Raven: The Saga Continues

[hdman90]

Haha, yes, I'm aware of that, but have seen a few in years past that people have built. Am hoping to capitalize on their efforts to save some time on fabrication.

Ah, I see! I would hope no one would leave a 6 door cab lying around unused! But I will keep my eyes open!

[Manny]

Got anything going HD Man???

[hdman90]

Got anything going HD Man???

Sadly, not really. I got all of the interior stuff removed, and that's all. The seat, glass, and steering column still need pulled before it can be cut up. Between the snow and cold temperatures, I haven't had time or patience to work on it much. But I need to get it done so I can have Raven brought home this spring.

[hdman90]

Well, despite the cold temperatures, I guess I will be getting to work on tearing the Wally truck down more. I got a notice from my local municipality that the truck must be out of sight by March 7th, and I don't have anywhere to put it. So. Torn apart it will be. It will stink to do it in this weather, but it will be nice to have it done with. So, here goes nothing.

[Lone Ranger]

What a bunch of losers! Old trucks look great in the weeds!

[hdman90]

Well, it only took about 4 months, but I finally got Wally down to the point that it’s about all gone. I’ll be saving all of the 4wd mounts and brackets in case I need to convert a truck in the future. I’m also holding onto the 390 and 4spd trans.

Onto the next highboy!

[hfdco4]

So your front axle has disc brakes? Looks to be off a 1975 or 76 I believe. Nice find.

[hdman90]

Less than 4 days after completing the year down of “Wally”, a friend and I went and rescued “Raven”.
She is a 1969 F-250 Highboy, has had some body parts and panels replaced, but for sitting for over 20 years in this area, is in pretty fair condition.

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[hdman90]

We got Raven home, and I gave her a good cleaning on the outside and inside the engine bay. I found the bed is pretty much shot. The floor is gone, the bed side is rusted through on one side, and has through rust on the driver side rail.

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[hdman90]

See another picture of the bed rust and two side shots showing overall condition. I still haven’t been able to get the toolbox door open.
The frame is in amazing condition, I don’t see any holes, bends, or welded plates.
The cab is great from the bodyline up, the floors, mounts, and corners will probably need attention. I have front fenders for it.

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[hdman90]

The (I’m guessing 360) is seized. I did remove the spark plugs and put Marvel Mystery Oil in all of the cylinders. Two weeks later, the engine still has not turned by hand at all. I’m not sure if I should try bumping it with the starter, or if I should pull it and replace it with a 390 I have...

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Here is a picture of all of the trucks I currently have, just because.

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I will keep everyone posted on my slow progress on Raven.

[sargentrs]

I have friend who was given a '79 F150 4x4 that had sat for 14 years. 400ci engine was seized up. He put the MMO in the cylinders like you and let it sit for a week, trying to work the crank with a breaker bar. Finally got it to move by holding tension on the bar and bumping the starter. Took several bumps and it finally moved just a little. More MMO and let it sit a day. Then bump again. Over and over til he got a full rotation. Eventually got it to turn over on its own. Finally it turned freely and started up. Got it running and drove it for a few years til he traded it. Just be careful bumping the starter with a breaker bar on the crank! Better have the coil wire off so it doesn't accidentally break free and start up.

[cstoyer]

Glad you saved it and you are correct, there are not many in this area, including dent side high boys that have survived. I know of several 150s, but 250s, 2 or 3. Good luck and keep posting the updates.

CStoyer

[fox87]

Less than 4 days after completing the year down of “Wally”, a friend and I went and rescued “Raven”.
She is a 1969 F-250 Highboy, has had some body parts and panels replaced, but for sitting for over 20 years in this area, is in pretty fair condition.
4702B81A-18C4-402A-B0E9-B7FA5CBD6AFF.jpegCB8CB410-226F-406B-A8BF-96594F2B1C18.jpeg73A95C0E-223A-460F-AD2E-C4135A69A5AB.jpeg

heck that must've been quite the rescue mission
well done I gotta say!

Keep us up to date with what's happenin aye?
cheers,
Jon

[hfdco4]

If you have a good 390 I would go that way.