Ford F834 Posted November 15, 2017 Author Share Posted November 15, 2017 Thank you Gary, I will let you know if I need it! I didn't have much time today, but some ordered parts came in the mail and I decided to start with the fuel sender. I didn't get a chance to test the output of the old gauge upon removal, but one obvious problem was the float was cracked and filled with fuel. Another benefit of pulling the sender was that I discovered the fuel hose was gummy and crumbly like black licorice. It seemed fine when I originally inspected it several months ago, but once I started twisting and pulling on it it turned to mush. Memo to self, just replace these for peace of mind no matter how they look. And since I had the support straps removed, I decided to replace them with the correct 4x4 skid plates upon re-installation. Once done, I got a reading of just over 1/4 tank on the gauge. I don't know if it's accurate, but I did add a 5 gallon can to the tank so it is showing at least that. The needle does seem to pulse or float slightly, but I have not made a permanent bridge for the wires in the tank selector plug. Eventually I'd like to do the ICVR upgrade, but hopefully I can leave that for another day and it will read decently enough as-is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford F834 Posted November 15, 2017 Author Share Posted November 15, 2017 I didn't have much time today, but some ordered parts came in the mail and I decided to start with the fuel sender. I didn't get a chance to test the output of the old gauge upon removal, but one obvious problem was the float was cracked and filled with fuel. Another benefit of pulling the sender was that I discovered the fuel hose was gummy and crumbly like black licorice. It seemed fine when I originally inspected it several months ago, but once I started twisting and pulling on it it turned to mush. Memo to self, just replace these for peace of mind no matter how they look. And since I had the support straps removed, I decided to replace them with the correct 4x4 skid plates upon re-installation. Once done, I got a reading of just over 1/4 tank on the gauge. I don't know if it's accurate, but I did add a 5 gallon can to the tank so it is showing at least that. The needle does seem to pulse or float slightly, but I have not made a permanent bridge for the wires in the tank selector plug. Eventually I'd like to do the ICVR upgrade, but hopefully I can leave that for another day and it will read decently enough as-is. One thing I still need to get/do is the blower motor resistor. I found this fairly good video that explains in gory detail exactly how every aspect of how the circuit works, what the resistance of each coil is, and why you will destroy the protection circuit within seconds if you plug it in and turn on the fan without installing the resistor in the blower box. At 11 minutes it's probably more info than most want, but it's good info 😇 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Lewis Posted November 15, 2017 Share Posted November 15, 2017 One thing I still need to get/do is the blower motor resistor. I found this fairly good video that explains in gory detail exactly how every aspect of how the circuit works, what the resistance of each coil is, and why you will destroy the protection circuit within seconds if you plug it in and turn on the fan without installing the resistor in the blower box. At 11 minutes it's probably more info than most want, but it's good info 😇 You had a good day! 👍 I think the fuel gauge will work well now, without the ICVR upgrade, but thats a good upgrade when you get to it. On the blower motor resistor pack video, that’s a great find. Mind if I put a link to it in the references? So, overall what do you have left to do before you can leave on vacation? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford F834 Posted November 15, 2017 Author Share Posted November 15, 2017 You had a good day! 👍 I think the fuel gauge will work well now, without the ICVR upgrade, but thats a good upgrade when you get to it. On the blower motor resistor pack video, that’s a great find. Mind if I put a link to it in the references? So, overall what do you have left to do before you can leave on vacation? Yes, absolutely Gary! That video would make a good addition to the resources folder 🙂 As far as what's left... well... there is a critical list and a non-critical list 😉 Critical: -Install shocks -16" wheels/tires -Front end alignment -Windshield replacement -Engine side cover gasket -Vacuum harness/put dash back together -front amber lights -insurance/registration Non-critical (but still a goal) -Speedometer gear -Blower resistor -Put interior together -Fix 4K tachometer -Fix tilt column -Mount bullnose console to 40/20/40 seat pan I'm just about to pull the trigger on some rims. I found out that US wheel makes several styles of 5 lug 16's in a 7" width. The ones I showed before were the rat-rod black discs. The ones I like better are a more stock looking white spoke design. The white ones also have a higher load rating. I believe these will do it: I'm going to ask my local shop and see if they can match the eBay price, but I'm pretty well decided that's what I want. I will be headed to the junkyard before work today to pick up a vacuum harness and that missing defrost baffle. I'm going to hit it hard this weekend and hopefully start driving it to work by the end of next week to iron out any problems. Oh, and one more thing! By now you probably know that I really like my trucks stock looking and generally steer away from aftermarket or home-grown modifications... but for once I'm going to make an exception. My wife is 5' tall and has always had issues with sun visors being way too high. On my last junkyard trip I found a solution that will help her enjoy the truck. It is horrid looking as-is, but I can fix ugly and it works great! It mounts to the stock sunvisor holes so no permanent changes need to be made. The center part will probably have to go, but we'll see what I can do with this: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PetesPonies Posted November 15, 2017 Share Posted November 15, 2017 Yes, absolutely Gary! That video would make a good addition to the resources folder 🙂 As far as what's left... well... there is a critical list and a non-critical list 😉 Critical: -Install shocks -16" wheels/tires -Front end alignment -Windshield replacement -Engine side cover gasket -Vacuum harness/put dash back together -front amber lights -insurance/registration Non-critical (but still a goal) -Speedometer gear -Blower resistor -Put interior together -Fix 4K tachometer -Fix tilt column -Mount bullnose console to 40/20/40 seat pan I'm just about to pull the trigger on some rims. I found out that US wheel makes several styles of 5 lug 16's in a 7" width. The ones I showed before were the rat-rod black discs. The ones I like better are a more stock looking white spoke design. The white ones also have a higher load rating. I believe these will do it: I'm going to ask my local shop and see if they can match the eBay price, but I'm pretty well decided that's what I want. I will be headed to the junkyard before work today to pick up a vacuum harness and that missing defrost baffle. I'm going to hit it hard this weekend and hopefully start driving it to work by the end of next week to iron out any problems. Oh, and one more thing! By now you probably know that I really like my trucks stock looking and generally steer away from aftermarket or home-grown modifications... but for once I'm going to make an exception. My wife is 5' tall and has always had issues with sun visors being way too high. On my last junkyard trip I found a solution that will help her enjoy the truck. It is horrid looking as-is, but I can fix ugly and it works great! It mounts to the stock sunvisor holes so no permanent changes need to be made. The center part will probably have to go, but we'll see what I can do with this: Those wheels aren't known for holding up wheel, as far as cosmetics go. Not sure what you expect o how this truck is to be used. If I were buying some to use, I would scuff the surface and spray a couple coats of automotive grade clear on them. That may be beyond your scope, but those wheels seem to rust quickly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Lewis Posted November 15, 2017 Share Posted November 15, 2017 Yes, absolutely Gary! That video would make a good addition to the resources folder 🙂 As far as what's left... well... there is a critical list and a non-critical list 😉 Critical: -Install shocks -16" wheels/tires -Front end alignment -Windshield replacement -Engine side cover gasket -Vacuum harness/put dash back together -front amber lights -insurance/registration Non-critical (but still a goal) -Speedometer gear -Blower resistor -Put interior together -Fix 4K tachometer -Fix tilt column -Mount bullnose console to 40/20/40 seat pan I'm just about to pull the trigger on some rims. I found out that US wheel makes several styles of 5 lug 16's in a 7" width. The ones I showed before were the rat-rod black discs. The ones I like better are a more stock looking white spoke design. The white ones also have a higher load rating. I believe these will do it: I'm going to ask my local shop and see if they can match the eBay price, but I'm pretty well decided that's what I want. I will be headed to the junkyard before work today to pick up a vacuum harness and that missing defrost baffle. I'm going to hit it hard this weekend and hopefully start driving it to work by the end of next week to iron out any problems. Oh, and one more thing! By now you probably know that I really like my trucks stock looking and generally steer away from aftermarket or home-grown modifications... but for once I'm going to make an exception. My wife is 5' tall and has always had issues with sun visors being way too high. On my last junkyard trip I found a solution that will help her enjoy the truck. It is horrid looking as-is, but I can fix ugly and it works great! It mounts to the stock sunvisor holes so no permanent changes need to be made. The center part will probably have to go, but we'll see what I can do with this: Got the video included in the Resources/Electrical. As for the list, that looks like a lot to do, but if you get to start driving it soon you'll obviously be getting close. And if there are things I have that you need, just let me know. I do like the original-look of the wagon wheels. And, they meet your size needs, so good find. And, while the overhead thingee isn't original, if your wife likes it and it helps her, then so much the better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford F834 Posted November 15, 2017 Author Share Posted November 15, 2017 Those wheels aren't known for holding up wheel, as far as cosmetics go. Not sure what you expect o how this truck is to be used. If I were buying some to use, I would scuff the surface and spray a couple coats of automotive grade clear on them. That may be beyond your scope, but those wheels seem to rust quickly. Pete, thanks for that tip. My dad bought wheels just like these for the 1968 F250 that I now have, and that's more or less what I noticed. They are getting rusty in the corners and creases which is premature in my opinion considering the climate and lack of use. I will consider painting them/clear coating them. I'm not crazy about the red/blue pin stripes either but they are subtle. Gary, I thought my list was getting short (!) but it's all relative... after you've checked off 4x4 swap, the rest of the list seems more manageable. Also quite a few of the items are not things I have to do myself, just arrange the appointments. I've already been driving it (around the block) and I consider it "there". I probably won't get to the special tach and steering column, but I might fiddle with them at home if I get time. I have basically a month. Notice that "frame chop" and "flareside bed" did not make either list *this time! 😇 As far as the shelf thingy, this was a quick grab. If it does not work out I can easily reverse it or replace it with a more elegant solution. My wife and I are just nuts for each other and it only gets stronger with each anniversary. Our favorite type of quality time together is getting out camping, hiking, kayaking (fill in the blank). She likes my trucks but has not been able to drive them. She managed the diesel but just barely. I have installed clutch pedal blocks on her cars as she likes manuals. She has taken a shine to this '81 and it is more hers than mine (as ridiculous as that line is in a relationship like ours). Anyway, I want to make as easy and comfortable for her to drive as I possibly can. There will be more to come on this as she drives it and tells me what she needs. Raising the clutch pedal will be a must. I thought her blocks would drive me crazy but I don't even notice them. Sometimes awesome things come in small packages 😉 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Lewis Posted November 15, 2017 Share Posted November 15, 2017 Pete, thanks for that tip. My dad bought wheels just like these for the 1968 F250 that I now have, and that's more or less what I noticed. They are getting rusty in the corners and creases which is premature in my opinion considering the climate and lack of use. I will consider painting them/clear coating them. I'm not crazy about the red/blue pin stripes either but they are subtle. Gary, I thought my list was getting short (!) but it's all relative... after you've checked off 4x4 swap, the rest of the list seems more manageable. Also quite a few of the items are not things I have to do myself, just arrange the appointments. I've already been driving it (around the block) and I consider it "there". I probably won't get to the special tach and steering column, but I might fiddle with them at home if I get time. I have basically a month. Notice that "frame chop" and "flareside bed" did not make either list *this time! 😇 As far as the shelf thingy, this was a quick grab. If it does not work out I can easily reverse it or replace it with a more elegant solution. My wife and I are just nuts for each other and it only gets stronger with each anniversary. Our favorite type of quality time together is getting out camping, hiking, kayaking (fill in the blank). She likes my trucks but has not been able to drive them. She managed the diesel but just barely. I have installed clutch pedal blocks on her cars as she likes manuals. She has taken a shine to this '81 and it is more hers than mine (as ridiculous as that line is in a relationship like ours). Anyway, I want to make as easy and comfortable for her to drive as I possibly can. There will be more to come on this as she drives it and tells me what she needs. Raising the clutch pedal will be a must. I thought her blocks would drive me crazy but I don't even notice them. Sometimes awesome things come in small packages 😉 It sounds like you are truly in love. And, if she likes "your" truck, then all the better. I can't tell you how happy I was when Janey suggested we take Dad's truck to the East Coast to deliver furniture several years ago. My sister-in-law didn't think I should drive it home from Kansas, and my wife had confidence that I'd have it bullet-proof. As for the list, there's a certain corner that you turn when it feels like all else is downhill. It looks like you've reached it. Congrat's! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford F834 Posted November 16, 2017 Author Share Posted November 16, 2017 It sounds like you are truly in love. And, if she likes "your" truck, then all the better. I can't tell you how happy I was when Janey suggested we take Dad's truck to the East Coast to deliver furniture several years ago. My sister-in-law didn't think I should drive it home from Kansas, and my wife had confidence that I'd have it bullet-proof. As for the list, there's a certain corner that you turn when it feels like all else is downhill. It looks like you've reached it. Congrat's! Unfortunately I did ~not make it to the junkyard today... but I will go Friday morning after work. I went to my small town local tire shop and they were able to beat the eBay price on the rims. Unfortunately they are on backorder, but my set of 5 rims should be here in 10-14 days.They can also do the TTB alignment. I've bought three sets of car tires from them and I've never left unhappy. Next I went back to the same glass shop that did my diesel. Last time they were able to order a custom glass that is clear all the way to the edges. Then they hand painted a primer border to protect the adhesive. This is the only way I know to get a windshield that does not cover up the VIN. It is amazing to me that the 87-96 style is all you can find. They have to verify availability, but they were very good to me last time when they had to correct the VIN mask problem. They won't be able to do it until after the thanksgiving holiday, but I know I will get the right glass and a quality install from them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Lewis Posted November 16, 2017 Share Posted November 16, 2017 Unfortunately I did ~not make it to the junkyard today... but I will go Friday morning after work. I went to my small town local tire shop and they were able to beat the eBay price on the rims. Unfortunately they are on backorder, but my set of 5 rims should be here in 10-14 days.They can also do the TTB alignment. I've bought three sets of car tires from them and I've never left unhappy. Next I went back to the same glass shop that did my diesel. Last time they were able to order a custom glass that is clear all the way to the edges. Then they hand painted a primer border to protect the adhesive. This is the only way I know to get a windshield that does not cover up the VIN. It is amazing to me that the 87-96 style is all you can find. They have to verify availability, but they were very good to me last time when they had to correct the VIN mask problem. They won't be able to do it until after the thanksgiving holiday, but I know I will get the right glass and a quality install from them. It is good to have local people you can rely on. Glad you found the wheels at a good price. As for the windshield, that is becoming a bigger and bigger problem. If you get the part number for the glass it might be a help to others. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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