'78 F350 Dually Project

[Strouty]

I have always loved those trucks, not sure why they don't make an updated version. The longer wheelbase and spare tire compartment would be awesome for towing. Could have one on the other side for the trailer spare.

 

[Offcenter12]

C F answered your question Bluebolt. Mine's actually designated as a "Trailer Special" with a 140" wheelbase. I think 1979 was the last year for the standard cab longer wheelbase Strouty. And now back to our regularly scheduled program.

 

[RivennHewn]

Thanks all for posting the pics and stories.

I got the ammeter hooked up this afternoon.

I'm glad I spent some time looking at wiring diagrams and watching youtube vids.

Not all electrical components that have two post are +/-.

This one is wired in series. basically an in and out, and current flows threw it kind of like a water flow meter.

I took the wire that carries power from the alternator(fused link) and ran it into a new circuit breaker then into the meter and out of the meter back to where the fused link originally was mounted on my solenoid. I used 10G wire and heat shrink connectors. I think i'm addicted to heat shrink these days, I use it everywhere.

And, I still had time to throw some meat on the grill!

 

[kbs2244]

Welcome to pre-digital automotive wiring!

 

[RivennHewn]

Welcome to pre-digital automotive wiring!

Automotive wiring sure has come a long way, but the gauges/displays lack the character of the old analog style.


Just personal preference, but I know what I like better.

Of course, I can read a clock. Kids these days?????? Do they even teach that in school anymore?

 

[zkdiesel]

Digital ones are ugly for these trucks
I converted my factory gauge ammeter to a voltmeter. Seen way to many cars burn up ammeter wiring, specially with the 140 amp alternator under my hood

Indicator goes towards charge at over 13v and towards discharge at under 12.5 but retains factory look

 

[RivennHewn]

Digital ones are ugly for these trucks
I converted my factory gauge ammeter to a voltmeter. Seen way to many cars burn up ammeter wiring, specially with the 140 amp alternator under my hood

That’s why the 10G wire and circuit breaker.

 

[zkdiesel]

That’s why the 10G wire and circuit breaker.

But then your dead in the water till you bypass it

 

[RivennHewn]

But then your dead in the water till you bypass it

That’s a good point.

I’ll have to carry a spare, right next to the spare solenoid

I started with a 20 amp breaker. I could up it all the way to 50.
I’d like it to kick the breaker before it melts my wires, so I decided to start low.

Any thoughts on my wild *** guess?

 

[RivennHewn]

When new technology and old technology agree:

 

[Strouty]

Could you run a separate smaller wire then keep the heavy gauge going straight from the battery to the alternator? I too would have started low and gone up from there, nothing like melted wires to ruin a perfectly good day.

 

[RivennHewn]

Could you run a separate smaller wire then keep the heavy gauge going straight from the battery to the alternator? I too would have started low and gone up from there, nothing like melted wires to ruin a perfectly good day.

Ran it hard for an hour today. All was well.
I like the idea of having a spare, but thinking it’ll be fine.

 

[RivennHewn]

As i mentioned earlier, this old truck came with no back up light.

Now, I can cross another item off the list.

I installed a new switch and connector to the top of the ******.

I wasn't about to pull my seat/floor matt/ ****** access panel off, but going at it from underneath was a PITA.

No room for a ratchet of wrench. Luckily, it wasn't much more than finger tight.

I was able to remove and install with a socket with a drill bit stuck in the side.

1/4 turn at a time.

All new wire coming off the accessory side of the ignition switch, with lots of heat shrink and zip ties.

I went with a rubber cased incandescent farm equipment type bulb. Didn't want anything too bright back there.

 

[MarkG]

Nice hand-lettered door! First thing a signpainter sees.....

 

[RivennHewn]

Nice hand-lettered door! First thing a signpainter sees.....

I noticed that too.

I'd love to have mine done someday.

I really like when they get faded out, or 'ghosted'.

 

[Strouty]

I honestly can't remember if that door is hand painted or not, he did some in vinyl and some where fully painted. The guy that did the lettering had the shakiest hands, until you put a brush in them.

 

[RivennHewn]

If one gauge is good, two must be better.

There is a lot of white and black on this truck, it needs a bit of color.

 

[C_F]

I went with a rubber cased incandescent farm equipment type bulb. Didn't want anything too bright back there.

I would have gone with an aircraft landing light.

 

[RivennHewn]

I would have gone with an aircraft landing light.

I thought about it, but ended up deciding that might be a liability.

My wife has taken to calling me Mr. lights and gauges.

 

[Strouty]

I finalized the deal for the trucks today, now comes the hard part of getting them out and back to my shop. Why am I so excited about the hard part?

 

[RivennHewn]

I finalized the deal for the trucks today, now comes the hard part of getting them out and back to my shop. Why am I so excited about the hard part?

1) space is the ultimate luxury

2) Money in your pocket

3) No time spent fixing old trucks

All adds up to you being a rich and happy man

Oops, you're keeping, not selling.

You just went from rich and happy to a glutton for punishment

 

[RivennHewn]

If work allows, I'll be dropping the hood off at the blaster's shop tomorrow.

Gives me today to do some de-greaseing after I fixed my hydraulic leak, and then some re-greasing my pivot points on the dump.

 

[bluebolt]

1) space is the ultimate luxury

2) Money in your pocket

3) No time spent fixing old trucks

All adds up to you being a rich and happy man

Oops, you're keeping, not selling.

You just went from rich and happy to a glutton for punishment

I'm working on a 1963 Thunderbird convertible right now that has not run for 15 years, I get one thing done and something is wrong and needs time and money. Put a whole new fuel system on today (tank, filler tube, sending unit, straps and J-bolts) and finally get the car running off of it's own fuel tank. My friend starts helping me bleed the brakes and pumps it 3 times and hold the pedal down and all of a sudden it goes to the floor. The long metal line from front to rear rusted through and let loose and is just ******* fluid now.

 

[Strouty]

1) space is the ultimate luxury

2) Money in your pocket

3) No time spent fixing old trucks

All adds up to you being a rich and happy man

Oops, you're keeping, not selling.

You just went from rich and happy to a glutton for punishment

That is me, a glutton for punishment.

I don't mind it, I can see the end results in my mind. The concrete mixer will be handy for some of my projects, could even result in some business opportunities, who knows. The Ford is the star of everything and I really want to make that shine. The crane is just a replacement for one that is going to need too many repairs, I think I can sell the that for a decent price, but who knows.

In the meantime I get to see your truck and that is motivation!

 

[RivennHewn]

I'm working on a 1963 Thunderbird convertible right now that has not run for 15 years, I get one thing done and something is wrong and needs time and money. Put a whole new fuel system on today (tank, filler tube, sending unit, straps and J-bolts) and finally get the car running off of it's own fuel tank. My friend starts helping me bleed the brakes and pumps it 3 times and hold the pedal down and all of a sudden it goes to the floor. The long metal line from front to rear rusted through and let loose and is just ******* fluid now.

Got to just keep looking for the weakest link. I try to drive the old truck a couple times a week. I call it stress testing.

Sooner, or most likely, later I'll have found all the weak links and then life will be good until I break something else.

That is me, a glutton for punishment.

I don't mind it, I can see the end results in my mind. The concrete mixer will be handy for some of my projects, could even result in some business opportunities, who knows. The Ford is the star of everything and I really want to make that shine. The crane is just a replacement for one that is going to need too many repairs, I think I can sell the that for a decent price, but who knows.

In the meantime I get to see your truck and that is motivation!

The whole 'Glutton" seems to fit me too.
If I had a chance at those trucks, there wouldn't be a chance in hell I'd let them go.
Looking forward to seeing what you do with them. Post up more pics when you get a chance.


I dropped the hood off at the auto body blaster this afternoon. Should be ready for pick up later next week.

Another step closer............

 

[Strouty]

I dropped the hood off at the auto body blaster this afternoon. Should be ready for pick up later next week.

Another step closer............

Sounds like you are hooded in the right direction.

 

[RivennHewn]

It's been a few years since Bo the truck dog took his last ride.

Been feeling like it's time to have a new best friend.

Finally put a deposit on a 5 week old Newfoundland pup.

Really looking forward to picking him up in a few weeks.

As far as the truck, I added the new gauge holder and a volt meter.

I've also got an hour meter and a clock coming, as soon as the mailman cooperates.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Riven your gauge holder looks a treat.

 

[Rock knocker]

That is going to be an awesome dog!

 

[Strouty]

Was Bo the same breed?

Gauge cluster does look good, I loved finned aluminum.

 

[RivennHewn]

Riven your gauge holder looks a treat.

Thanks.

I've always liked this style. It's not the flimsy stamped steel type. It's 1/4" cast aluminum.

It's not marked, but if I remember correctly they were made by Offenhauser.
Maybe it's a copy, not that it matters much.


Rock knocker,

I'm thinking so. Really excited to pick him up. Got a few weeks to go.....


Strouty,

Bo the truck dog was 1/2 Newfie and 13/16th silly mutt. (you do the math). He topped out at about 125 Lbs.
My best friend for 14 years.

 

[drivesitfar]

Riv: nice looking gauges!!

also great looking new best friend and I know he'll never replace Bo, but he'll make you smile that is for certain!!

our last dog passed in 2008 and even though we'd love another one having my daughter's dog for a few weeks every year while they fly out of town is maybe good enough now that the kids are all gone and we like to get up and go and don't have to worry about who's going to watch a dog.

my daughter's best friend was just telling me yesterday how much he loves his dog (A Newfoundland too) and he says his is about 80 pounds of muscle.

take care and keep up the great work!!

 

[RivennHewn]

Thanks Drives,

Dog are a huge time commitment, and a bit of a hassle at times.

Luckily, I have great neighbors who also own dogs. We take turns watching each others mutts all the time.

Have a great weekend

 

[Toolfool]

I had assumed Bo was part Lab. Congratulations on the new buddy. In spite of the commitment, I always hate the periods between dogs.

 

[RivennHewn]

I had assumed Bo was part Lab. Congratulations on the new buddy. In spite of the commitment, I always hate the periods between dogs.

Good looking pair of pups!

Bo was actually 1/2 newfie, 1/4 lab, and 1/4 border collie. He was all border collie in the brain.

He didn't much care to swim, didn't fetch much, and wasn't a ball dog.

He was a herding dog.

I used to love watching him herd my daughter's bunny around the yard.

They were an odd pair of stablemates.

 

[Toolfool]

Payton is german shepherd, great dane, mastiff, and some others. All guard dog. Tiny, the rott, is a lover, until you mess with my wife. Both dogs around 95-100 lbs. Always entertaining.
Hey, you want that cedar round before I roll it out behind the shop and let it rot ?

 

[RivennHewn]

Payton is german shepherd, great dane, mastiff, and some others. All guard dog. Tiny, the rott, is a lover, until you mess with my wife. Both dogs around 95-100 lbs. Always entertaining.
Hey, you want that cedar round before I roll it out behind the shop and let it rot ?

Considering I have a **** ton of wood in my carport/shop/shed, and haven't even looked at it in months, I'm going to have to pass.

But, I'm sure you can come up with something better than letting it rot


Mini poll time:

Yay or Nay on the switch labels?

I'm kinda on the fence about them.

 

[drivesitfar]

Riv: better than no labels or do you have other choices? Hand script by local artist (you), colored, or ???

 

[C_F]

Mini poll time:

Yay or Nay on the switch labels?

I'm kinda on the fence about them.

I like 'em.
The "ACHTUNG" made me chuckle. It reminded me of some of the switches these guys offer LINK (hover your cursor over the lower ones to view each one). My favorite is "zombie response" & "front cannons". LOL

 

[RivennHewn]

I like 'em.
The "ACHTUNG" made me chuckle. It reminded me of some of the switches these guys offer LINK (hover your cursor over the lower ones to view each one). My favorite is "zombie response" & "front cannons". LOL

I've seen their stuff on Ebay.
Maybe for my next truck.........

I think I fixed the labels

Maybe I should make this a U2 themed truck.
The caution indicator light will be "Achtung Baby!" and the rest of the truck will be "Rattle and Hum"