Mr Rainman

I'll cut straight to the chase. I'm a 16 year old with very little car experience. I've basically been thrown into the world with very little experience regarding vehicles, mostly because I've never had anybody teach me and never took the initiative to learn. I came into owning the truck from doing various tree and yard work, and winning a bet. I bought the truck for $500, but that's beside the point.

I'll give you an example of my lack of knowledge: when I last took the ASVAB (the military entrance test) I made the highest possible score (99) on both the paragraph comprehension and verbals sections, and then a 26 on auto and shop.

So here's my situation, I need to learn about the 1978 F-150 sitting in my yard. I'll add a picture of it later.

What I know as of yet is that it needs a brake booster. The brakes work fine, just needs this booster thing. To use the brakes, I must really push in the brake pedal. The booster is supposed to fix that. It's also supposed to receive a tune-up.

I understand this is an old truck. I've been told to always let it warm up. I got it running today after about 5 minutes or so of giving it gas and cranking it up. Then I let it idle in Park for about 5 minutes, and managed to get it to move. I haven't been in a situation where it absolutely won't work, it just needs to get warmed up, I guess.

My main concern is being out somewhere, for example, school or while driving, and it dies on me, and I don't know how to fix it. I'm starting to question why I made this topic. I guess I just want advice on managing this truck. Anything you can tell me would help.

And here's the picture:

droptopfox

ill give advice as a mechanic if you dont want to work on your truck or dont know how too without basic machanical skills id sugguest not daily driving a 35+ year old truck. better off selling it and moving up too a fuel injected car or truck. just my professional opinion

David F-150

Well it will never hurt keep a trusty haynes manual or a chilton in there, And possibly a good sized ratchet and socket case lol. But you can always take a automotive course in school or something to learn the basics.

I personally think it is easier to work on a older vehicle, than a newer vehicle.

droptopfox

easier yes but you work on older vehicles alot more, older stuff is a hobby. my 01 f150 has 170k never had any real work done to it except the heater core and slave cylinder witch both were over 150k. ill say that if you have a want to be mechanical look into night classes alotta tech school offer them in the basics. the older ford like that can be great, what does it have for a drivetrain?

bubbafinch07

I doubt a 16 year old has too much of a disposable income.

Well rainman, I'd start of by getting a tool set, a good standard ratchet set, metric although you won't need it for this truck. Open ended wrenches ect. Honestly one of the BEST tool deals will be this time (around christmas) as sears. This is one of my best investments ever (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ol%20Setsmv=rr) Has basically EVERYTHING you'll need AND has a lifetime warranty no questions asked.

Next, get a Haynes or Chiltons manual for your truck. It has everything for the most part step by step you need to fix anything on your truck.

Basic knowledge is good to have either through a class, or hands on- talking to older mechanics, this forum. Alot of great knowledge to soak up.

Start with learning your vehicle, what engine and transmission do you have. 4x4 or 2wd? Also that is a REALLY nice truck, and I'd say is easily three times what you paid for it if everything works and interior looks as good as the exterior.

It being a newly acquired vehicle, go ahead and get the manual for your truck, tools, and change the booster. If you have someone that is mechanically sound that could supervise you that'd be great.
After you fix what you know is wrong, start with a oil change, spark plugs, wires, cap rotor button, and fuel filter. This being a older truck everything is easier to get to. In-fact I have climbed inside the fender wells to work on my old truck. There are step by step how to guides to do all the servicing I just suggested. Either here or again the Manual.

You can always find tools second hand if you don't have $200, ie pawn shops, craigslist ect.
I hope this helps, and feel free to ask any questions here. There are ALOT of good guys and gals that can help you out with what ever your problem may be.

twducz1

Personally I think it's a great truck to learn on. As bubbafinch07 said there is so much room to work on them. Good luck working on your new truck!

Mr Rainman

Where do I get one of those Haynes or Chiltons manuals?

Spankey1958

You can get a manual at any part store, and I would suggest you do so. I would also look into an older person in your neighborhood such as a farmer or alike that might take some time with you to teach you the basics. Show a little respect to them and they will teach you the world.

A truck like yours is an excellent first vehicle to learn on because it is basic. You dont need the computers and gadgets.

Good luck and most of all HAVE FUN !!!

Mr Rainman

I drove it up the road today. Got it up to 35 mph, fastest I've ever gone in it.

The brakes work fine, just have to press really hard to "activate" them. I guess that's the point of the brake booster. My only complaint is that it took a hell of a time to warm up, but it's 42 degrees and cloudy here in North Carolina.

nsejda

How's the steering on your truck? I know on my '79 brake booster which made brake fluid leak on the steering knuckle. Which made the knuckle disintegrate so I had to replace both the booster and the knuckle.