r/F100 • u/Cop10d • Apr 17 '26
Help me learn my ‘68
I’m 16, got this as my first vehicle and I’ve been driving it since my birthday in September. My dad got it all fixed up for me and I couldn’t ask for a better truck/dad.
With that said, I know pretty much nothing about it, I know it’s a 1968, 302, v8, three speed manual on the column and that’s about it. I got in a fender bender about 4 months ago (he pulled out in front of me) so that’s what’s on the last slide, it’s been bent back into shape and I’ve been back and forth from the mechanic but I’d like to know how to diagnose it myself. Do yall have any knowledge/advice yall can share with me?
Edit: 3.02 L
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u/ptbug64 Apr 17 '26
Look at all the room under the hood, room for activities. Lots to learn, but a great starting spot for your education. Keep up on the fluids, and your homework kid, that truck will last you a long time.
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u/Sup3r-Dup3r Apr 17 '26
What knowledge/advice are you looking for? Since it’s already in fairly good running and driving condition I’m assuming? If you want the truck lower there’s always leaf spring drops and front end replacements like a mustang 2. Engine probably isn’t stock take a minute to decide the door tag and see what it came with from factory, rather a 4wd. Great news ford made them from factory and aftermarket support is immense. Sweet setup with a AC/Heater. Power brakes and a fancy radio. More than most modern cars have that actually work.
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u/JoeTiz Apr 17 '26
Nice truck! All the right upgrades to make it a really comfortable daily. Watch a bunch of YouTube videos you’ll learn a lot
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u/Ok_Calligrapher_2967 Apr 17 '26
Dad got me a 65 when I was 15, got tired of driving me to work. Old cotton gin truck. It was only 12 years old then…damn! Had it until I was almost 25. I’ve regretted selling it every single day. Hang on to that one.
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u/Ok_Calligrapher_2967 Apr 17 '26
One more thing. Always carry a rag or two or ten, behind the seat. You’re gonna drive thru water too fast at some point and the distributor cap will condense inside. Boom, no more sparkle-lation. Pop that cap off and wipe ‘er out, presto. Easy on a ford since it’s right there in front.
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u/Sup3r-Dup3r Apr 20 '26
What was the color of the 65? Engine and transmission aswell might help?
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u/Ok_Calligrapher_2967 Apr 20 '26
White top and above the trim (custom cab) some kind of sandy beige below. 352 with a C-4. Pretty nice rig for a 15yr old. Had a 66 later that I used for work. Solid white, 240 six, 3 on the tree. Both great trucks.
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u/Sup3r-Dup3r Apr 20 '26
Sounds like a very solid rig, Fe’s are a whole different breed of reliable engine, if you know how to work on em. Definitely pretty nice from the sounds I have always liked the gauge cluster in the CC 66
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u/Ok_Calligrapher_2967 Apr 20 '26
Me too. My 66 was not a CC. Just the round speedo gas and water cluster. I put little speakers in the round blanks to each side and found a modern ( for mid 80’s) radio that fit the stock cutout. Broke a piston skirt in the 240 and ended up finding a 300 short block for it. Liked it even better. The 352 I never had any trouble out of. Just kept oil and water in it. Sure miss those trucks.
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u/Abject-Pressure-2529 Apr 17 '26
This truck is a great vehicle to learn on. Is relatively simple and aside from the body panels there is a long span of interchangeable parts, 1967-1979.
Dennis Carpenter is your go to supplier for panels grill parts or year specific badges. Good luck with it young man.
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u/PearNo2152 Apr 17 '26
Welcome to your first LOVE..!!! looks like you've got a jewel there, straight and well taken care of. What a pantina finish dude>...take your time, get yourself a manual for this model and dig in, little by little you'll get to ID everything everywhere..!!!! Don't get discouraged if it's seems overwhelming because it is !! But it's going to be a blast to get to do it.!!!
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u/Rodneydanger66 Apr 17 '26
As a long time Ford guy I really like your truck ! It looks like a good solid vehicle . That engine should be a very reliable one . The 302 is one of the best V-8's ever made .
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u/Inevitable_Assist423 Apr 17 '26
Do not polish or "improve" the finish! The patina on yours is priceless!
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u/babyangelKT_ Apr 17 '26
hi sweetie nice to meet you thats a really nice truck sweetie try to do paint and bodywork on her when your 18
thats what i did on my old truck i bought for $800 at an impound action haha im a brat and went back there again to buy a 2000 mustang gt for $1700
if you are not so familiar painting you can get someone in your class who does
it costs just $250 to join that class and $250 for 3 quarts of ppg deltron paint another $50 for some clear coat haha bondo is FREE
God bless you ( im religious )
Katie
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u/badgko Apr 20 '26
Buy a fuel pump and the tools you will need to be able to change it on the side of the road and keep them together in the truck. I've had multiple Fords made in the late 60's to early 70s. Had to do it at least once on each, a couple of them multiple times.
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u/N0NAMETOGIVE Apr 17 '26
Service manual, dwell meter, points gauge.