Newbie From Phx AZ Eco1966F250

[Eco1966F250]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Lowered trucks are not my cup of tea, but that's an interesting project to say the least. BTW have you never considered to use a manual transmission?

Being a budget build never did consider a manual trans as it would have been a MAJOR increase in cost to build with little to gain. As someone mentioned here there are no longer any manual trans in any ford pickup. I currently run a 6R80 6 spd so do not think it would have been a noticeable gain with a manual. ALso that would mean I would not have all the other creature comforts like Electronic Steering, Stability control, trailer sway control etc. It's very close to stock F100 ride height. Lowered is when the rockers drag the ground . . Knowing full well what the FE difference was with it being lowered some that's why I went thru all the work to channel the body down over the chassis.

[Eco1966F250]

Originally Posted by California98Civic

Wow. These classic ride conversions are becoming a thing suddenly. You'll keep the distressed paint, I hope?

EDIT: this is really good looking... that pic of the truck on the previous page... wheels look great too. Great job, man!

We plan on taking a trip to all of the lower 48 states so wanted a bit of creature comforts. Bare metal for now but when $$ allow will do a paint job.

Wheels are custom one off's to clear the large 14" brakes.

A short video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY2VVmQtC_U

[Eco1966F250]

Originally Posted by Xist

Where do you put your legs?

Lots of room I cannot reach the firewall with my feet. Dash does need a bit of trimming on left side as its not 100% done yet. Passenger side I need to lower the seat a couple inches more.

[Eco1966F250]

Originally Posted by elhigh

He's using a 2011 truck as an organ donor, Ford pickups haven't had manual transmissions in them since 2008.

I don't doubt there are manuals to be had that could be connected, but what the heck, the original truck's tranny is right there. And the truck's ECU might expect to get some kind of communication to/from the transmission controller, too. It may just be easier to keep it all together.

I'm curious, is this heavier or lighter than the original '66? I wager it's gained a bit but not much over the original, but is still a pretty big weight loss against the 2011 organ donor.

Yep, No way the PCM/ECU would work with a manual trans. A lot going on there. Truck with 50% fuel was 4250 lbs. At drag strip with full tank of fuel, me and a ballast for traction it was around 4650. Kind of heavy but a bunch less than the new F150's. Still enough power to push it to 13.036 @ 104.57 in the 1/4 mile on a hot night with poor air. 2011 donor truck was 1500 lb more

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

The F-350 with the 6.2L V8 is still available with a manual in Mexico and Venezuela.

Many manual trans avail but none that would work proper with the options I have. Simply not interested in a manual for the little to zero gain. Especially when towing 10,000 lbs. Biggie is COST!




That makes sense.

[Eco1966F250]

Originally Posted by elhigh

It never crossed my mind to look at Mexican trucks. I imagine the hassle of getting one across the border would be a bridge - or a wall - too far.

And Venezuela is a whole 'nother continent.

I love these restomod projects, keeping classic appearance, or sorta-classic, while bolting in new hardware to improve the entire experience. You get engines that are both more powerful and more fuel efficient, a transmission with more than three speeds, brakes that actually stop the vehicle, and shoot, you can even upgrade the interior with factory air. You'll probably have to fab up a ventilation system that can actually hold an evaporator, but a '66 truck with air conditioning? Yes, please!

And yes I used the entire HVAC from the donor truck. Works great in such a small cab! Not to mention it was FREE. Simply the reason for a complete door truck I used everything I could to save $$. It was far cheaper to build this way than if I went back to stock components but added A/C, better brakes . .Now it drives every bit as good as a brand new truck at a fraction of the cost and performs better in every way. By the way my next project in the works Eco2 will also have a HUGE brake upgrade along with A/C.

[Eco1966F250]

No drama leave at idle in drive and run 13.0 with the A/C on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDIEY1vU8RY

[elhigh]

13's pulling from idle is a really, really good run. No drama indeed.

That's a trick ride you got there.

[Eco1966F250]

Originally Posted by elhigh

13's pulling from idle is a really, really good run. No drama indeed.

That's a trick ride you got there.

Thanks!

[Eco1966F250]

Current pic



HUGE MPG gain with the cold air AirBox and from Airdam.

This is on E30 fuel. Once testing with E30 fuel is complete I will switch back to 91 which is prob 25+ % better MPG.

[California98Civic]

Beautiful display inside a gorgeous sleep ride. BTW, did you oil the old paint or clear coat it?