1978 Ford F250 Highboy Restoration

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  #31  
Old 06-02-2011, 06:16 PM
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Originally Posted by jbrew
I agree, sweet 78. I believe the 77's had that same front end. It was half way thru 78 when Ford changed them again. The 78.5's and 79's had the square or rectangle head lights.
The '77 model had the split grille with the signals above the lights.


Originally Posted by dirtyd88
it actually had square sealed beams prior to the resto. But he decided to change them (he says they flow better with the lines of the truck)

Here is a good comparison shot of the beginning (first time he saw it) and how it looks now.

So he actually has a late '78, probably a Custom I'm guessing since there is no bright trim in the dents. Early '78 had the round heads except for the top trim lines like Lariat which got the square lights. Everything in late '78 switched to square lights.


Originally Posted by jbrew
Then it's a 78.5 model. Should of kept the squares or rectangular lights, they look allot better with that front end. The roundies don't flow IMO. Seriously - Still looks good tho, -shiny.
Square lights do flow much better with that grille.
 
  #32  
Old 06-02-2011, 06:28 PM
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Originally Posted by ian51279
The '77 model had the split grille with the signals above the lights.




So he actually has a late '78, probably a Custom I'm guessing since there is no bright trim in the dents. Early '78 had the round heads except for the top trim lines like Lariat which got the square lights. Everything in late '78 switched to square lights.




Square lights do flow much better with that grille.

That's right! Can't recall the grill difference or picture it rather, but now that you mention it, I do recall the 77's signals were on top.

Yea they played around with the front end some in 78.
 
  #33  
Old 06-02-2011, 06:34 PM
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Amazing!
 
  #34  
Old 06-02-2011, 07:10 PM
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Originally Posted by jbrew
That's right! Can't recall the grill difference or picture it rather, but now that you mention it, I do recall the 77's signals were on top.

Yea they played around with the front end some in 78.
Here's the grille on my buddy's (and hopefully mine soon) 1977 F-250 Highboy Ranger. This grille/light combo started in '73.

And I need to correct my info above, in 1978, the round headlight design was retained for the regular Ranger and Custom trim levels. The XLT and Lariat trim level incorporated rectangular headlights with optional chrome headlight doors and chrome grille insert.


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  #35  
Old 06-02-2011, 07:44 PM
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The truck is a F250 Custom...I have a picture too if someone wants proof.
 
  #36  
Old 06-02-2011, 08:02 PM
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Originally Posted by dirtyd88
The truck is a F250 Custom...I have a picture too if someone wants proof.
Proof of what ?
 
  #37  
Old 06-02-2011, 08:06 PM
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Originally Posted by ian51279
Here's the grille on my buddy's (and hopefully mine soon) 1977 F-250 Highboy Ranger. This grille/light combo started in '73.

And I need to correct my info above, in 1978, the round headlight design was retained for the regular Ranger and Custom trim levels. The XLT and Lariat trim level incorporated rectangular headlights with optional chrome headlight doors and chrome grille insert.
Is that right ? I don't recall any late 78's sticking with round heads. Some did huh, yea, didn't know that.
 
  #38  
Old 06-02-2011, 08:51 PM
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Originally Posted by jbrew
Proof of what ?
the fact it's a custom.
 
  #39  
Old 06-02-2011, 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted by dirtyd88
The truck is a F250 Custom...I have a picture too if someone wants proof.
I was right! I'm not trying to say your buddy is lying, I just want him to have the correct info. Heck, 98% of people don't have a clue what a highboy is. I'm just partial to this bodystyle since I had a '79 for my first ride.

Originally Posted by jbrew
Is that right ? I don't recall any late 78's sticking with round heads. Some did huh, yea, didn't know that.
Yeah from what I've been able to find by talking to people that own this style and info on the web. Ford's done some crazy stuff over the years.
 
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Old 06-02-2011, 09:44 PM
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Originally Posted by ian51279
Here's the grille on my buddy's (and hopefully mine soon) 1977 F-250 Highboy Ranger. This grille/light combo started in '73.

And I need to correct my info above, in 1978, the round headlight design was retained for the regular Ranger and Custom trim levels. The XLT and Lariat trim level incorporated rectangular headlights with optional chrome headlight doors and chrome grille insert.


If you dont mind me asking, how much are you picking it up for? It sure looks sweet!
 
  #41  
Old 06-02-2011, 09:52 PM
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Originally Posted by blu3expy
If you dont mind me asking, how much are you picking it up for? It sure looks sweet!
I wanna say $2700, but it's been awhile since I've talked to him about it.
 
  #42  
Old 06-02-2011, 10:09 PM
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Originally Posted by ian51279
I was right! I'm not trying to say your buddy is lying, I just want him to have the correct info. Heck, 98% of people don't have a clue what a highboy is. I'm just partial to this bodystyle since I had a '79 for my first ride.



Yeah from what I've been able to find by talking to people that own this style and info on the web. Ford's done some crazy stuff over the years.
Oh, I know your not trying to.

Me and him just always thought the mid-to-late 70s were all considered "Highboys".

This year truck I would love to own personally. My dad's dad had split ownership of a '79 Maroon stepside on 35s back in the mid-80s. I need to find that picture this weekend.
 
  #43  
Old 06-02-2011, 10:11 PM
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Originally Posted by ian51279
I wanna say $2700, but it's been awhile since I've talked to him about it.
get it!
 
  #44  
Old 06-03-2011, 04:05 PM
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Originally Posted by blu3expy
get it!
x2
 
  #45  
Old 06-03-2011, 05:11 PM
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Originally Posted by blu3expy
get it!
Originally Posted by 05FordGuyFX4
x2
Yeah, I know. Been planning to do some stuff to the house and get the this truck paid off by the end of the year.

I have absolutely no need for the '77, it's just a pure want even though I've wanted one for as long as I can remember. Other than the faded paint and the typical rust over the rear fenders it's a nice truck. It has a mildly warmed over 460 and it has functioning air conditioning.
 


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