Hello truck community,

My name is Trusten and I bought a 1989 F350 custom 7.5L gasser 3spd with 114k original miles. Drove over 100miles home and it purred 60-70mph whole way there.

It is going to be my first company truck and I want to restore it to its former glory as I love these obs and I want it to be a good reflection upon my company.
I was hoping to gain insight and knowledge from this community as far as how to systematically tackle restoring this, good truck shops in WA, ill need body work and electric work done, a good vendor to order parts from also.

Well I am excited to get going on this project, going to do a full fluid swap this week and order new blacked out obs mirrors as current ones are broken.

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FTZ HAIC,

It can definitely sit for a week or two or even longer because I don't necessarily need it for the business just yet.. Update decided to replace back window since it was busted out when I bought it, being as its WA and it rains all the time this is being addressed tomorrow by the recommendation of the glass shop we are going with a solid glass vs the slider rear window that it comes with from factory I believe. Glass shop said the back slider windows typically run into problems more often. Ordered these mirrors for the time being as the stock ones were busted, I have seen obs trucks with newer looking mirrors & working turn signals is this a expensive mod or an option for the 89?
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Fixed rear glass at Speedy auto glass in Puyallup WA, went with a solid glass vs slider. Would it save me money or be beneficial to get rid of as much rust as possible on my own before I take it to a auto body & paint shop?

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Found some rims I think might look good for a reasonable price including tires. Considering the ones on there just popped when I got home from window shop. Input and opinions much appreciated, I need to confirm that they will fit my truck not sure on bolt pattern etc






8x6.5 bolt pattern came off a 83 f250
Set of 4

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Update: picked up the rims and cleaned one pair with some soapy water then WD-40 & a scotch brite & then mothers with a polish attachment. It was my first time attempting this so other Rims will hopefully clean up better. Also thermostat housing & new thermostat came in. Fuel filter replacement went smooth was real gunky.

Anyone know where I can get a tail gate that has the FORD lettering stamped on back vs the smooth tail gate for the 89?

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Hello FTZ HAIC,

yes that is the next project. I think the bed is salvageable vs buying new. So I have ordered various grit disks for my angle grinder. I figured the process would look like: grind/sand as much bed rust away as possible(hunting for mobile sand blasting machine any recommendations?) Then use eastwood Pre-paint to clean surface area then follow with Eastwood Black Rust Encapsulator then follow with Raptor lining. Does that sound correct?

Additionally if I am wanting to go hunting for parts what submodels and years will work for this one? As I believe a new driver side quarter panel may be required

 

Some updates and pictures.

Got the rims on no problems during the swap and surprisingly they don't rub long as I dont turn real sharp. Replaced the thermostat and gasket, temp gauge still didnt work. I then tested the temp sensor sending unit wire with a jumper and just grounded it, if the gauge moves the unit is bad and thats exactly what happened so popped in a new one and gauge works now.

Picking up spark plug wires/air compressor and a DA sander tomorrow and doing wires/spark plugs then will prep bed for spray liner etc.

Any recommendations what to tackle next? Rear diff fluid exchange or maybe some more engine.

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Made some progress getting the inside gutted. Where can I find bed bolts for this truck? I am about to lift the bed off and I had to grind out the bolts and I cant find replacement bolts etc anywhere. Help please someone

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Hello fordtruckzone community,

My apologies about such a delayed post. Progress is being made, the bed has been raptor lined, rear fuel tank dropped and new pump installed, rear bumper taken off and front bumper taken off.

Plans are to hit the rear and front oem bumper with raptor liner to give it a uniform look and because the two look like crap as is. I wanted to reach out because I want to address the rear struts while I have the bed off. However I have no clue what good quality struts I should order as I will be loading the bed frequently and doing a 2inch lift/level. Any inputs/recommendations are much appreciated

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bed bolts....if you can find them, are out of reach pricewise any more.
15 years ago it was $14 for the 6 bolts and nuts. these days when you can find them they are over $150
go to the local hardware store and get carriage bolts. if i remember correctly 5/8 is the size you want.
for shocks, you really can not beat the bilsteins. i run 5100 series on my trucks.

 

Outstanding 1970 something,

I appreciate the feedback I will be ordering those this week. Additionally I was wondering how realistic it is to do a 2inch lift in the driveway? I have an air compressor etc but I have never done one. Also what recommendations do you have? I was told ProComp is a reputable brand however there seems to be a variety of different ways to achieve that lift. Would a spring lift be a good way to achieve that 2inch lift while still maintaining a good ride comfort?

I genuinely appreciate all feedback and input as this is my first time attempting such a large project.
RayBuck has sent out my upholstery kits for front and rear bench seats so I will be going over that process and uploading pictures if the community would like to see that?

 

2 inch will be blocks, and i do not recommend or do block lifts.
minimum spring lift would be 4 inch.
and if you do any lift, you will have to get shocks that reflect the lift.
stock suspension in good shape will accept 35X11.5R16 inch tires will only a front bumper trim.
4 inch lift will look silly with anything less than a 37 inch tire.
this is 4 inch with 37X12.5 tires:
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Appreciate the continued input and advise 1970something.

I am ordering Bilstein B8 5100 shock absorber front 4" lift part #24185523
Bilstein B8 5100 shock absorber rear lifted 3-4 part #24065276.

Is there any additional parts I should order to ensure a quality lift? Also how difficult would you say this is to perform for two people in a driveway?