Tips, Tricks and References

[Alvin in AZ]

http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/ignitiontool.jpg
Wanna guess what that tool was made from?

This one will be easier to identify...
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/switchtool.jpg
Afterwards, I saw where I could have done it easier and better both.
If you want to make one, mention it to me first.

This one's made from bed frame steel...
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/yoketool.jpg

http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/harmonicbalancer.jpg
Works great on my FE, wonder if it'd work on a 300-6 or 302 tho?
(the file has been normalized)

Here's another one made from a normalized file...
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/Ford9inch-B.jpg

I tapped the file 5/16-18 and run the bolt in until it ran out of threads...
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/Ford9inch-S.jpg

It got to my hand before I was done and had to use a cheater pipe. LOL
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/Ford9inch.jpg

Anybody made any tools?
Let's see 'em!

Alvin in AZ

 

[V Majestyk]

Cast iron FE Intakes/in truck

Don,t be a hero and try sitting one in place by yourself. Yes, you can be all manly and grunt one in. Good chance of front/rear oil leaks . Just use the cherrypicker or a good friend's help. You'll get better results,faster, with less testicular trauma!

 

[TexasNomad]

You made all those?

 

[Alvin in AZ]

You made all those?

Yeah.
Post pictures of the automotive tools etc you've made!

I forgot some...
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/bleedtool.jpg
Hey Dennis, there's the bleed tool that seems to have no effect whatsoever. LOL
Too bad its pretty "watch spring blue" doesn't shop up there. :/

http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/guidepins.jpg
My T18 slides back and forth like it's on rails when the front end is on those
and the rear is sitting on its un-bolted cross member.

http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/bushing&remover.jpg
I tried the "hammering grease" method/joke.
ha ha very funny :/
...getting me to try the "hammer grease" method.
Well you suckered me into one, I'll try not let you guys pull another one like
that on me. LOL But I'm pretty dumb tho. :/

http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/drills.jpg
LOL No I didn't make the drills, just put new bearings in them but what's
cool is they are double-reduction single-speed drills and are ran through that
funny extension cord with the light-dimmer (or fan-control) switch in it.

You set the speed and pull the trigger.
Yes, I've got a couple real nice variable speed drills.
No, they ain't as good as that weird setup!

Alvin in AZ

 

[TexasNomad]

I haven't made any tools, never really had a need to..

 

[1985 Ford F-150]

Them are really cool. Also on the FE intake dont use the stupid cork gaskets that go on the block in between the heads. I tried four times with em and no matter what sealant I used and no matter how long I let em dry they still squeezed out and leaked. What I finally did was just run a VERY thick bead of great stuff and put a good sized dob on the corners where the heads meet the block. Doin it this way makes it alot easier to put that heavy bugger on there.

 

[LEB Ben]

Kinda sticking with the tool theme...after all the work I did last week, I can't stress enough how much more helpful it is to have the right tool for the job. Make it, go out and buy it, who cares...just make sure it's the right one. It'll prevent damaging bolts/fasteners and more than likely reduce the time it takes.

 

[1985 Ford F-150]

Get a good set of brass punches if ya dont already have some. Theyre not that expensive and theyre extremly tough. They also dont mushroom out on the tops as quick as the steel punches do.

 

[LEB Ben]

Here's one for you guys who need anything for your seat, carpet or headliner...you'll wanna check out SMS Auto Fabrics:


http://www.smsautofabrics.com/

 

[1985 Ford F-150]

That place looks really goo Ben have ya delt with em?

 

[LEB Ben]

That place looks really goo Ben have ya delt with em?

No I haven't...just started looking at them so I can tone down the interior of the Bronco, and for when I get around to redoing Red's interior. However, they seem to be the place that all the 'go to' guys seem to recommend on a few other sites I'm on.

 

[1985 Ford F-150]

I might have to give em a shout when I fix the 72s seat and headliner.

 

[UNRULEE]

Looking for a more comfortable interior? Do what I did.

Get a bench seat out of a (not sure on the start of these) 88?-97 Ford anything series. Just swap the old tracks from your seat onto the new one and that new seat will bolt right in.

The new seats have an armrest in the middle and some even have lumbar, which is pretty easy to get working in these old rides.

 

[LEB Ben]

I like that Lee...always wanted an armrest in my truck...haha. Might have to go junkyard shopping and have one reupholstered.

 

[1985 Ford F-150]

Anybody know if the seat out of the 76 will swap over to the 72?

 

[bucks77ford]

Lee, that looks good. That's almost what I did except every time I found a good seat (not perfect) places wanted $250 or $300 for it. Those seats are hard to find in good shape, at least in my area. And shipping for a seat is expensive. The reason why I went with an aftermarket seat. Cost me over $500, but worth it.

But, yes anything from 73-96 will work. I'm not sure about the 67-72 series. I also think that the tracks can be swapped and they will work. I thought my brother put in a 92 seat into his 69.

 

[LEB Ben]

Lee, that looks good. That's almost what I did except every time I found a good seat (not perfect) places wanted $250 or $300 for it. Those seats are hard to find in good shape, at least in my area. And shipping for a seat is expensive. The reason why I went with an aftermarket seat. Cost me over $500, but worth it. .

I know what you're saying...there have been times in my area that I could get the whole truck for just about what the cost of the seat was.

But, yes anything from 73-96 will work. I'm not sure about the 67-72 series. I also think that the tracks can be swapped and they will work. I thought my brother put in a 92 seat into his 69.

I think you're right. And Dan...even if it's not a direct swap, the seat will fit, then all you have to do is swap the tracks and drill a couple holes.

 

[bucks77ford]

For anyone that might be interested, this is where I bought my seat.

http://discountvantruck.com/

You have to buy the bracket for the seat to fit in our trucks, but it's pretty much a bolt in deal.

 

[1985 Ford F-150]

Ok I figuered Id have to swap the tracks around on em. I put the seat from that 75 SC in the 85 and I swapped them tracks around so its no big deal. Thanks for the help fellers.

 

[UNRULEE]

Lee, that looks good. That's almost what I did except every time I found a good seat (not perfect) places wanted $250 or $300 for it.

I got lucky and found mine for $100.












And yeah, shipping sucks!!! I'd have about 8 front dana 60's laying in my backyard if it wasn't for shipping.