larger 1/4" tip to pass the larger material through. I've never really had any problems until I tried the black bags the last few times. Steve

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Thanks for the tip, Randy. I had the black bags, that is all my local TSC carries. I'll check on the red bags. I'll go back to my original tip, I only tried the larger 1/4" tip to pass the larger material through. I've never really had any problems until I tried the black bags the last few times. Steve

I can’t think of a possible use for black stuff other than loosening up very heavy rust.

Red fine is better all the way around.

 

[v8nutz]

My Harbor Freight blaster won't do anything except fine, it'll plug right up.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

My Harbor Freight blaster won't do anything except fine, it'll plug right up.

I have found the fine is best for about any application using Black Diamond.
Fresh for the heaviest rust/paint/gunk then re-use for sheet metal or other parts.
2nd 3 use still works great leaves nice smooth finish for painting. 2nd to 3rd use for door jambs.

I still use #10 glass beads for small items too.
For aluminum i use #10 glass beads then go over with #4 glass beads if i want the new sparkle finish.

 

[bulletpruf]

My Harbor Freight blaster won't do anything except fine, it'll plug right up.

This one? https://www.harborfreight.com/air-t...20-lb-pressurized-abrasive-blaster-68994.html

I never could get mine to work; maybe this was the problem?

 

[v8nutz]

I think that's the same one, I've had it for years and used it pretty hard, wore out the gun long ago and bought a better one. I use a gold panning screen to reuse the black diamond, it fits right on a 5 gallon bucket. I have a huge like 40 ft tarp from HF that catches it all.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

This one? https://www.harborfreight.com/air-t...20-lb-pressurized-abrasive-blaster-68994.html

I never could get mine to work; maybe this was the problem?

I think that's the same one, I've had it for years and used it pretty hard, wore out the gun long ago and bought a better one. I use a gold panning screen to reuse the black diamond, it fits right on a 5 gallon bucket. I have a huge like 40 ft tarp from HF that catches it all.

The fine in red bag is this. Note 1/8” tip.
Anything heavier in smaller tip not going to work well. I started with larger tip and now it’s much bigger. Works well. Gotta be at least 5000lb minimum gone thru same tip so far.
30-60 40-60 media

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Day to remember:
48 yrs ago today I graduated high school
Today my R was sent to production
Today my 2023 7.3 zilla 6R140 package was ordered n paid for!
That combo combined with the Eaton 2spd diff with 6.50/9.04 gearing should make a fantastic combo!
12 forward gears 2 reverse.
1st gear low range 3 mph per 1000 rpm
Should be quite the stump puller yet be fantastic on highway with a top speed that will far exceed the mechanical limits of truck.