1986F150Six

But, it has nice wheels, tires, grill and front bumper!

You are working hard and making good progress!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Starter-Motor-Conversion-Kit-1980-89-F150-F250-F350-Bronco-E150-E250-NOS-OEM/332603831320?_trkparms=aid%3D555017%26algo%3DPL.CASSINI%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20150817211758%26meid%3D11319dd95ebe491090c76a1b2c93a4bf%26pid%3D100507%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26%26itm%3D332603831320&_trksid=p2045573.c100507.m3226

I will bring a hand full of license plates from my home state of Alabama. If anyone else likes the idea, they can bring some from their state [or country] and we can swap plates. That way, we all can have unusual plates to hang on the walls of our "man caves"!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Taskmaster-Contender-ST205-75-D14-Load-Range-D-Bias-Ply-Trailer-Tire-U-Haul/173182135361?hash=item285275ac41:g:iCYAAOSw~QBalbg-

Hmmm? https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-NEW-1991-1994-FORD-F600-F900-FT600-900-GAUGE-CLUSTER-BACKING-F1HZ-10848-A/361902839908?hash=item5443171864:g:jHwAAOSwKfVXKzSU&vxp=mtr

Gary, Bill's explanation about the blue wavelength causing the paint to fluoresce the most, caused me to remember the crystal clear [not opaque] light green filters I found on the F600 dash. Remember, I brought that dash last year? The F600 gauges have orange painted needles, too, so why did Ford go with green filters? By the way, when you set up your test for different bulbs as well as different paints, if you want to test a green filter, I can mail you one [or all].

With the filters removed and using the 194B bulbs, there is no sense of blue. The dash lighting is just like original, except significantly brighter than what it was before removing the filters and clear 194 bulbs.

We had good results [original appearance] on my son's 1984 by removing the blue filters and installing new incandescent 194B [blue] bulbs. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hla-194b?seid=srese2&cm_mmc=pla-msn-_-shopping-_-srese2-_-hella I did not use the Hella bulbs; bought mine @ NAPA for ~$1.00 each.

Very nicely equipped!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-FORD-TRUCK-BRONCO-1980-F150-250-SPARE-TIRE-SUPPORT-BRACKET-SLIDE-E4TZ/352330843805?hash=item52088e069d:g:Wj8AAOSwYutaypu2&vxp=mtr

The rivets might have changed by '97, but when I took my door apart I used a punch to drive the stud out (back into the door), then drilled out the aluminum rivet easily. I used the same technique for my son's 1984 F150.

Maybe I have egg on my face? I will confirm and report back. Thanks, Jonathan, for keeping things accurate.

The owner's manuals for my son's 1984 F150 and my 1986 F150 both state the recommended oil and filter change interval for the six cylinder engine to be 7500 miles. Under the same conditions, the V8 interval is 5000 miles. I wondered why? I contacted a retired Ford Engine Developmental Engineer, who is quite successful drag racing with a 300 [cross flow head] engine. His "name" is The Frenchtown Flyer. Look him up on YouTube. Here is what he had to say: Originally Posted by The Frenchtown Flyer That's a good question. I can think of two reasons. The six oil pan holds six quarts and the V8 holds 5. For the oil to get contaminated / depleted in a six quart fill it would take longer. Second reason - with a six you get about 3/4 as many firing events, so less combustion by products. Trust me, these things aren't arbitrarily decided. Only after extensive dyno and vehicle testing. Hope this helps.

Jonathan, I just now found that you had answered this [so very well!!!] for me. Thank you!

And the man in Texas, thought to himself, "well bought"!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Racing-Ignition-wiring-Harness-Duraspark-M-12071-A301-New-Old-Stock-NOS/183153340522?hash=item2aa4ca306a:g:i9MAAOSwbA1alLaf&vxp=mtr https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/i9MAAOSwbA1alLaf/s-l1600.jpg

Looks great!

Gary does have a Chevy, too!

Gary, does your church have a van which could be used to block the entrance from the main road, so Big Blue can be seen by the attendees? For those who were not present last year, Big Blue blocked an entrance [for traffic control], and was located just far enough away that some did not walk to enjoy seeing it.

10:00 - 14:00! Last year's food service was just fine. The outside drinks is a good idea!

Nicely done!

You mentioned getting ~8 mpg prior to the Duraspark conversion. That reminded me of my early experiences: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1325963-gas-mileage-recipe-4-9l-300-a.html

Big Blue's painted instrument needles show up quite well!

1979? Paint colors are similar to Big Blue!