1972 Ford F-250 Highboy 4X4

Ford F-250 1972 Description

1972 Ford F-250 Highboy 4X4

*Restoration Pictures available upon request*

This 1972 "Highboy" formerly served the Bettendorf, owa fire department as Brush Truck 609; and presents very well after a full frame-off restoration with complete rust-proofing to ensure longevity in whatever capacity it serves in the future. The entire drive-train was rebuilt, nd the engine was slightly modified for increased power. This truck was featured in the July 2013 Hemmings Motor News magazine and is very well received at any show. Please review the description below, nd take a look at the photographs. The truck is currently registered and inspected, nd is available for personal inspection and test drives.

History

I've always wanted a 1967-72 Highboy, nd unfortunately adult life happened necessitating the sale of my favorite toy. After purchasing this truck, flew out to the Quad Cities and drove it home to Springfield, A - 1500 miles! The owner had just purchased the truck from the fire department, ully equipped, o use for his demolition business where he would use the water to control dust on job sites. He quickly stripped the pump, ank, ose assembly, adder rack, tc. and placed it on a newer truck. The listed truck had just turned 19,500 miles and was now for sale ... After a quick check (literally 30 minutes in a 12 degree garage in January) I fired up the F250 and headed east. Luckily I hit rush hour traffic in Chicago, nd made it to northwest Ohio by night; covering a flawless 400 miles despite snow in Indiana, frozen windshield washer pump, nd a leaking radiator. The second day was outstanding until nightfall around Scranton, A where my headlights began to flicker like crazy ... the classic Ford headlight switch breaker. I pulled into a Mobil station where the attendant was watching a Pittsburgh vs. New England game on a big screen, hile enjoying a few "beverages." I pulled the truck in, atched the game, ixed the lights (simple cleaning of all terminals to lower resistance, hus current), nd spent the night. By the time the Highboy got home, very engine seal was leaking, he radiator was greener than Lady Liberty, nd I had the biggest smile on my face. Now to the restoration:

Frame

This truck was completely disassembled and the frame was stripped, leaned, nd prepared pursuant to POR-15's recommendations and application specifications. After applying two coats of POR, top-coated the frame with Bill Hirsch's "Chassis Black" to ensure longevity and color stability.

Axles

The Limited Slip Dana 60 (4.10 gears)received a thorough cleaning, ew brake cylinders, ew seals, nd repacked bearings. The closed knuckle Dana 44 (4.09 gears) got the same treatment, ew king pin bearings, nd wiper seals. The hemispherical sealing surfaces were in decent shape and I'm currently running a mixture of Lucas Hub Oil and grease in the knuckle.

Transmission and Transfer Case

The New Process 435 was cleaned and resealed as it shifted great prior, nd shifts even better now. The Dana 24 transfer case works very smoothly after being cleaned and sealed; as you know, hese divorced boxes are an all gear drive design and are pretty tough. New universal joints were installed in all three driveshafts.

Engine

The venerable 360 ribbed truck block was tanked, hecked for cracks (none), nd bored 0.030 oversize. The crank was turned 0.010, .010. I installed Sealed Power forged aluminum pistons, Comp Cams Extreme Energy camshaft (kit was supplied with lifters and push rods), ew Sealed Power bearings, ew Melling pump, tc. A new Holley 650 Double Pumper sits on top of an "S" code, ast iron, V intake manifold. Exhaust is routed through Hedman Headers, hen into Flowmaster Series 40 Delta Flows and out. I rebuilt and maintained the original point distributor and it works very well after a slight recurving with maximum advance set around 38 degrees.

Body

I had to fix some classic Ford rust areas on the cab, was very conservative and decided to replace anything that was questionable. The floor was replaced on the drivers side and repaired on the passengers side. I installed new cab mounts (Dennis Carpenter), nd a cab corner. My rationale was simple, did not want to stuff this truck with filler, 'd rather replace the metal, nd properly prepare the weld (coat the back side to prevent moisture from coming through the front). The bed was in very good condition and was repaired in a few areas where the water tank sat. The truck was painted with a Sherwin Williams Base/Clear system. Glass is all script "Car Lite" and shows very well including the windshield. Also, he underside of the bed and cab were coated with two coats of POR-15 and seam sealed to eliminate future rust issues after sandblasting and proper POR preparation. The same was done for the front fenders and radiator core support.

Issues

(1) There are a few paint "bubbles" on the inside floor on the driver’s side directly below the seat. This is a surficial issue, t is 100% solid below.

(2) From sitting, he starter will occasionally spin and not completely engage. I have removed the dust pan and checked to ensure there are no missing teeth on the flywheel gear. This is a rare occurrence.

(3) The original bench seat was repaired on the driver’s side (side panel of vinyl). The seat shows very well; however, he almost non-exist "basket weave" vinyl has a slight tear (driver’s side) that could be repaired before it spreads any farther.

This is a terse overview of the truck, f you have additional questions, r would like to see it personally please contact Chris at (413) 531-9278. Thanks for your time and for looking.