Need a bit of help with my first '66 F100

[SoulsShadow]

Hey everyone. I'm new to F-100's, but I did own a '71 mustang and my Dad had a '79 F-150.

I have a few concerns about the truck, but the price was right. I couldn't find the VIN plate on the driver's door or stamped on the frame under the alternator. The title lists the VIN as F10AE791304. I'd appreciate any help decoding that. Has anyone else had a vehicle that they couldn't find the VIN on? Is it a big problem?

A previous owner put an airbag suspension on it to make it a lowrider... They cut the floor out of the bed to fit the bags in the back. I was thinking about putting a 4-link in instead, but what's the best 4-link kit and how do I find replacement sheet metal for the bed?

The interior is well, not there hahaha. I'd like to find a bench seat that fits in there. Any ideas on where to find a new one or what junk yard years will fit in there?

I appreciate all the help. I'll be sure to post pictures of my progress!

[slick4x4]

F10AE791304

F10 = F100 2 wheel drive
A = 240 I6 engine
E = assembly plant = Manwah
791304 = dec of 1965

f r o m
K A N S A S

nice truck

[thenephilm]

post some more pics of the suspension please ..what front suspension does it have under it? Welcome btw

[SoulsShadow]

Thanks Slick4x4! The 460 that's in it is quite the upgrade from factory hahaha.

The suspension is those stupid air bags all the way around. I'll post pictures as soon as I get the truck to my place. The front springs and struts have been removed. I'm not sure if the mounts for either are even still there...

The rear leaf springs are still there, but the struts are gone.

[Alan Mclennan]

Nice looking truck!, Welcome to the site!, I think there`s someone else on here from Wood bridge VA!

[rcb1020]

http://home.earthlink.net/~threynolds2/ ... s6166.html

[SoulsShadow]

The truck should be at my place on Saturday...man I hate waiting hahaha! I ordered up an Edelbrock Performer 750cfm carb to replace the leaking Holley that's on it. Anyone have an recommendations on shocks or struts?

[SoulsShadow]

Below are some pictures of the suspension. Looks like the leaf springs were heated and bent flat... There's no arch to them and they don't support the bed at all. I guess I'm going to have to buy new ones.

Front Air Bag


Is this how the front shock should look? I thought the top of it bolted somewhere near the top of the coil spring.


Air Bags in the Back


Air Bag Compressor

[Alan Mclennan]

Sounds like your on the right track, taking it back to the original suspension!, and you`ll have that air system to sell off!. By the look of the PO`s handy work, he should have his tools confiscated!!

[Truckrat]

In that picture of the rear suspension it appears there are shock mounts there but no shocks.
The main leafs appear to be what holds everything in place which is why the springs look flat.
They will arch up with more air in the bags, and dearch as you let it out.
Mounts for airbags are built different from left side to right side.
I have seen these done by other folks and they did very nice work,
but to me this was not anything like that. Does it work? The reason I ask is airbags done right will ride very well.
Lots of high end cars ride on them and also road tractor/trailers too.
Seen guys build covers across the bed from wheeltub to wheel tub.
Not the best thing if you plan to use the truck for hauling though.
The Paint on it looks great in your pics, nice looking ride.
As far as bench seats go, Ford truck seats up into the 80s are supposed to bolt in your stock mounts on the floorboard.
I am sure some other folks will chime in here about that who have later model seats installed in their trucks.
I have a seat from a 68 I am saving to put in mine. What ever you do have fun with it. Make it the way you want.
Oh and from Okla )( homa!!! TR