eternaltruck

Also, thank you all for the pictures posted, and your contributions to the thread. If I found a F series truck in the junkyard prior to the EGR being added, would the non egr spacer work from it? The junk yard I pay tribute to is quite massive in size, over 100+ acres, so I feel like I might have a better shot than others.

Mr.Ford F834, Do you remember the size of the plug used on the exhaust manifold?

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that when I go to the salvage yard, I'll get lucky, and get everything I want. I'm more geared towards the duraspark conversion. Does anyone know if there's any indicators that would determine whether or not the control unit has the retard function? As for things like the egr, and smog pump, I'm only curious as to how the process is done, and what the outcome has been for those who've been around that setup.

David, can you tell us again where you suggested to buy a rebuild carburetor that tests for shaft play and actually delivers a quality unit? I looked through our emails but I’m not finding the place you mentioned... Would anyone happen to know if anything else would need replacing during the conversion? Would I need to change the intake, or exhaust manifold to a earlier year, or would a 70's carter non feedback bolt right on? Also, this is just a question, but is stopping the egr as simple as removing the EGR valve, and covering it, or is there also additional steps? Thank you!

Gents, Thank you for all the insight provided! it means the world to me! It's really exciting to complete the conversion because it will take a lot of wires out of the engine bay, and I really like that! When I first purchased the truck, I got a headache every time I popped the hood and saw that big mess of wires. I've only learned recently that all those wires are there because of the feedback carb, and to have those wires gone would truly make the engine bay much more appealing to the eye(at least in my mind). I've been doing a lot of work on old red recently. She has a thousand mile trip ahead of her, and I've recently been working double time to get her where she needs to be. I have until early February to get her good to go, and good to go is just replacing the breaks, coil springs, tie rods, wind shield seal, and the conversion, But I have the time for more than just that, so I've been working as efficiently as possible to maximize the time I have left where I currently live. I'm going to go to my local salvage yard to pick up a carter non feedback to rebuild this weekend. I'm still waiting for more feedback(pun intended) for the best option to purchase. I'm hoping I'll have my bearings by the end of his week, but if not, I have work that will keep me busy.

Here's some additional pictures of the engine bay

I have several question regarding the Duraspark 2 conversion. My F150 is a 1986 shortbed with the 4.9, and the carter feedback carb. It was mentioned that if I did the conversion, that the computer, and all the wiring would go, but by that, does that mean that every wire that connects to the ecm gets removed? Also, if my current understanding is true, what would happen to parts like this one ? I'm assuming that it would get swapped with a older identical part before the feedback carb. lastly, what are the best parts to use for this conversion, specifically what year carter carb works the best, and how do I know if I have the correct distributor? do they still sell them new?

Ladies and Gents, Thank you all so much for the knowledge! The wife and I just got finished moving. It was our first move, and it was as poorly executed as it could have possibly been. We thought it would just take a day, so we procrastinated, and it ended up taking the whole weekend up until the early hours of Monday morning. (I just found my laptop charger to put things into perspective) The main work I plan on doing to her to finish up the year is mainly in the cabin. She's pretty well gutted, so the first task is to weld up the floor, and seal it up with a coat of paint. I have sound deadening foam which I plan to down before the carpet. After the floor is good to go, the next big thing is to restore all the vinyl trim, and dash assembly. I'm also on the hunt for vinyl trim pieces that the truck didn't have like the rear corner trim pieces. There's several massive junkyards in the central valley of California, so hopefully I can nab a pair, as well as other trim pieces. The wiring harness inside is a in a big heap, on the floor, and I know It's gonna be a pain to get organized, but I'm sure I'll find a way. My main goal for the interior is to make it as quit, and as insulated as possible. The color scheme I'm going for on the vinyl is saddle tan. I'm thinking about taking the cab off for the welding portion of it. Everyone tells me I'd be way in over my head, and I'm obviously hesitant. I have access to a giant gantry that could yank the cab right off it, and turn it into a one man job(at least in my head) I haven't ever undertaken anything like this... The reason I want to do this is because I want to paint the frame in sections, and replace the bushings for the cab while the frame is exposed. Does this seem like a logical course of action to the more experienced folk out there? Any input it greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Gentleman, First, and foremost. Thank you for all the knowledge, and the time taken to provide it, as well as the warm welcome! greatly appreciated!! I'm glad to have found people who can appreciate the bullnose. I currently reside in the central valley of California, but will be leaving before my registration expires next year in June(Wife is in the Navy). I truly cannot say enough how vital this website is to anyone who owns a 7th gen, The knowledge contained in this website, combined with enthusiastic knowledgeable individuals such as yourselves, has personally provided me with a powerful tool in my arsenal. I don't know how this website has managed to elude me for so long, but all that matters is that I found it. I could ramble all day about how much I love my pickup, and how much more I love her after finding this site, but Joe Diffie could do it in three minutes and thirty-seven seconds, so I'll just use him to paint the picture. I'm sold on the advice stated, and Gary, I don't think you'd have any regrets on that bet because that is also an issue that I'm currently having with my truck. Every time I go to start her up lately, the engine idles so poorly, that it causes my truck to shake, and usually turn off. sometimes, I tap the gas, while parked, and it will go from a poor idle to a maintained fast idle. I just took her on the highway today, and she did decent though. I rebuilt the carb to exact specifications, and I've also replaced the vacuum lines, and it did nothing. On a side note, I'm wondering if this issue is also causing the dieseling issue my truck has been having. I thought that a new engine would fix the issue, and it's been raising concern for the issue to still continue because I'm worried that the end result if allowed to continue could cause damage. Thank you all for your help, and Gary, just gotta say... that's some scary good insight based on the limited information given to you, because I was literally about to shed some light on that situation.

Hello, Firstly, I'd like to say just how lucky, and fortunate I am to have discovered this website. My obsession with the bullnose F150 is very strong, and I couldn't tell you how many hours were spent looking for information that was all here on the site. I'm not a very knowledgeable person when it comes to trucks, all I know is that there's something about a 7th generation F150 that makes me want to change that aspect of my life. I own a red 1986 F150 shortbed base model. She is in very rough shape, but that hasn't discouraged me from giving up on her. She is a 4 speed manual, with the fourth being OD. I believe the transmission is the T18. The engine is the 4.9 with the 1bbl carter feedback carb, and even though it's hard for her to get above 55mph, I'm seeing well over 20mpg on the highway. She has only one gas tank, and even with gas being over $3.50 in some places, it never costs me more than 30 to fill her up which makes me think that something is wrong, and I wouldn't be surprised, considering the age. I've owned this truck for over a year and a half now, and all she's really done is sat, the worst part is she had a jasper engine put into her last year in the fall, and all it gets is the occasional start up. Of all the times I've been a naive fool in my life, that situation definitely takes the cake, especially when you consider the nature of neglected 30+ year old truck, or any other old car, and the costs associated with restoring them. It was my first time with a mechanic, and let's just say, I learned the hard way. I take full responsibility for it nonetheless. My main goal is turn turn her into a reliable truck, with a little bit more umph so I can safely get onto the highway. I'm tired of lifting the hood, and looking at the ugly carb, and the mess of wires that comes with it. Any suggestions on what a good carb would be that works well with the 4.9 and a good exhaust option to go with it. It doesn't legally need any cats, or a muffler, but it currently has both two cats and a muffler. it's also worthy to note that I'd still like to maintain some degree of fuel efficiency if at all possible. I'm currently in the process of restoring the interior, and that's where attention to detail will not be spared. I have to cut out the rust that exists on both sides of the cab floor parallel to the doors. I have the repair panels that fit perfectly, I just have yet to weld them. I'm a welder by trade, so that part isn't an issue. After that part is finished, my next move is to put a new coat of paint over the floor, and cover it with sound proofing material, and carpet, and to install a new door sills. The truck is completely gutted too except for a mess of wires, and the instrument panel that sits on the steering column. The next step is to repair all the old vinyl trim, and dash assembly. I found a youtube video on vinyl restoration that looked promising, I just have yet to follow through, like so many other projects. other than the interior, the other big things are using por15 on the frame (unless anyone knows of something better) and replacing all the worn parts on the chassis. and other much needed parts under the hood. I have access to all the tools, and equipment I need to get the job done, and I'll post pictures of the progress I make. I would be very greatful for any input and advice you would be willing to share through your own experiences and knowledge acquired. Any time given to my post is greatly treasured, unless you tell me to sell my truck. Me and her have far to much in common to part ways. Thank you.