Howdy! Purchased this 1970 Ford F100 Rat Rod a few months ago, figured I'd chronicle its ups and downs here. I'm still not sure what I plan on doing with it (Keep, Sell, Rat, Cherry, etc.), but I couldn't pass up the opportunity, so here we are! Great rat, runs strong and smooth.

Here's what I know so far.

General Information

• Year: 1970
• Model: F100 2WD Styleside
• Engine: 302 V8 (Rebuilt, < 30,000 miles)
• Transmission: C4 (Rebuilt same time as engine)
• Assembly Plant: Kansas City
• Production Date: August 1970, #75,256
• Original Color: Candyapple Red
• Original Interior Trim: Black, Vinyl
• Current Location: California

General Condition Upon Purchase

• Engine rebuilt, runs strong, starts up immediately, idles smoothly, shifts smoothly, exhaust clean.
• No leaks under truck.
• No oil or coolant leaks present.
• Master Cylinder leaking from gasket. Brakes strong, front disc.
• Bumpers and plates missing
• Several small issues with electrical system
  • Some dash lights not working, some gauges not working, but headlights and others work, legal to drive.
  • Aftermarket Temperature and Oil Pressure gauges work.
• Ignition switch issue
  • Sometimes have to turn wheel right or left to find sweet spot to start.
• Bad battery
• Radiator full of rust/gunk
• Oil pitch black, low. No metal shavings present.
  • 6/27/21 - Recently changed oil, clean now.
• Rear view mirror missing.
• Speedometer reading incorrectly
• Steering Wheel needs to be replaced
• Indicators work, but switch needs to be replaced.
• Driver's Side Door mechanism faulty
• Passenger Side Window Handle **** Missing
• Fuel Gauge faulty
• Needs Alignment

Repairs Planned/Underway/Completed

• Bumpers and plates missing
  • Status: Complete
  • 6/27/21 - Bumpers and plates replaced, had to pay for new title, plates, and stickers after paying for non-op release.
• Bad Battery
  • Status: Complete
  • 6/27/21 - Recently replaced.
• Rear View Mirror Missing
  • Status: Complete
  • 6/27/21 - Recently replaced.
• Alternator mounting bolt broke off in engine block.
  • Status: Underway
  • 6/27/21 - New bolt kit and bolt extractor tool ordered.
  • 6/28/21 - Extractor tool arrived. Was able to remove the broken bolt. Now awaiting the arrival of new bolt kit to reinstall alternator.
• Master Cylinder Leaking
  • Status: Underway
  • 6/27/21 - Ordered new cover and gasket.
• Oil Leak after Oil Change
  • Status: Planned
  • 6/27/21 - Not yet addressed, truck is sitting until alternator bolt issue is resolved. Likely a faulty drain plug.
• Radiator Replacement
  • Status: Planned
  • 6/27/21 - Not yet addressed. Running cool after double flush.
• Speedometer Reading Incorrectly
  • Status: Planned
  • 6/27/21 - Ordered and received new cable, not yet installed.
• Steering Wheel needs to be replaced
  • Status: Planned
  • 6/27/21 - Not yet addressed, works well enough at the moment.
• Driver's Side Door mechanism faulty​​​​​​​
  • Status: Planned
  • 6/27/21 - Not yet addressed, still locks.
• Passenger Side Window Handle **** Missing
  • Status: Planned
  • 6/27/21 - Not yet addressed, window still rolls down.
• Fuel Gauge faulty
  • Status: Planned
  • 6/27/21 - Not yet addressed. Works enough to not run out of gas on accident (fingers crossed).
• Needs Alignment
  • Status: Planned
  • 6/27/21 - Not yet addressed, not an issue while driving.
• Indicators work, but switch needs to be replaced
  • Status: Planned
  • 6/27/21 - Net yet addressed. They work, just have to manually turn them on and off.
• Ignition switch issue.
  • Status: Planned
  • 6/27/21 - Not yet addressed. Sometimes have to turn wheel right or left to find sweet spot to start. Haven't troubleshooted much, but seems to possibly be ignition switch or wiring in steering column.
• General electrical issues.
  • Status: Planned
  • 6/27/21 - Will address as needed. All lights work, legal to drive.

Photos












​​​​​​​

 

Well it's a good starting point. I would take a good look at that notch in the rear frame really good!

 

Cool truck! Look forward to seeing what direction you take it.

 

The steering wheel shouldn't make any difference on ignition. Maybe an adjustment on the NSS or shift linkage. Try starting it in "N" instead of "P".

 

Gotcha, thanks for that guidance! The alternator mounting bolt arrived today, so it should be running tonight/this weekend.